10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
63,386 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2009 Volkswagen Routan electrical problems

electrical problem

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2009 Volkswagen Routan Owner Comments (Page 7 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #26

Sep 132013

Routan

  • 66,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who was not able to replicate nor diagnose the failure multiple times. The authorized dealer replaced the starter and hose but the failure still recurred. The vehicle continued to stall intermittently. The contact had to put the vehicle in neutral and then park to get the vehicle to start. The vehicle was taken to a Volkswagen specialist who diagnosed that the egr valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the failure recurred. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 11V151000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.

- Mocksville, NC, USA

problem #25

May 232014

Routan

  • 61,344 miles
My electrical system went out on my minivan and I was not notified that it had a recall on it. My van will not start. I have 2 children that I have to get around to school and sport activities, doctors appointments, ect. I have so much trouble with this van since I bought it. With all the recalls, computer failure and the coolant leak into the inside of the van, the interior coming down, and now the electrical system failing now. I have no car to get me kids anyway now. Please help me.

- Vernon, TX, USA

problem #24

Apr 282014

Routan 6-cyl

  • 84,000 miles
Dealer says the win module needs to be replaced, but it could be a bus wiring issue. Dash warning lights, tachometer, speedometer and airbag lights continually turn off and on. When this happens, the windshield wipers also turn on and off. Safety issue because I cannot see how fast we are going, turn signals won't work and I don't think the airbags are on at this time as well. For a video of the issue, please see this youtube link. Another Routan driver reported the same issue in this link - youtu.be/otntkk0kx5Y. this is definitely a mfg defect because it happened 1 year ago and the dealer said it was a wiring fix.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #23

Apr 272014

Routan 6-cyl

  • 83,000 miles

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

The car suddenly shuts down loosing all electrical power. It looses all power steering and braking ability.it has done this several times at various speeds. I have to completely turn off the car and start it all over again. This has been very dangerous.

- Minneapolis , MN, USA

problem #22

Jan 012013

Routan 6-cyl

  • 66,000 miles
Power sliding doors actuate on own, without warning, both open and close with no regard to humans or object in the path. Door handles chrome delamination causing severe cuts. Power third row seating motor/frame failure causing seats mounting points to be unsecured. Dealer and VW of America unwilling to correct safety issues without large financial compensation.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #21

Jan 092014

Routan 6-cyl

  • 86,980 miles
The vehicle has a new battery which is correctly installed and free of corrosion. When the key fob is placed into the ignition and moved forward, the vehicle will not start. The dash lights come on, and it should start, but it does not. If you keep trying, or walk away and come back after a few minutes and try again, it does sometimes start. This intermittent problem seams to have no rhyme or reason and I am concerned the vehicle might stop while my wife or I drive it. This generally happens 4 to 5 times a month. Any help would be appreciated.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #20

Mar 282014

Routan 6-cyl

  • 64,000 miles

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

We have a 2009 VW Routan sel that has stalled multiple times now (4-5) while driving. There is no warning and car loses power. Car starts up immediately after putting in park and restarting. This seems to be common problem and there is a recall for the 2010 model as well as the Chrysler minivan which this car is based from.

- Canton, MI, USA

problem #19

Mar 032014

Routan 6-cyl

  • miles
Sliding door locks making very loud vibrating noise when locked and fit the description of recall 10V252000 by VW for 2009 Routans made in windsor Canada during the second half of 2008. Says that car could catch fire but VW saus that my VIN is not included some how.

- Chugiak, AK, USA

problem #18

Mar 092014

Routan

  • 62,500 miles
Van on multiple occasions will not start. When you turn the key you just get a click... this has been going on for 5 months (the whole time I have had this van) some days you try to start it, it wont start. Then you try again and it may start. Yesterday the van had to be trailered to a dealership...because yet again it will not start. Not the battery or alternator. We beleive it is a faulty ignition switch.

- Fithian, IL, USA

problem #17

Sep 252013

Routan

  • 35,500 miles
My son got in his seat in the van and I got in drivers seat I pushed power door button on ceiling and heard door closing I thought it closed all the way but had power failure and stopped halfway. I started van and started to go, there was no alarm or anything to inform me his door was still half open. Luckily my son is 5 and told me his door was open so I stopped and button did nothing I got out and button on inside of his door did nothing I than manually closed door. This is very unsafe if a child wasn't buckled or unbuckled themselves they could fall out.

- Sheboygan, WI, USA

problem #16

Jul 082013

Routan 6-cyl

  • 75,000 miles

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

While driving on 4 different occasions over the last week the engine shuts off without warning. Once while turning left across traffic. The van stopped right in the middle of the turn and was started just in time and started moving as oncoming car also swerved to avoid my car stalled right in front of them. Dealer has no idea what is causing the problem and can only guess that the win module needs to be replaced. There is a recall on the win module for 2010, but not for 2009.

- Saunderstown, RI, USA

problem #15

Jun 062012

Routan

  • 63,000 miles
Where to begin with this car. All 4 valve stems needed to be replaced. I was losing pressure in my tires, and mechanic said they were corroded. Then my tiptronics did not work, also when you shifted in to gear, it didn't want to move. Had the whole shifting lever component replaced. Lots of trouble with the doors not opening right, then when closing the sensor doesn't always work. Almost had my kids get caught in the door. If the car is even on the slightest slope the door won't close. While driving down the road at 55mph the car just shut off. No power steering! very dangerous. I had to rent a car to go on vacation, I didn't feel safe enough to drive on the interstate with it. Happened may times. They couldn't find anything wrong with it. Now I think the transmission is going. I am so frustrated with this car!

- Shoreham, VT, USA

problem #14

Jul 262012

Routan

  • 376,500 miles
I was driving approx 65 mph on a highway. Without a warning (no check engine light, no battery light, etc) my engine turned off while still cruising at 65 mph. The vehicle still had momentum, but no power steering to safely pull the vehicle over. I had to wait for the road to turn, so I can position the vehicle to stop on the shoulder of the vehicle. I almost crashed into other vehicles, because I had no control of the car other than braking in the middle lane of a highway. Towed vehicle dealer found a blown engine fuse. They replaced the engine fuse. Two hours later, same scenario and same issue came back. Towed back to the dealer, and they believe its a grounding wire. Please investigate this issue. Could potentially translate into major accident or death.

- Rochester, MN, USA

problem #13

Jan 012010

Routan 6-cyl

  • 200 miles
Completely lost control of the vehicle (no power, no power steering) while driving 45mph on a 7 lane major street. Thankfully it was in the early morning hours and I was able to glide across the intersection to a side street where I turned the vehicle off and on and it resumed power. This has happened at least 4 more times since then, usually while idling at a red light.

- Mountain View, CA, USA

problem #12

Apr 082013

Routan 6-cyl

  • 76,200 miles
Our Routan was only going about 20 mph after pulling out of parking places and turning in to main roads the power steering, brakes, gas all stop working the car becomes impossible to turn the wheel the brakes and gas both do not work and you have to coast to a stop once stopped you have put the van in park turn key off and restart the engine. This has now happened twice in a 2 week time frame extremely concerned with two young children in the back both in car seats. What happens if I am on a freeway and this happens at 60-70mph?

- Converse, TX, USA

problem #11

Feb 052013

Routan 6-cyl

  • 59,500 miles
While driving at various speed the car suddenly shuts off and loses power steering. This has occurred 4 times now and is extremely dangerous. Car can only be restarted when at a complete stop and placed back in park.

- Cary, NC, USA

problem #10

Oct 092012

Routan

  • 45,000 miles
Notice oil light coming on between oil change....filled oil to proper level...I took car in for service today (1/7/13) was told by dealership the gasket will need replace, that was the reason for oil usage. I just had my vehicle in to fix the sliding door (tsb recall not honored) in October and in was inspected with no problems. Doing research on internet and finding the oil, door is a common problem in VW Routan ( also talked to another owner was in for same problem, stated has been given runaround since day one about problems with his Routan).

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #9

Aug 132012

Routan 6-cyl

  • 50,750 miles
Took 2009 VW Routan to local dealership in 2010 due to safety recall on sliding doors (faulty wire harness). Passenger side door was fitted with tie wrap. Driver side door was inspected but no work was performed. This week, door stopped working on driver's side. Took it to the dealer on Wednesday and was told it would cost $383 to repair wire harness. Called VW customer care to explain problem. Was told that case would be started. Waiting to hear about solution. Vehicle was supposed to be finished on Thursday. Now being told it will be Monday. We were given a loaner vehicle for the weekend.

- Clemmons, NC, USA

problem #8

Jul 062012

Routan 6-cyl

  • 38,000 miles
Van was traveling 65mph on interstate when the car switched from on to accessory mode. VW service indicated that the incident was caused by a faulty win (wireless ignition node module). When the car switched to accessory mode, I lost power to the engine and I had no anti-lock brakes or power steering. I was able to coast the van to the side of the road without an accident. This exact issue has been reported in several 2009 Routans and was already subject to a recall for the 2010 Routan's. it also impacts the Grand Caravan and Town & Country's, which share a platform with the Routan. Given the high likelihood that this sudden engine shutoff can lead to an accident, I am surprised that Volkswagen has not been required to expand the win module recall to include the 2009 models. I am also extremely frustrated with Volkswagen's response, which was to disclaim any legal responsibility for repair (since it was outside of the warranty period). This is a known defect and should be addressed accordingly.

- Kent, OH, USA

problem #7

Nov 102010

Routan

  • miles
Our Routan has "started itself" multiple times. In each instance, without intentionally starting the ignition (keys were in purse/handbag untouched by human hands), we have found the vehicle on and idling. Most recently, we happened (fortuitously) to find the vehicle running in our enclosed garage. The garage is attached to our home and we felt, given the potential for accidental death if not discovered in a timely fashion, we needed to alert authorities of the (either) design flaw or electrical system malfunction. While electrical system malfunction is certainly a strong possibility (we have had multiple problems with it in this vehicle), even if the remote ignition key were "functional" we feel the lack of barriers to accidentally starting the vehicle is extremely dangerous. For instance, if the keys are in a purse and simply moving the purse is enough to start the vehicle, even though the key "worked", it is far too easy to accidentally start the vehicle. This is what has occurred in each instance (keys in a purse, no hands directly touching the keys). A safer design might involve a code to be punched in vs simply pressing one button. Given that many families keep their vehicle in an attached, enclosed garage, accidentally running the vehicle could be deadly if carbon monoxide were to build up and enter the home.

- Los Altos, CA, USA

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