Volkswagen Routan problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 118 owner complaints and 7 recalls on file for the Volkswagen Routan (2009–2014). The 2010 Routan has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.

Complaints
118
Recalls
7
Model years
6
Worst year
2010

Complaints by model year

2520094220102720112020123201312014
NHTSA complaints per Volkswagen Routan model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Volkswagen Routan years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2010 Volkswagen Routan — 42 complaints, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
  2. 2009 Volkswagen Routan — 25 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Electrical System
  3. 2011 Volkswagen Routan — 27 complaints; top problem: Electrical System

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2014 (1 complaints).

Every Volkswagen Routan model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2014 Routan10000Seats & Seat Belts
2013 Routan30000Transmission & Drivetrain
2012 Routan200011Electrical System
2011 Routan270000Electrical System
2010 Routan420102Electrical System
2009 Routan251015Electrical System

Most common Volkswagen Routan problem areas (all years)

  • Electrical System
    80 complaints
  • Engine
    31 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    11 complaints
  • Airbags
    11 complaints
  • Brakes
    10 complaints
  • Steering
    9 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    8 complaints
  • Lighting
    6 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    5 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    2 complaints

Complaint trend

20202021202220252026
Complaints about the Volkswagen Routan received by NHTSA each month.

Volkswagen Routan recalls

  • Recall 16V083000Feb 11, 20161,037 vehiclesModel years 2009

    Risk: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V194000Apr 1, 201520,676 vehiclesModel years 2009–2010

    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.

  • Recall 14V396000Jul 1, 201418,526 vehiclesModel years 2009

    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.

  • Recall 14V055000Feb 11, 2014130 vehiclesModel years 2009

    Risk: Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 12V147000Apr 5, 201215 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: This could result in a decrease in durability, which may lead to wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 11V151000Mar 1, 201112,612 vehiclesModel years 2010

    Risk: An engine shutting off suddenly while driving could increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 10V252000Jun 10, 201015,902 vehiclesModel years 2009

    Risk: This could result in an overheated latch and a fire within the rear sliding door could occur.

Other Volkswagen models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology