Owners have filed 359 complaints
about the 2010 Volkswagen Routan with NHTSA between 2010 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 58
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Routan. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 33
6.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 46
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2010 compares with every other Volkswagen Routan
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
624.0%
Body
520.0%
Door
520.0%
Switch
312.0%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
28.0%
Ignition
28.0%
Hinge AND Attachments
14.0%
Module
14.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
103.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
206.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
3211.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3110.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
5218.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
5218.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
7325.3%
150,000+ miles
186.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2010peak 11Jan 2026
Recalls on the 2010 Volkswagen Routan
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
15V194000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009 Routan vehicles manufactured June 25, 2008, to July 8, 2009, and 2010 Routan vehicles manufactured October 1, 2009, to August 11, 2010. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including, but not limited to, air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
11V151000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 ROUTAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2009 THROUGH JUNE 2010. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE INADVERTENT IGNITION KEY DISPLACEMENT FROM THE RUN TO ACCESSORY POSITION WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF.
Risk: AN ENGINE SHUTTING OFF SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20142661,891 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the Wireless Ignition Node (a.k.a ignition switch) may allow the ignition key to inadvertently move from the ON position to the accessory (ACC) position while driving, causing the engine to shut off. This would result in a loss of motive power, power steering and power brakes, and would disable the airbags as well as other supplemental restraint systems (SRS). Increased steering and braking effort and a loss of motive power could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Loss of airbag / SRS function in a crash that warrants airbag deployment and/or other supplemental restraint system function could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will inspect the WIN module and install a secondary detent system if required. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 2011095.
Recall 2014031166 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles modified for wheelchair accessibility by the Liberty Motor Company Inc., the rear axle may fracture due to a combination of corrosion damage and operation on rough roads. If the rear axle fractures, vehicle handling may be adversely affected, creating the risk of a crash and increasing the risk of injury and/or property damage. Correction: Freedom Motors assigned service shops will inspect axles and reinforce or replace as necessary.
Recall 20110951,048 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the Wireless Ignition Node (a.k.a ignition switch) may allow the ignition key to inadvertently move from the ON position to the accessory (ACC) position while driving, causing the engine to shut off. Loss of propulsion, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the WIN module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 125,000 milesWillard, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the vehicle independently caught on fire. There was no crash nor injury due to the fire. The air bags did not deploy. The fire department was contacted and was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not towed. The contact had an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle and deemed the vehicle as a total loss. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11422327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Freeport, NYCrash
ENGINE
CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING
NHTSA complaint #11181437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,845 milesEdgewater, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE DRIVER'S DOOR, SNOW FELL ONTO THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH. AFTER THE CONTACT CLEANED THE SNOW OFF THE SWITCH, SHE LATER SMELLED A BURNING ODER COMING FROM THE DOOR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO USE THE WINDOW LATER IN THE DAY, BUT THE WINDOW FAILED TO GO DOWN. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE FUSES AND OTHER COMPONENTS ON THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT WATER FROM THE MELTED SNOW CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,845.
NHTSA complaint #11071699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,845 milesEdgewater, MDFire
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE DRIVER'S DOOR, SNOW FELL ONTO THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH. AFTER THE CONTACT CLEANED THE SNOW OFF THE SWITCH, SHE LATER SMELLED A BURNING ODER COMING FROM THE DOOR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO USE THE WINDOW LATER IN THE DAY, BUT THE WINDOW FAILED TO GO DOWN. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE FUSES AND OTHER COMPONENTS ON THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT WATER FROM THE MELTED SNOW CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,845.
NHTSA complaint #11071699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesSpring, TXCrash
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE STATIONARY IN PARK. GEAR SLIPPED AND CAR DROVE BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL, STOPPED, THEN SLIPPED INTO DRIVE AND DROVE ITSELF INTO LAKE. MY DOG CRATED IN BACK. SHE DROWNED. INCLINE WAS SLIGHT. GRAVEL. ASHE COUNTY PARK JEFFERSON NC. I WAS OUTSIDE THE CAR TRYING TO CRATE MY OTHER DOG WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #11054645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesFairview Park, OHCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INTERMITTENT ENGINE FAILURE. 2010 VW ROUTAN SEL. 4.0 ENGINE. CAR TURNS COMPLETELY OFF WHILE DRIVING. NO ENGINE CODES OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. DEALERS CANNOT REPAIR AND BE SAYS THIS BE IS NOT ON THE RECALL FOR THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM. IT HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND RECENTLY JUST PULLING DOWN THE STREET AT LOW SPEED WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHEN ALL SYSTEMS FAILED. THE CAR WILL START RIGHT BACK UP. WE MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO KEY CHAINS ON THE FOB BUT IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE. ONLY ADVISE I GET FROM DEALERS IS TRADE IT IN AS IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. I CANNOT IN GOOD FAITH TRADE IT IN TO ANOTHER FAMILY TO GET KILLED IN WHEN IT SHUTS DOWN. THIS VAN IS A DEATH TRAP FOR FAMILIES AND IS UNACCEPTABLE VW KNOWS IF THE ISSUE BUT WON'T INCLUDE IT.
NHTSA complaint #10925511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Tumwater, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the turn signal and the speed control failed to function as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The failure was troubleshooted; however, the failure was not diagnosed. In addition, the vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the failure was not diagnosed. The contact stated that neither the independent mechanic nor the dealer was able to diagnose or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that after researching, the vehicle was known for electrical system failures. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11712238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPortland, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact was helping her friend who owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine and stability control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was built by another manufacturer. The contact was then referred to another dealer. The contact was advised by the 2nd dealer that the vehicle should be taken back to the first dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V151000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11653263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On 01/24/25 around 9pm I was leaving a friend house headed home. I took the i76 route home because it's faster. As I'm getting off on my exit, coming up on the first stop sign I start pressing down on the break pedal and all of a sudden the car engine shuts off and comes to a sudden seizure like halt. I put on my hazards lights instantly, put the car in park and proceeded to to start the car again. After like 10 failed start attempts. I decided to give it a rest and that's when I realized that there key would not come out the ignition, I had to turn the ignition back and forth twice before it was released. After that I waited about 25 minutes, and have it another shot but this time I stepped on the gas while attempting to start the car and it came back on. I went home parked and since that day the car won't turn over but everything still comes on. There are no codes, showing, no damage to the car at all it's still pretty much new. Vw says there nothing they can do because my vin is not on the recall list but I'm literally experiencing the same mechanical issued that are listed on the recall for my exact model. Can someone please offer me a solution that doesn't involve me paying for an issue that is listed on recall for free repair!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11639386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Danville, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought this van just a few weeks ago. One day I was driving and all a sudden it lost power while in motion. This has happened 4xs so far. It could've resulted in the inability to stop my vehicle as the brakes are stiff after the power & engine stop working. It could've resulted in either I hit someone or someone could've hit me. My cousins husband had a town and country that did this & it was on a recall for the ignition switch failure. He's a mechanic. He has also stated what is going on is the ignition switch failure going into accessory mode while I'm driving. It's available to be inspected I just don't have the money to have it inspected at this point by a dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11624687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Danville, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I bought this van just a few weeks ago. One day I was driving and all a sudden it lost power while in motion. This has happened 4xs so far. It could've resulted in the inability to stop my vehicle as the brakes are stiff after the power & engine stop working. It could've resulted in either I hit someone or someone could've hit me. My cousins husband had a town and country that did this & it was on a recall for the ignition switch failure. He's a mechanic. He has also stated what is going on is the ignition switch failure going into accessory mode while I'm driving. It's available to be inspected I just don't have the money to have it inspected at this point by a dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11624687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Danville, IL
ENGINE
I bought this van just a few weeks ago. One day I was driving and all a sudden it lost power while in motion. This has happened 4xs so far. It could've resulted in the inability to stop my vehicle as the brakes are stiff after the power & engine stop working. It could've resulted in either I hit someone or someone could've hit me. My cousins husband had a town and country that did this & it was on a recall for the ignition switch failure. He's a mechanic. He has also stated what is going on is the ignition switch failure going into accessory mode while I'm driving. It's available to be inspected I just don't have the money to have it inspected at this point by a dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11624687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erie, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Battery failure due to parasitic draw from Ignition IOD fuse ( J13fuse) reads 0.9 draw and M11 fuse ( hvac system) reads 0.6 draw. First occurrence 2/10/24 and second occurrence 2/11/24. Informed auto repair shop on 2/12/24 and goes in for diagnostic 2/15/24. Abs control module failure( intermittent ) Egr valve replacement (8/9/24 due to overheating but no warning lights due to overheating was displayed which is strange) Speed control sensor was replaced as well 8/9/24 but still has problems getting stuck or not reading the right speed . Consumes fuel faster than normal as well . Getting about 9 miles to the gallon.
NHTSA complaint #11571385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erie, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery failure due to parasitic draw from Ignition IOD fuse ( J13fuse) reads 0.9 draw and M11 fuse ( hvac system) reads 0.6 draw. First occurrence 2/10/24 and second occurrence 2/11/24. Informed auto repair shop on 2/12/24 and goes in for diagnostic 2/15/24. Abs control module failure( intermittent ) Egr valve replacement (8/9/24 due to overheating but no warning lights due to overheating was displayed which is strange) Speed control sensor was replaced as well 8/9/24 but still has problems getting stuck or not reading the right speed . Consumes fuel faster than normal as well . Getting about 9 miles to the gallon.
NHTSA complaint #11571385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erie, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
Battery failure due to parasitic draw from Ignition IOD fuse ( J13fuse) reads 0.9 draw and M11 fuse ( hvac system) reads 0.6 draw. First occurrence 2/10/24 and second occurrence 2/11/24. Informed auto repair shop on 2/12/24 and goes in for diagnostic 2/15/24. Abs control module failure( intermittent ) Egr valve replacement (8/9/24 due to overheating but no warning lights due to overheating was displayed which is strange) Speed control sensor was replaced as well 8/9/24 but still has problems getting stuck or not reading the right speed . Consumes fuel faster than normal as well . Getting about 9 miles to the gallon.
NHTSA complaint #11571385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
York, ME
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
All electrical gauges randomly go on and off, there is a continuous beeping to go along with it, the windshield wipers will go on and off. It seems to happen more in the summer or if it’s raining. It will occasionally stall while doing this, especially in a stationary position (like at a drive through).
NHTSA complaint #11548783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
York, ME
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
All electrical gauges randomly go on and off, there is a continuous beeping to go along with it, the windshield wipers will go on and off. It seems to happen more in the summer or if it’s raining. It will occasionally stall while doing this, especially in a stationary position (like at a drive through).
NHTSA complaint #11548783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
York, ME
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All electrical gauges randomly go on and off, there is a continuous beeping to go along with it, the windshield wipers will go on and off. It seems to happen more in the summer or if it’s raining. It will occasionally stall while doing this, especially in a stationary position (like at a drive through).
NHTSA complaint #11548783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the vehicle was started and driven to her destination; however, after arriving at her destination she attempted to shut off the vehicle, but the vehicle remained running. The contact stated that she disconnected the battery to shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #11531999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morgantown,, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The key for the key switch is loose and can fall out in any position. Can come out in the off ; start; run; all positions. The van falls within the right timeline for the key switch replacement recall; but I am told it does not have the right vin #. Can you explain to me why I can not get my defected switch replaced and others can? My vin number does not determine if the switch is bad?
NHTSA complaint #11518208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesRockledge, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact's son owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently fail to start after multiple attempts, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that they no longer serviced the model vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #11514168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesRockledge, FL
ENGINE
The contact's son owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently fail to start after multiple attempts, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that they no longer serviced the model vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #11514168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,153 milesWilmington, NC
AIR BAGS
The contacts husband owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the air bag safety light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed with the air bag and air bag clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,153.
NHTSA complaint #11513218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesVancouver, WA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the totally integrated power module (TIPM) needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was no longer manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11510063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The TIPM is not working and while driving the headlights turn off. This is very unsafe and impairs the driver
NHTSA complaint #11510058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The TIPM is not working and while driving the headlights turn off. This is very unsafe and impairs the driver
NHTSA complaint #11510058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesVancouver, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the totally integrated power module (TIPM) needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was no longer manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11510063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring City, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving the car the car shut off causing an issue with the steering and brakes. This is the second time this has happened. in trying to duplicate the issue, with the car in park and running we were able to duplicate it by wiggling the key fob while it is in the switch. We were able to do this 3x. We search out a recall notice for our year, make and model related to this issue. When we called our VW dealer we were informed that our vehicle does not have any open recalls. We contacted VW customer service and we were told the same. Our particular VIN was built in the middle of recalls related to this exact issue and no previous repairs were done. The customer service Rep could not see a reason why ours is not covered but that they go strictly by the VIN. Our vehicle was built 03/2010 and the recall numbers we are reading are 15V194000 and 11V151000. We are experiencing the same issue and our vehicle was built within the recall period so I want to understand why ours is not part of the recall for this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11498388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lehi, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
We bought the 2010 Volkswagen Routtan on July 2021, the engine shutts off suddenly. We took it to the dealer and no one knows what the problem is. I was checking the value of the car and found a safety recall in June 2011 and another recall on 04/01/2015 We don't know if they took the vehicle to fix the problem. There has been 2 safety recalls NHTSA CAMPAING 15v194000 on April 2015 and the one on March 2011 NHTSA CAMPAING 11v151000 both has to Do with the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
NHTSA complaint #11489230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamburg, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car shuts off while driving, ignition key fob issue recall. Tipm system recall.
NHTSA complaint #11479125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamburg, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car shuts off while driving, ignition key fob issue recall. Tipm system recall.
NHTSA complaint #11479125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.