Three problems related to check engine light on have been reported for the 2012 Volkswagen Routan. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Volkswagen Routan based on all problems reported for the 2012 Routan.
Vehicle has experienced stalling, engine shutdown, and difficulty starting multiple times. Engine has now stalled more frequently at both low speeds and while driving on highway. Each time, rpm's have gone to zero and it's completely lost power to steering. I've had try and coast/navigate safely to side of road, berm, etc. , stop, and restart the van. At times the dash lights will flash, other times there is no indication that a failure had occurred, just no power/rpms. No check engine light remains, no codes displayed, nothing. The local Volkswagen dealer will not even address the issue as they deem it a "Chrysler problem". We now take it to an independent mechanic and replaced the crankshaft & camshaft position sensors, key fobs, battery, and have done all preventative maintenance. The problem still remains. There are similar complaints (vw, Chrysler, & Dodge) for this exact engine & symptoms that may be related to the tipm, the main control module. This is a very serious safety issue as it random and causes a complete shutdown of vehicle while in motion and loss of operator control.
Driving at low speed van raced forward then stopped almost hit another vehicle. Now won't run and check engine light on. I was in a parking lot of a target when happened.
I've been experiencing major safety problems with my 2012 vw Routan lately. On several occasions, while driving, my van has completely shut down. The dashboard, engine, power steering, everything completely turns off and I am unable to do anything until the vehicle comes to a complete stop and I start the engine again. The first time it shut down, I was driving in the city driving at 35 mph. Out of no where, the engine shut down, simultaneously the dashboard turned off and I lost all control of my vehicle until it came to a complete stop and I was able to turn it back on. But the last time this happened, I was on the freeway, driving in the rain, at 60 miles/hr. The scariest part is not having control of the wheel and have the ability to safely pull over to the shoulder before restarting the engine again. The mechanic I contacted was not been able to figure out what the problem is. The check engine light does not turn on, I don't get any type of warning and no "codes" come up. I am terrified of driving my van anymore. I have two small children and do not feel safe driving it. I did some research online and have found a recall for the exact problem, but for older models (up to 2011). I have reached out to the local vw dealer and have been told they cannot honor the recall for the 2012 models. I don't understand, why the dealer refuses to fix the problem under the 2011 vw Routan reacall if it is for the exact same safety defect. How many people have to get hurt or worse before the issue gets addressed?.