10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
61,133 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.

2010 Volkswagen Routan engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2010 Volkswagen Routan Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #42

Mar 042022

Routan

  • miles

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

This has happened multiple times. The ignition will cut off which make the car engine quit running. Loss of braking, steering, power has left me in the middle of intersections being nearly avoided being ran into. When this happens all the warning lights come on and the engine turns off. The exact problem VW recall number 28H1 is affecting my vehicle.

- White Pine, TN, USA

problem #41

Aug 232021

Routan

  • miles
The vehicle turned off in the drive gear. I lost steering, breaking and control of vehicle.

- Albany, NY, USA

problem #40

Jan 092019

Routan 6-cyl

  • miles
2010 VW Routan VIN:[XXX] We purchased the vehicle used in November of 2018. From November 2018 through early 2020, I experienced the car turning off while driving it about once every 4-6 months. When researching this issue we found that extra weight from other keys or keychains could be affecting it so we separated the car key from my house keys. This showed no improvement. From early 2020 through early 2021, the issue increased in frequency. Instead of once every 4-6 months it became once a month. And, unfortunately in the past 3 months, it has started occurring several times a week (sometimes multiple times a day). This has been a safety concern for our family and we are very nervous that this could cause a serious accident. Luckily the other vehicles around us when this occurs have been alert drivers that were able to give us the extra time to restart our vehicle. We realize that this won-€™t always be the case and need to get it fixed. The issues we are experiencing as outlined above are in line with the issues listed in NHTSA Campaign ID: 11V151000 for other 2010 VW Routans. However, for whatever reason, our VIN number is not included in the recall. I would like to make a formal appeal with nhtsa that our vehicle be included in this recall and that it be repaired by VW as it is quite clear that what we are experiencing is from the issue in this NHTSA Recall Campaign. We are disappointed to be in a position to fight for something to get fixed that is quite clearly caused by a defaulted part, but remain hopeful that this will be resolved in a timely manner. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Cleveland, MO, USA

problem #39

Jul 292020

Routan

  • 140,000 miles

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

When car is running, either in park or drive, the engine cuts out. We must wait 30 sec to restart. It will then restart. This action happend both when the car is in park and drive. The action happened once in our driveway and once coming out of a carry out driveway.

- Lancaster, OH, USA

problem #38

Feb 012019

Routan 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the key disengaged from the ignition and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated restarted the vehicle and proceeded to his destination. The vehicle was taken to harper Volkswagen located at 9901 kingston pike, knoxville, tn 37922, (865) 691-0393, where the dealer was made aware of the failure. Additionally, on several occasions, the contact was unable to turn the vehicle off. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred several times. The manufacturer had been informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

problem #37

Sep 042019

Routan

  • 155,800 miles
While driving (car in motion)the car to pick up my children from school, it sounded like it was draining. The alert light beeped so I looked at dash the lights/info on car started blinking then the car stopped completely in middle of the road. No power would work I couldn't roll down the windows or turn on hazard lights, I had to put car in park. The key was stuck in the ignition and would not start from a jump. The car had no warning signs and was recently inspected and checked on computer and they were unable to get any codes or see any engine problems. Car would not even go into neutral to move off the road. Car was towed to my home and still not able to jump battery and car won't start. All power remains off and can't lock car with key either.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #36

Apr 012019

Routan

  • 80,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact called hatfield Volkswagen (1495 auto mall dr, columbus, oh 43228, (855) 627-5215) and was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The contact stated that the failure was similar to a fuel pump relay failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

- Grove City, OH, USA

problem #35

May 132019

Routan

  • 131,200 miles
Reported issue to VW recall group via telephone 5/13/2019. This is very similar to a recall that took place for VW Routan 2009-2010 that were created between the dates of October 2019 to June 2010. Our vehicle was created in August of 2010, and I suspect the same parts were still used. Two issues have occurred with 2010 VW Routan sel minivan 4.0L issues started occurring after replacing a lost key fob. Key fob was ordered through local VW dealer (bob king VW) and replaced. First issue: Car would not start. Put key into ignition switch, turn key, the ignition switch clicks but the car would not start. In order to start car, wait and repeat steps until car actually starts. Second issue: (highly dangerous) intermittent shut off while driving causing power steering to turn off as well as brakes. Very dangerous combination due to the fact that turning becomes very difficult as well as braking. In order to brake you have to apply great force to break since there is no power to the car. This issue has been encountered over the past two months at least four (4) times while the primary driver has been driving the vehicle. The first three times the vehicle was in motion in a residential area. The last time this issue occurred 5/13/2019 the vehicle was in motion on a major road way near an intersection. Evasive maneuvers were taken to get vehicle off of road and into a nearby parking lot off the street.

- Wilmington, NC, USA

problem #34

Apr 222019

Routan

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. While driving 35-40 mph on the highway, the vehicle stalled and the engine seized without warning. The contact had to immediately move the vehicle over to the shoulder. All the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to bobby becks Volkswagen (893 S stemmons fwy, lewisville, tx 75067, (855) 315-4505) to be diagnosed, but the computer could not read the codes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

- Coppell, TX, USA

problem #33

Jan 022019

Routan

  • miles
Car shuts off while driving

- Freeport, NY, USA

problem #32

Oct 142018

Routan

  • 106,000 miles

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

My van has shut off twice now while driving. Both events have occurred while turning right, at a slow speed on city streets (one time with my children in the vehicle). I lose power steering and brakes and the engine appears to shut down (radio remains on). When I first tried to restart it, it wouldn't and then the second attempt sounded unusual but it did start. The traction control light lit up on the dashboard as well. Both times were in good driving conditions. After the first time, due to my research on the issue, I only use the fob with nothing else hanging from it. In addition, I also have the issue of the vehicle randomly not starting. I usually get it to start by fiddling with the shifter. Of course, my van is not included in the ignition module recall, which is completely absurd as it is clearly happening to a lot of us. I love everything about this van except for these two major issues.

- Franklin, WI, USA

problem #31

Oct 122018

Routan 6-cyl

  • 89,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact called on behalf of the driver. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The driver was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted and was able to drive normally. The vehicle was taken to gurley leep automotive group (located at 5302 grape rd, mishawaka, in 46545, (574) 272-0990), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000. Consumer stated shuts off without warning.

- Baroda, MI, USA

problem #30

Jun 012018

Routan

  • 112,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate over 40 mph. The contact also mentioned that the rear passenger door made an abnormal noise when being opened. The vehicle was taken to hiley Volkswagen of arlington (1461 E interstate 20, arlington, tx 76018, (817) 575-6000) where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the door was not under warranty; however, the transmission was repaired. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred after the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 112,000.

- Grand Prairie, TX, USA

problem #29

Aug 232018

Routan

  • 120,000 miles
NHTSA campaign id number: 11V151000. My car shuts off while driving it. It goes into auxiliary you need to safely pull it to the side of the road and restart it. This has occurred multiple times. Experience inadvertent ignition key displacement from the run to accessory position while driving causing the engine to shut off. An engine shutting off suddenly while driving could increase the risk of a crash.

- Tega Cay, SC, USA

problem #28

Dec 082017

Routan

  • miles
When driving the volk just cuts this happens often it is only myself and my ggrand son in the vech. They told me there was no recall. But I beleive there

- Kershaw, SC, USA

problem #27

May 092017

Routan

  • 105,000 miles
Engine turns off while driving down the road. Vehicle has trouble restarting after an occurrence. There is no indication as to when this issue will occur. The check engine light does not come on before or after an incident. Volkswagen claims my VIN is not part of the ignition recall, NHTSA campaign id 15V194000. At approximately ~70,000 miles this would occur about once a month. Now at 105,000 miles it is occurring more often. Normally once a week, but it has occurred just recently two days in a row. Volkswagen service department is unhelpful since there is no code in the computer.

- Chester, VA, USA

problem #26

Feb 252017

Routan

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. When the ignition key was turned to the on position, a ticking sound emitted from the vehicle and it failed to start. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ignition switch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 11V151000 (electrical system) and 15V194000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 90,000.

- Yonkers, NY, USA

problem #25

Aug 282016

Routan

  • 100,000 miles
I am writing to address a safety issue I have with my vehicle, a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. My husband and I purchased this car last year and shortly after its purchase started to experience electrical issues with the vehicle. These issues included warning lights on the dash illuminating, power failures of the dash board gauges (specifically the speed gauge) and radio, and most alarmingly the car would completely stall and lose power. This issue of losing power to the entire car has happened both while the car is in motion and while it has been stopped at traffic lights, as well as at high and low speeds. We took the car to a local VW dealership hoping they might be able to diagnose the issue and fix it. After nearly 3 weeks of having different parts replaced, being told the issue was solved it was not. When driving the vehicle with only the key in the ignition it performs better, although still dies occasionally, but with anything on the keyring it will die almost instantly. It wasn't until after removing our car from this dealership that we learned about a recall on the VW Routans that seemed very similar to the issues we were experiencing. Upon research we discovered that our vehicle was produced within the same month of the recalled vehicles but apparently not before the ending date of that recall. So other VW dealerships would be happy to replace the malfunctioning part but at an out of pocket cost for us, which we simply cannot afford, especially after the bill we are still working to pay for other unnecessary work. As a consumer it is very frustrating to have a vehicle that is clearly demonstrating the same issues as previously recalled vehicles but does not fall under that recall. We have reduced to only driving this vehicle as necessary and no longer use it to Transport our two young children as we fear greatly for their safety.

- Kearns, UT, USA

problem #24

Dec 182015

Routan

  • 71,000 miles
While driving in low gears (2nd, 3rd) car will stall out. Power steering and power brakes no longer functioning, making the care very difficult to manuever. This is especially scary while driving in snow/ice. Making with even more dangerous is stalling while on back roads or curves, if I'm stalled in the middle of the road, another car might not be able to stop and run into me. Jerking movements are also occuring when driving at low speeds when not accelerating, like car is going to stall. VIN is not included in recall, but it is the same problem that was recalled on other 2010 Routans.

- Oxford, PA, USA

problem #23

Jan 042016

Routan

  • 80,000 miles
My vehicle is experiencing the same problem as other vehicles of the same year that received a recall. The car just shuts off, loses power and all steering, braking and so on. It makes the vehicle very dangerous. The other vehicles in this year all had bad ignition switches but VW refuses to include my vehicle and others like it of the same model year that have the exact same problem. I believe that they need to expand this recall to include more vehicles of the 2010 model. The vehicle is not safe to drive and is scary when it just cuts out on you when you are driving 30-40 mph plus.

- Rome, NY, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?