2010 Volkswagen Routan problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Volkswagen Routan, most often about electrical system. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints: 42
Recalls: 2
Crashes: 0
Fires: 1
Injuries: 0
Median mileage: 124,500 mi

Key facts

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 35 of 42 complaints (83%).
Engine (8) and lighting (5) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 124,500 mi.
Owners reported 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries.
The 2010 Volkswagen Routan has 2 recalls on file.
It has the most serious complaint record of all 6 Volkswagen Routan model years we track.
That is 68% more complaints than the 2009 model year (25).

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)	Complaints
Electrical system	35
Unknown or other	8
Engine	8
Exterior lighting	4
Service brakes	3
Air bags	2
Fuel/propulsion system	2
Power train	2

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2010 Volkswagen Routan complaints that list mileage.

2010 Volkswagen Routan recalls (2)

Recall 15V194000Apr 1, 201520,676 vehicles
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.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on June 23, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H1. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 11V151 and 14V396. Vehicles that previously received an ignition switch trim ring as a recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign. Vehicles that have already received a new ignition switch are not covered by this campaign.
Recall 11V151000Mar 1, 201112,612 vehicles
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the win module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during june 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Recent 2010 Volkswagen Routan complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Filed Jan 20, 2026WAElectrical 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…
NHTSA complaint #11712238 · source
Filed Apr 7, 2025100,000 miORElectrical 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…
NHTSA complaint #11653263 · source
Filed Jan 29, 2025PAElectrical 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…
NHTSA complaint #11639386 · source
Filed Nov 12, 2024ILElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
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…
NHTSA complaint #11624687 · source
Filed Feb 12, 2024PABrakesElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise 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…
NHTSA complaint #11571385 · source
Filed Oct 7, 2023MEElectrical SystemLightingOther / Unknown
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 · source
Filed Jul 13, 2023155,000 miINEngine
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…
NHTSA complaint #11531999 · source
Filed Apr 21, 2023KYElectrical 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 · source

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Other 2010 Volkswagen models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology