2.2

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,530 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2009 Volkswagen Routan Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #38

Sep 302014

Routan

  • 53,000 miles

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

TL-the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000. Djr

- York, PA, USA

problem #37

Sep 122013

Routan 6-cyl

  • miles
Our 2009 Routan randomly loses power and the engine attempts to turn off while driving. This has happened at least five times in the past year. Our Routan is part of the ignition switch recall, which should fix this problem, yet more than six months after this potentially deadly recall was issued, Volkswagen has not officially issued a repair, so our dealership will not repair. We have contacted Volkswagen directly, and all we have been told is "we are still waiting for more information." Considering Volkswagen issued this same recall on the 2010 Routan more than three years ago and should be familiar with the repair, I find this unacceptable. It is a lawsuit waiting to happen.

- Lynnwood, WA, USA

problem #36

Aug 262014

Routan

  • 60,567 miles
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.

- Salinas, CA, USA

problem #35

Aug 142014

Routan 6-cyl

  • 65,000 miles

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

Was driving on a residential street when the engine shut off without warning. Completely lost all power (steering, brakes, etc). Was able to pull over to side of road thankfully only going 25 mph and no traffic. Put vehicle in park, started up immediately and ran fine after that. Received recall letter in mail the following week stating the ignition switch can turn off without notice incident happened 2 additional times, similar circumstances. Spoke with dealer and VW corporate on 3 separate occasions. Volkswagen states they do not have a solution for the recall repair at this time, nor will they do anything about the possible safety issue of the vehicle shutting off and causing an accident.

- Apple Valley, MN, USA

problem #34

May 022011

Routan 6-cyl

  • 12,000 miles
Oil consumption since 24000 miles. VW dealer never want to address the problem. Keep tell me this normal. Now I have to add quarter oil every month. On morning car wasn't starting and took to the dealer and had the ignition replaced at 42000 miles but now the key get stuck on ignition multiple times. I hope the recall will fix this problem. I had to replace brakes at 12000 miles due the vibration while brakes. I had multiples electrical problems and some was repair after couple trips to the dealer. This car is a lemon. When we will have our money back?

- Norwalk , CT, USA

problem #33

Aug 272014

Routan 6-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V396000 (electrical system); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The dealer was unable to provide an expected date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 02/05/14 the consumer stated the vehicle would fail to start.

- Herriman, UT, USA

problem #32

Sep 272014

Routan 6-cyl

  • 71,397 miles

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

My key has been sticking in the ignition intermittently. Usually I have to turn the car back on turn the wheel, put it in gear and back in park, one or both of those things usually frees the key from the acc mode and allows me to remove it from the ignition. Today, I went to start the van and it is dead. Click. That is all it does. It does not appear the battery is dead, as the headlights and interior lights come on, the door dings, the mileage comes up, etc. There is a recall for something involving the ignition, but I have not been informed by VW yet as to a repair. I have sent in four prior complaints concerning this vehicle. I bought it used 7/2010 from carmax. It is unreliable and dangerous to have on the road. The entire brake system needs repaired every 7,000 miles following a sudden caliper seize, the van has numerous electrical issues that cause the car to just stop. One day I heard it running in my garage. I cant rule out one of my children messing with the fob, however, I have difficulty with the remote starter myself? (click2X&hold) I do not feel safe with this vehicle. I will not drive my children long distances or travel roads with them that require speeds over 40 mph. The van died while I was driving it 55-60mph on a busy highway, the VW dealership said it was not a recall issue. I clearly see it is a recall issue for some Routans, my receipt reads exactly as the side door harness recall is stated. I will be working with VW to request reimbursement, however, I don't feel that is good enough. There is a major problem here. I am lucky myself or my children have not been hurt. In hindsight of the GM ignition recall, I would be amiss to think a car company has my best interest in mind. I am hoping my government does.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #31

Jul 192014

Routan 6-cyl

  • 30,000 miles
Driving from Indiana to phoenix the van began to shake violently while braking downhill on mountainous terrain. Temperature gauge went up over 200 and van smelled warm. Van did not overheat and problem subsided once back on level ground. Purchased van used on July 10 2012 with approx 25,000 miles.

- Phoenix , AZ, USA

problem #30

Apr 302014

Routan 6-cyl

  • 54,694 miles
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.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #29

Aug 292014

Routan 6-cyl

  • 79,578 miles
Vehicle completely turns off while driving, losing all control, use of brakes and steering. It has been 4 weeks since the recall was sent out and there is still no fix available, and the company can not give any other information besides they are working on it.

- Hanover, MD, USA

problem #28

Sep 112014

Routan

  • 84,000 miles

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

My wife took our 2009 VW Routan minivan to a VW dealership today to repair inoperable electronic door locks and faulty headlights (separate complain filed), at which time she was informed of an ignition problem recall. The ignition part was placed on order and my wife was told the part had to be shipped from out of state and should arrive within five days. My wife asked, and was informed the vehicle was safe to operate; however, I looked up the recall when I got home from work and discovered the recall specifically states the engine can shut of during operation due to added weight from other keys or key rings on the VW key fob. According to the recall, dealership and maintenance personnel are supposed to inform customers to remove added keys from the fob. My wife had keys on her fob which the dealer mechanic had in his hand during inspections, but the mechanic never informed her of the risk, and allowed her to jeopardize her life by driving the vehicle without the required safety information.

- New Braunfels, TX, USA

problem #27

Aug 182014

Routan 6-cyl

  • 87,000 miles
While entering freeway loud noise then all indicator lights came on. Vehicle quit running in traffic. Coasted off roadway. Inspected engine and spacer between engine block and oil pan was cracked. Engine seized and internal parts cracked block. Engine had new piston rings and valve seals installed at 68000 miles by dealer for oil consumption issues. Oil consumption issue was never resolved.

- Richfield, WI, USA

problem #26

May 232014

Routan 6-cyl

  • 91,000 miles
The engine turned to off while I was driving and depowered power steering and brakes. At that point I restarted the car and was able to drive. Took the car immediately to VW dealer, kept the car for 24 hours, and they could not replicate the incident so nothing was done by them. This happened again at 93000 miles on August 8, 2014.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #25

Jul 212014

Routan

  • 41,300 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, the vehicle stalled as the traction control warning light illuminated. The failure occurred on two occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,300.

- Oaklawn, IL, USA

problem #24

Apr 042014

Routan 6-cyl

  • 55,000 miles
Our 2009 VW Routan completely shuts down while driving 3 times now. Not only does it shut down, but the steering and brakes lock as well. On the last occurrence, my wife (with our children in the car) came very close to hitting a parked car in the street. We have taken it to 2 VW dealers so far in charlotte, nc and they state: "we cannot duplicate the issue." Unfortunately, that is not the right answer when you have something as dangerous as this happening to our family car. We have called VW corporate to help 2nd dealership with a resolution, but nothing has been fixed at this time. We are not sure what do at this point, and seems like both VW and VW dealerships are aware of issue, but no one wants to touch it! please help!

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #23

Jun 202011

Routan 6-cyl

  • 30,000 miles
My 2009 Routan 3.8L will intermit not start / I get check engine light and electrical lightening bolt. About 3 years ago it started and I was told it was my battery. Replaced my battery it was good for about 1yr then it started again had the battery replaced again then about 1yr later it started again but my battery is tested good. I went through 2 batteries in about 3 yrs. I even had my starter checked and it tested good. My friend who is a mechanic said why is the starter next to the exhaust manifold it is getting hot. When I have issue in the last year it take about 30min or longer before it starts then I might not have any issues for about 1 or 2 weeks and sometime I might have the issues 2 times in one day. I have checked online and I am seeing many people are complaining about the 2009 VW Routan intermit not starting. I have call VW and my van is not on the list for the ignition switch recall. Today 8/5/2014 my Routan I will not start at all I am going to have the battery checked.

- Las Vegas , NV, USA

problem #22

Jul 172014

Routan

  • 44,000 miles
The contact owns 2009 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure occurred on numerous occasions.. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.

- San Bruno, CA, USA

problem #21

Jul 042014

Routan 6-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
I have been experiencing the engine dying suddenly while I am driving. There is no warning or engine lights. Everything turns off including the power steering. This is terrifying. I took my vehicle to the dealer, I have an extended warranty. After keeping it two days, they claim that nothing is wrong with the car. I tried to explain the danger involved in my car suddenly losing power but the dealer states there is nothing they can do about it.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #20

Sep 162013

Routan 6-cyl

  • miles
At least twice per month when I drive my van, the steering will suddenly go out, then the brakes will stop working, then it will just shut off. So far it has only happened when I was driving at pretty low rates of speed. I've called the VW dealership several times and each time they say that they haven't heard of anything like this before and want to charge me a fortune just to look at it. With the newest recall, I cannot understand why my vehicle is not included and the dealership still claims that they have no clue what I'm taking about when all these vehicle were made bu the same manufacturer. This has happened so many times, I can feel it in the steering right before it happens. As soon as my steering starts to get tight, I have to hit the brakes right away before they go out, and turn the car off. Usually when I restart the car, it's fine. This is getting ridiculous and I should have to go through this with a vehicle when there is a proper fix. I have 4 children and another on the way and this is not safe.

- Amelia, VA, USA

problem #19

Mar 172014

Routan

  • 65,000 miles
While driving, engine shut off like the ignition was turned off - lost power steering and brakes. This has happened multiple times since incident date. Volkswagen service could not diagnose the problem.

- Roseville, CA, USA

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