This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I just purchased the 2009 Volkswagen Routan. I have had it 3 weeks it randomly died when test driving the van and all the alarms and lights came on. We just thought I didn't have the fob in right. Then it started to randomly not start, even the remote start will not work. The lights, radio, alarm, windows and door locks work like they normally should. Usually if I wait like 20 minutes and keep trying the key (taking it out of the ignition and reinserting it) until it starts. The check engine light came on for 7 days. Thursday 10/10/2019 nothing worked let it sit overnight and still nothing tried to jump it and it finally started. Took to place I purchased jd byrider in janesville, wi and they believe it was the starter because it was not turning and it was replaced on 10/11/2019. Then 2 hours later the car again would not start again. The dealer came to rescue me and we tried the actual key and at first it didn't work, we pushed the gas and it as as the gas pedal got stuck for about 30 seconds but started. Then driving down route 26 from johnson creek, wi to janesville, wi, it was making squeaking noises from the engine. We could hear it through the heating vents. Then the tire pressure warning light came on and it kept dinging. When I got to janesville, I checked the tire pressure on all the tires and it was fine. Because I live in rockford, il, I drove down I90 and the car at times started shaking like it was going died. Again, today it won't start not even with an actual key. Also, the driver side passenger door lock is not working and had to have a part ordered. The vehicle has 129,000 miles.
When I'm driving all the lights will turn on on the dash board then turn off and my windshield wipers will turn in the process when all the lights turn on while I'm driving the van will say I'm going 0 miles per hour
Driving down the highway one night and the anti-lock system is activating by itself. Took it to a shop and they told me the steering angle sensor needs to be replaced. Which is the whole clockspring. They told me the sensor is saying I'm at a 42 degree angle when the steering wheel is straight. The angle of the sensor should be 0-15 degrees. Because of this it's telling the anti-lock system that I'm about to flip causing the brakes to apply by themselves. I'm not able to drive over 20mph without it activating the anti-lock system. I couldn't afford to get it repaired so I had to disable the whole anti-lock system until I have the money to replace it.
As we are driving the power steering completely cuts off and will not let you drive - the engine shuts off and your forced into turning the vehicle completely off them back on again. This happened while on the interstate in traffic which nearly caused a collision.
*sometimes the vehicle will not start for no apparent reason.VW service dept. Cannot detect an issue. *engine light comes on intermittently while driving-VW cannot detect anything wrong.* alarms go off but no signal showing on the dashboard.*power windows and seats work intermittently- *found vehicle's sliding door wide open I parking lot, twice. * have also found windows open. Our lift gate (trunk) opened while driving on the highway.* vehicle failed to shift, while driving, revved and would not reset until pulling over and turning off the vehicle. Though VW could not find faulty readings and didn't believe tipm is the issue because they couldn't read it. Being familiar with programming, I know that glitches can cause faulty readings.if there is a glitch before the reading can be processed by the computer, there will be no faulty reading logged. A pc won't save a file, either if the power supply is interrupted before it can do so..tipm malfunctions can also cause all other issues I have experienced. Upon getting a second opinion from transmission specialists, they said only the solenoid was faulty. They also confirmed that a faulty tipm box will cause solenoid issues and eventually ruin the new one, too. *recently, all locks stopped working & the vehicle can only be opened & locked manually. At the same time all interior lights were on and had to be turned off at the dashboard- this would have drained the battery had it happened on a work day. VW has had the vehicle for 2 full days and yet doesn't know what's wrong with it. We have had these issues and useless repairs for over 2 years. All issues point to faulty tipm (manufactured by Chrysler, who had to settle in a lawsuit about the tipm box/ faulty relay issue for Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler). We need help with these issues. Too many of us have it 2011 and 2012 models as well. Please help.
- Newport News, VA, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact shifted into neutral and the vehicle started normally. The stability and traction control indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred approximately six times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
In July 2012 I bought a certified pre-owned 2009 Volkswagen Routan minivan. I have reported the following major safety problems on several occasions to no resolve: Loss of power' the car will completely lose power and the steering wheel locks while driving. For ex on 12/22 from 5:32P ' 10:48P, the car lost power and steering wheel locked 11 times. Sliding doors automatically open ' the doors will not close securely, won't open, or will appear closed and spontaneously reopen. There have been several times we will go out for the evening or come out for work in the morning and both doors are opened. At times, while driving, the door (particularly the driver side rear) will appear closed and secure however it will sound as if it has suddenly jumped off track and the door will crack open. We took the certified pre-owned vehicle to be serviced 8xs within the warranty time and we were told each time because the check engine light was not on to trigger a code that outline the problems there was nothing that could be done. We have suffered a great deal of personal and emotional stress as these are critical and highly dangerous highway safety concerns. I'm worried each time my family gets into the minivan and I continue to fulfill my contractual agreement of $320+ per month without fail however I have yet to receive the same from Volkswagen.
The clockspring in the steering wheel went out. At 28 miles the traction control turns on and the car starts braking even if the car is not skidding. Very dangerous. Our mechanic told us the clockspring is a common problem with both the Volkswagen routon and the Chrysler town and country. I found one report on the internet that said Volkswagen started servicing the clockspring as of 2010 routon models but did nothing for the 2009 routon.
Vehicle looses all power while driving. This has happen 3 times in 5 days. Happens randomly. Tried using another key with nothing on key chain and still happens. I also tried to giggle key while vehicle is parked and running but could not duplicate lose of power. This is very, very dangerous because you have limited steering and braking when engine stalls. VW web-site says recall is pending. This is dangerous!!!!!
We have had several occasions where the van completely shuts off even while running. Reported it to our local VW dealer and have been told that it might be an ignition problem which is part of a recall. Was informed that at this time they can't repair it because they don't make that part. Had it completely shut down on us while it was getting serviced at the dealer for new brakes. Was told that all it needed was new battery. Paid for it and got it to start only to shut down again two days later. Took it back again and was told that it is not the recall its something else thats causing for the car to shut off. Now the dealer said that they will pay for the part but we pay for labor and we have 7 days to agree. They need to fix this ongoing problem. We are now carrying around $175 jumper to start it when it shuts off. Have had to sign up for tow assistance program just in case my family is stranded.
While driving in jacksonville Florida on highway, wipers suddenly came on, all idiot lights began to blink, headlights began flashing off and on, beeping sound like when door is open, the van suddenly died and I was unable to brake, steer or control vehicle. The van was towed to VW dealership the problem was found to be the sliding door harness which was interfering with normal operation of the electrical system. Replaced sliding door harness and failed battery. When I questioned the faulty part possibly being a recall issue I was told it was not. Cost=$624.48 + rental car. Is important to note here that I had just crossed over a very long large bridge. If I had been going uphill when the van suddenly died I am certain I would have caused an accident inflicting injury or possibly death to either myself or another motorist, as there is no shoulder on the bridge and I was traveling at 55-60mph. I could not control the vehicle. This is clearly an issue with these mini vans. Thank god I was traveling to work and did not have my children in the van as I waited 2&1/2 hours for a tow.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Rockford, IL, USA