Difficulty Starting

2011 Volkswagen Routan

This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Volkswagen dealer.

8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,350
Average Mileage:
72,850 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
  2. replace TIPM (1 reports)
  3. replaced solenoid (1 reports)
2011 Volkswagen Routan engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Volkswagen Routan Owner Comments

problem #8

Oct 012018

Routan Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Replaced battery 3 weeks ago for a whopping $300. Started having the issue of not wanting to start a week later, and has progressively gotten worse. In the shop now, and they are telling me its a power module. Better be covered by the warranty or ill be stuck paying to get it fixed. Really annoying. Seems like VW needs to issue a recall.

- Mackenzie M., Columbus, US

problem #7

Sep 142017

Routan SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,000 miles

The car will crank but will not start the engine. I have to tow the car to dealer for check up. Dealer service department took 2+ days to figure out the problem. (Thu-Mon), and two days to order parts. The car is completely dead, no other choice. VW says there is no recall of this problem

- technicross, Chicago, US

problem #6

Jun 072016

Routan 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

In June of 2016 my 2011 VW Routan began having issues with Starting and at times would have a rough ride. Next, I took it to VW in Orlando, FL on Orange Blossom Trail where they assessed that it was a solenoid and replaced it. There is more to the full story and will be continued on a separate complaint.

- loveissupreme82, Orlando, FL, US

problem #5

Apr 102013

Routan 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,830 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Love this van and the power of driving it when it chooses to work. The van will just not start at times. No problems while driving. Once turned off the van at times will not start. Wait time use to be 15 minutes now it is 35-45 minutes and longer is trying to start it after a few minutes. it never takes anything to get it to work just waiting which is not all the time adequate. I had to miss my graduation from graduate school because on the way traveling we stopped to get the tire changed and it would not start back up for an hour. I missed the whole ceremony that I worked hard for two years.

This really sucks and it never seems to act up when the car is at the dealer. They have had it for weeks at a time and could never recreate the problem.

- Alisa W., Hampton, VA, US

problem #4

Aug 202015

Routan SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,304 miles

Have trouble starting. Engine cranks but doesn't start. Occasionally will not start at all. New battery in February. Take it to dealer, they can't find anything. Take car home. Gets worse. Take it back to dealer. They tell me it's the neutral switch and will be $300. and have to order the part. They call me next day and tell me the switch is in the transmission so the total will now be $800. (they didn't know where it was when they quoted me the repair ?!?!?) Call to pick up car 2 days later and they tell me they need to replace the transmission seals (they didn't realize that !?!?!?) since they had to take it apart so they have to order those and it will be a couple more days. At least they gave me a loaner for a few days. So I get the car home and am still having issues with slow starting. I am so fed up with this car!

- redawgs, Riverside, CA, US

problem #3

Jul 232015

Routan S V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

Intermittently having difficulty starting the van. Turning the ignition tumbler only omits an audible click then nothing. On the third or fourth attempt the van will start like nothing is wrong. This started in July and has happened twice since including the day of this post. I have mechanical experience (prior work as an ASE certified auto diesel mechanic) and tested the battery, starter and alternator, all check out fine. I started searching the internet and I now see that this is an ongoing problem with this Chrysler/VW vehicle. Will contact the dealer and see what they recommend.

- beetee13, Myrtle Beach, SC, US

problem #2

Jul 252015

Routan SE 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,500 miles

My Routan will crank but will not start on most occasions. When the engine does start it will will cut off after several seconds. After several tries the engine will start, but I have to turn the key to the on position for two to three seconds and then to the start position to crank the engine. I know this is a Chrysler manufactured/Volkswagen sold vehicle and that Chrysler minivans have had the same problem. I've read that the problem is the TIPM part and that Chrysler has recalled several of their minivans. Does this recall extend to Volkswagen as well? Are there any Routan drivers that have had the same problem?

- docpilz66, Macon, GA, US

problem #1

Jun 022015

Routan 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles

takes a lot of tries >20 to crank over

I took the car in for service a large number of times, let's say 7, for different issues like stalling while driving, long cold crank, check engine on, etc. They now tell me they need 1,200 for the TIPM Totally Integrated Power Module - for which Chrysler has out a recall. This car is based on the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country but there is no recall on the VW Routan. The dealership investigated the issues all 7 times and came back with different fixes - crank position sensor, fuel pump, etc... By the search I did, all of those were due to the TIPM. Now they are asking for 1,200 out of warranty of course. This part should be covered by a VW recall as well. Waiting for VW of America to contact myself and the dealership to sort this out.

- Alin P., Cooper City, FL, US

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