NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
151 reportsClear category filter119,000 miles · Oct 16, 2020
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering
FIVE TIMES IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS THE POWER IN THE VAN BASICALLY TURNS OFF. THE STEERING BECOMES NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE AND THE BRAKES BECOME EXTREMELY TIGHT TO THE POINT YOU CAN'T EVEN USE THEM. IT IS TERRIFYING TO HAVE ZERO CONTROL OVER YOUR CAR CONSIDERING I HAVE 4 CHILDREN. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS GOING ONLY 30MPH AND ALSO WHE…
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FIVE TIMES IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS THE POWER IN THE VAN BASICALLY TURNS OFF. THE STEERING BECOMES NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE AND THE BRAKES BECOME EXTREMELY TIGHT TO THE POINT YOU CAN'T EVEN USE THEM. IT IS TERRIFYING TO HAVE ZERO CONTROL OVER YOUR CAR CONSIDERING I HAVE 4 CHILDREN. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS GOING ONLY 30MPH AND ALSO WHEN I WAS GOING 45 MPH. IT HAPPENS WHEN I'M GOING STRAIGHT AND HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE TURNING. SINCE THE LATEST ISSUE I REFUSE TO DRIVE ANYWHERE THAT I CAN'T TAKE BACK ROADS TO.
NHTSA ODI #11364690
180,000 miles · Sep 15, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting
DASH FLASHING, HARD START AFTER PUTTING IN A NEW FUSE BOX AND AFTER FLASH FROM THE DEALER
NHTSA ODI #11355049
124,000 miles · Sep 14, 2020
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V194000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO VOLKSWAGEN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V194000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF MACON LOCATED AT 4786 RIVERSIDE DR, MACON, GA 31210, (478)781-7701, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE ANY INFORMATION FROM THE COMPUTERS IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TOW TRUCK OPERATOR PROVIDED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE IGNITION SWITCH MODULE WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
NHTSA ODI #11354945
122,000 miles · Jul 9, 2020
Electrical System
MY DRIVERS SIDE BACK SEAT DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY AND WILL OPEN BACK UP IF IT DOES NOT LATCH CORRECTLY. THE ENGINE WIRING WILL MAKE MY CARS DASH LIGHTS ALL COME ON AND MAKE THE WIPERS GO OFF. THE DOOR ONLY DOES THIS WHILE STATIONARY HOWEVER, THE DASH LIGHTS GO OFF WHILE IN MOTION ON A REGULAR STREET GOING LESS THAN 40…
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MY DRIVERS SIDE BACK SEAT DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY AND WILL OPEN BACK UP IF IT DOES NOT LATCH CORRECTLY. THE ENGINE WIRING WILL MAKE MY CARS DASH LIGHTS ALL COME ON AND MAKE THE WIPERS GO OFF. THE DOOR ONLY DOES THIS WHILE STATIONARY HOWEVER, THE DASH LIGHTS GO OFF WHILE IN MOTION ON A REGULAR STREET GOING LESS THAN 40MPH
NHTSA ODI #11338410
153,000 miles · May 29, 2020
Electrical System
WHILE DRIVING CAR IT TURNS OFF. HAS TO BE RESTARTED. FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. NOTICED A PAST RECALL.*DT*JB
NHTSA ODI #11326519
160,000 miles · Mar 2, 2020
Electrical System
THERE ARE TWO ISSUES THAT KEEP OCCURRING THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE RELATED. FIRST, SOMETIMES WHEN I START THE VEHICLE EVERY SINGLE LIGHT ON THE DASH WILL BE LIT UP, THE WIPERS WILL BE ON, THE RADIO WON'T WORK, AND NONE OF THE GAUGES WILL BE WORKING. I HAVE TO USE MY GPS JUST TO KNOW WHAT MY SPEED IS SINCE THE SPEDOMETER DOESN'T WOR…
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THERE ARE TWO ISSUES THAT KEEP OCCURRING THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE RELATED. FIRST, SOMETIMES WHEN I START THE VEHICLE EVERY SINGLE LIGHT ON THE DASH WILL BE LIT UP, THE WIPERS WILL BE ON, THE RADIO WON'T WORK, AND NONE OF THE GAUGES WILL BE WORKING. I HAVE TO USE MY GPS JUST TO KNOW WHAT MY SPEED IS SINCE THE SPEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK. I ALSO CAN'T TURN ON MY DEFROST WHEN THIS HAPPENS SO I'M STUCK SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT WAITING. EVENTUALLY IT WILL RANDOMLY SWITCH BACK TO NORMAL AND THEN EVERYTHING WORKS. MY SECOND ISSUE IS THAT I WILL LOSE ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED IN A ROUNDABOUT ONCE WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH! I LOSE IGNITION, POWER STEERING, EVERYTHING. I HAVE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, PUT IT IN PARK, AND TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN. ONE OF THESE DAYS THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE A CRASH AND THEN I WILL BE SUING VOLKSWAGEN WHEN MY BABIES GET INJURED BECAUSE OF THIS. FROM THE LOOKS OF THE OTHER COMPLAINTS THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF THESE VANS!
NHTSA ODI #11315646
67,098 miles · Feb 15, 2020
Electrical System
I TAKE MY VW ROUTAN TO FINISH THE RECALL .BECAUSED MY DOOR OPEN WHEN I WAS DRIVING FROM GEORGIA TO FLORIDA WITH MY 2 DAUGHTER IN THE BACK SEAT AND DRIVER REAR SLIDE DOOR OPEN AT 70 MILES.. VW DEALER TALK ME NO HAVE THE PARTS BUT THEY FIXED AND WHEN I TAKE TO DIFFERENT DEALER THEY TALK ME THEY READY DID THE RECALL AND REPLACED T…
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I TAKE MY VW ROUTAN TO FINISH THE RECALL .BECAUSED MY DOOR OPEN WHEN I WAS DRIVING FROM GEORGIA TO FLORIDA WITH MY 2 DAUGHTER IN THE BACK SEAT AND DRIVER REAR SLIDE DOOR OPEN AT 70 MILES.. VW DEALER TALK ME NO HAVE THE PARTS BUT THEY FIXED AND WHEN I TAKE TO DIFFERENT DEALER THEY TALK ME THEY READY DID THE RECALL AND REPLACED THE HARNESS.. THURSDAY MY WIFE DRIVING AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM DOOR OPEN WHEN SHE DRIVING.. TAKE THE MINI VAN TO SHOP AND THEY TALK ME DEALER NEVER DID THE RECALL... I ALWAY HAVE THE MINI VAN AND NO ONE TOUCH DEAR BEFORE...
NHTSA ODI #11309406
85,000 miles · Jan 17, 2020
Electrical System
THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME THING YET VW REFUSES TO ADMIT IT IS A PROBLEM. MY ELECTRICAL WILL SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. I WILL NORMALLY LOOSE ANYTHING ELECTRICAL, THROTTLE, SOMETIMES POWER STEERING. THEN THE ELECTRICAL COMES BACK ON AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD CLUSTER COME ON. IT WILL CONTINUALLY DO THIS, EVEN W…
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THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME THING YET VW REFUSES TO ADMIT IT IS A PROBLEM. MY ELECTRICAL WILL SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. I WILL NORMALLY LOOSE ANYTHING ELECTRICAL, THROTTLE, SOMETIMES POWER STEERING. THEN THE ELECTRICAL COMES BACK ON AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD CLUSTER COME ON. IT WILL CONTINUALLY DO THIS, EVEN WHEN YOU ARE ON THE FREEWAY. THEY ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO DENY THIS UNTIL SOMEBODY IS KILLED OR SEVERELY INJURED DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION. I BOUGHT MY 2009 VW ROUTAN USED AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS DODGING REPLACING THE TPIM/IGNITION SWITCH, PROBABLY BECAUSE IT IS EXPENSIVE. VW SHOULD ALSO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS SINCE IT IS HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE. PLEASE IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND HAVE A VW ROUTAN WITH THIS ISSUE, MAKE A REPORT AND BRING THIS TO LIGHT.
NHTSA ODI #11300159
130,000 miles · Nov 20, 2019
Electrical System
WE PURCHASED THIS USED IN FEBRUARY 2019 AND HAVE SINCE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THE RADIO, BACKUP CAMERA, AND DVD PLAYER NOT WORKING. RECENTLY THE CAR NOW JUST SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN A MOUNTAIN ROAD, POWER STEERING FREEZES AND BRAKES ARE VERY LIMITED WHICH WAS VERY SCARY. IT HAPPENED EARLIER IN THE YEAR WHEN PULL…
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WE PURCHASED THIS USED IN FEBRUARY 2019 AND HAVE SINCE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THE RADIO, BACKUP CAMERA, AND DVD PLAYER NOT WORKING. RECENTLY THE CAR NOW JUST SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN A MOUNTAIN ROAD, POWER STEERING FREEZES AND BRAKES ARE VERY LIMITED WHICH WAS VERY SCARY. IT HAPPENED EARLIER IN THE YEAR WHEN PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND LEAVING THE DRIVEWAY AND I THOUGHT THAT THE ISSUE WAS BEHIND US AND OUR MECHANIC COULDN'T REPLICATE IT. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND WEREN'T AWARE OF ANY RECALLS. AS OF TODAY I CONTACTED VW AND THEY SAID THAT OUR VAN IGNITION SWITCH WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED AS PART OF THE RECALL AND IT IS NOW OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE WARRANTY CAN'T LAST FOREVER, BUT THIS IS NOW OCCURRING FREQUENTLY 4 MORE TIMES IN THE LAST FEW DAYS, NORMALLY JUST AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING TAKING OFF FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT RESTARTS WHEN PUT IN PARK, BUT THE STARTING PROCESS CRANKS MORE THAN USUAL. DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION IT IS MERELY AN ANNOYANCE OR EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND THERE IS NO WARNING, JUST TURNS OFF AND THE STEERING STIFFNESS IS THE FIRST INDICATION. THE VAN IS NOW PARKED AS IT IS NOT SAFE FOR MY FAMILY TO DRIVE.
NHTSA ODI #11281429
21,432 miles · Nov 14, 2019
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
EVEN AFTER REBUILDING THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION, EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS PLACED INTO REVERSE, THERE IS A PAUSE, THEN A JARRING AS IT SLIPS INTO R GEAR; BUT EVERY TIME ACCELERATION IS ATTEMPTED IN R, THERE IS A DELAY, FOLLOWED BY CONSISTENT LAG; IF ATTEMPTING TO R UP AN INCLINE, IF SPEED IS NOT ALREADY OVER A SPECIFIC MINIMUM, VE…
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EVEN AFTER REBUILDING THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION, EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS PLACED INTO REVERSE, THERE IS A PAUSE, THEN A JARRING AS IT SLIPS INTO R GEAR; BUT EVERY TIME ACCELERATION IS ATTEMPTED IN R, THERE IS A DELAY, FOLLOWED BY CONSISTENT LAG; IF ATTEMPTING TO R UP AN INCLINE, IF SPEED IS NOT ALREADY OVER A SPECIFIC MINIMUM, VEHICLE THEN ASSUMES ACTION AS IF IT IS IN N. EVEN AN INCLINE SLOPE OF SIMPLY BACKING INTO A DRIVEWAY, IF VEHICLE IS NOT ENTIRELY ACROSS THE INCLINE, IT'S NOT POSSIBLE TO CONTINUE CONTROLLING A REVERSE MOVEMENT, THOUGH ENGINE RESPONDS AS THOUGH IN N. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE; THAT HAS PERSISTED EVEN AFTER REBUILDING THE TRANSMISSION. ANOTHER ISSUE THAT BEGAN SEVERAL YEARS AGO; IS THAT THE DOOR'S LOCKING MECHANISMS FOR SEVERAL OF THE DOORS, NO LONGER OPERATE PROPERLY. LOCKING VIA KEY FOB, OR DOOR PANEL, DOES NOT ACTUALLY ENGAGE THE DOOR TO LOCK. NOR DOES UNLOCKING THE DOORS VIA KEY FOB, OR DOOR PANELS.
NHTSA ODI #11280049
Official recalls
6Feb 11, 2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan vehicles manufactured February 7, 2008, to August 28, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: VW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan vehicles manufactured February 7, 2008, to August 28, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: VW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Air Bags:frontal
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan vehicles manufactured February 7, 2008, to August 28, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: VW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Apr 1, 2015
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Jul 1, 2014
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. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009 Routan vehicles. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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 modify the ignition switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1- 800-822-8987. An interim notice was mailed to owners on August 29, 2014. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28G1/U8. Note: This campaign is an expansion of NHTSA Recall No. 11V-151.
Feb 11, 2014
Freedom Motors Inc., (Freedom Motors) of Savaria Vehicle Group (formerly The Liberty Motor Company) is recalling one model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan and certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country wheelchair accessible vehicles modified by The Liberty Motor Company from February 2008 through January 2011. Over time and with use, the vehicle's rear axle may develop cracks which could lead to axle failure.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Freedom Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected axles, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2014. Owners can contact Freedom Motors at 1-800-561-9600. Freedom Motors' number for this recall is ENGF0216-3.
Jun 10, 2010
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 ROUTAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2008 THROUGH JULY 2009. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPER ROUTED WIRE HARNESS THAT MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE LOWER SLIDING DOOR HINGE BRACKET CAN MAKE CONTACT AND WEAR THROUGH THE WIRE INSULATION. CONTACT WITH A 12V POWER FEED CIRCUIT WITHIN THE HARNESS MAY CAUSE A HIGH RESISTIVE SHORT CIRCUIT WITHIN THE LATCH MECHANISM LOCATED INSIDE OF THE SLIDING DOOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN OVERHEATED LATCH AND A FIRE WITHIN THE REAR SLIDING DOOR COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSPECT THE SLIDING DOOR WIRE TRACK WIRE ASSEMBLY AND THE SLIDING DOOR POWER DRIVE UNIT WIRE ASSEMBLY FOR DAMAGE, REPAIR/REPLACE AS NECESSARY, TIE STRAP THE TWO HARNESSES TOGETHER AND ROUTE THE HARNESSES UNDER THE SLIDING DOOR WEATHER STRIP. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Jul 1, 2009
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 18,500 MY 2009 ROUTAN VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE OWNER'S MANUAL WAS PRINTED WITHOUT THE FMVSS NO. 208 REQUIRED INFORMATION EXPLAINING THAT NO OBJECTS SHOULD BE PLACED OVER THE OR NEAR THE AIR BAG ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: ANY SUCH OBJECTS COULD CAUSE INJURY TO THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE AIR BAG TO INFLATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL SEND AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE REQUIRED AIR BAG INFORMATION FOR OWNER INSTALLATION OR DEALERS WILL INSTALL IN THE EVENT THE OWNER PREFERS ASSISTANCE FROM THE DEALER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗