MY WIFE (AND 8 MONTH OLD SON) WERE DRIVING WHEN THE VAN SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET THE VAN OFF THE ROAD BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VAN. SHE WAS ABLE TO AVOID A REAR-END COLLISION WITH A TRACTOR-TRAILER THAT WAS BEHIND HER. *TR
2009 Volkswagen Routan
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Routan years
Owner complaints for the 2009 Volkswagen Routan are substantially higher than the model-year median of 63.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Routan years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
249 reports with mileage · 45 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 151 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 78 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
294 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING VARIOUS SPEED AND WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE WAS A DELAYED RESPONSE WITH AN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHO STATED THE BRAKES WERE NOT COMPATIBLE FOR THE VEHICLE WEIGH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING VARIOUS SPEED AND WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE WAS A DELAYED RESPONSE WITH AN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHO STATED THE BRAKES WERE NOT COMPATIBLE FOR THE VEHICLE WEIGHT CAPACITY. THE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS WERE REPLACED FIVE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.
POWER SLIDING DOORS CAN TRAP CHILD OR PETS IN THEIR PATH. *TR
VW ROUTAN 2009-THE BRAKING SYSTEM AFTER 6 WEEKS STARTED TO SHAKE AND AT TIMES I HAVE COME CLOSE TO NOT COMING TO A FULL STOP DUE TO THE VIOLENT VIBRATION IT CAUSED. I AM THINKING THAT IF I DON'T EASE UP ON THE BRAKES THAT SOMETHING IS GOING TO EXPLODE. THIS CONTINUES EVEN AFTER REQUESTING FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO INVESTIGATE. N…
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VW ROUTAN 2009-THE BRAKING SYSTEM AFTER 6 WEEKS STARTED TO SHAKE AND AT TIMES I HAVE COME CLOSE TO NOT COMING TO A FULL STOP DUE TO THE VIOLENT VIBRATION IT CAUSED. I AM THINKING THAT IF I DON'T EASE UP ON THE BRAKES THAT SOMETHING IS GOING TO EXPLODE. THIS CONTINUES EVEN AFTER REQUESTING FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO INVESTIGATE. NOW AT 18000 MILES I AM REQUIRING TO REPLACE ROTORS AND BRAKES. $$$. UNFAIR. WITH ALL THE RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VEHICLE, I AM TEMPTED TO TRADE IN.. I USE TO LOVE AND TRUST THE VW REPUTATION:(( TIME TO CHANGE!! *TR
I HAVE EXPERIENCED MECHANICAL DEFECTS WITH THE POWER SLIDING DOOR FEATURE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE 2009 VW ROUTAN SE. THE DEFECT HAS BEEN REPAIRED A TOTAL OF FOUR TIMES SINCE ITS PURCHASE, TWICE BEFORE THE NHTSA SAFETY RECALL ON THE POWER SLIDING DOORS AND TWICE AFTER THE RECALL. THE DEFECTIVE POWER SLIDING DOORS HAVE UNLATCHED …
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I HAVE EXPERIENCED MECHANICAL DEFECTS WITH THE POWER SLIDING DOOR FEATURE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE 2009 VW ROUTAN SE. THE DEFECT HAS BEEN REPAIRED A TOTAL OF FOUR TIMES SINCE ITS PURCHASE, TWICE BEFORE THE NHTSA SAFETY RECALL ON THE POWER SLIDING DOORS AND TWICE AFTER THE RECALL. THE DEFECTIVE POWER SLIDING DOORS HAVE UNLATCHED AND OPENED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, EVEN AFTER THE POWER LOCKS ACTIVATE. IN ADDITION, THE SENSORS ON THE POWER SLIDING DOORS HAVE FAILED TO RETRACT, RESULTING IN HANDS BEING TRAPPED. LASTLY, I HAVE FOUND THE POWER SLIDING DOORS OPEN UPON RETURN TO THE VEHICLE AFTER CLOSING AND LOCKING IT. I HAVE EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS TO VW'S LOCAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND HAVE CONTACTED VW'S CUSTOMER CARE DEPARTMENT. I WAS INFORMED THAT AS LONG AS THIS DEFECT CAN BE REPAIRED THEY WOULD NOT ADMINISTER A REFUND OR REPLACEMENT. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE AND FEEL IT POSES A RISK TO MY TWO SMALL CHILDREN. *TR
ENGINE SHUTDOWN-RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING. DURING NORMAL DRIVING SPEED BETWEEN 15-25 MPH, ENGINE SHUTS DOWN (QUITS RUNNING) DURING TURNS (EITHER DIRECTION) . MALE DRIVER OF VEHICLE IS RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT , TRAINED IN EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, DURING FAILURE IT TAKES EXTREME EFFORT TO MAINTAIN PHYSICAL CONTROL OF VEHICL…
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ENGINE SHUTDOWN-RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING. DURING NORMAL DRIVING SPEED BETWEEN 15-25 MPH, ENGINE SHUTS DOWN (QUITS RUNNING) DURING TURNS (EITHER DIRECTION) . MALE DRIVER OF VEHICLE IS RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT , TRAINED IN EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, DURING FAILURE IT TAKES EXTREME EFFORT TO MAINTAIN PHYSICAL CONTROL OF VEHICLE TO BRING TO A STOP. VEHICLE WILL NOT RESTART WHEN SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL WHILE MOVING, IGNITION IS ON WHEN FAILURE OCCURS. VEHICLE CAN BE RESTARTED AFTER STOPPING AND PLACING IN PARK. CAN REOCCUR WITHOUT WARNING . VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP FOR A TOTAL OF THREE WEEKS AS OF THIS REPORT. FIRST DIAGNOSIS IS VEHICLE ESC SYSTEM (TROUBLE CODE FOR FAULTY SWITCH). NO RESULT. FAILED AGAIN. SECOND TROUBLE CODE INDICATES PROBLEM IN DASH ASSEMBLY - WAITING FOR PARTS EXPECT ANOTHER 6-10 DAYS FOR REPAIRS TO START. ADDITIONAL. WRITERS SPOUSE LOST CONTROL ON 2/24 - INTO DITCH LOST A TIRE. FURTHER INCIDENTS OF ENGINE SHUTDOWN OVER A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS DURING WHICH VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN DEALERSHIP FOR ANALYSIS UNTIL THIS LAST 3 WEEK PERIOD. AGAIN - DURING TURNS . THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF - NO POWER WITH LOST OF STEERING CONTROL- IN TURNS - LIVING IN WEST VIRGINIA - IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE TIRE AND REPLACED IT WITH THE SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE TIRE SENSOR VALVE HAD CORRODED CAUSING THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE TECHNICIANS STAT…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE TIRE AND REPLACED IT WITH THE SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE TIRE SENSOR VALVE HAD CORRODED CAUSING THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VALVE WAS REPLACED WITH A RUBBER VALVE INSTEAD OF THE ALUMINUM VALVE THAT WAS ORIGINALLY ON THE VEHICLE WHICH HAD A SENSOR ATTACHED TO IT. THE SENSOR WAS NOT REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
WHILE TRYING TO CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE, THE VALVE STEMS BROKE OFF ON TWO OF THE TIRES (ONE IN THE FRONT, ONE IN THE REAR) CAUSING THE TIRES TO DEFLATE COMPLETELY WITHIN 10 SECONDS. HAD THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THIS INCIDENT WOULD LIKELY HAVE RENDERED THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLE WITH POTENTIALLY SERIOUS CONSEQUENC…
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WHILE TRYING TO CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE, THE VALVE STEMS BROKE OFF ON TWO OF THE TIRES (ONE IN THE FRONT, ONE IN THE REAR) CAUSING THE TIRES TO DEFLATE COMPLETELY WITHIN 10 SECONDS. HAD THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THIS INCIDENT WOULD LIKELY HAVE RENDERED THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLE WITH POTENTIALLY SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PASSENGERS AND OTHERS. THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE VALVES BUT HAS ADVISED ME THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. SINCE MY VEHICLE IS PROBABLY NOT THE ONLY ONE AFFECTED I WILL TRY TO CARRY THIS TO A HIGHER LEVEL THROUGH MY DEALERSHIP. *TR
PREMATURE REAR BRAKE FAILURE. WITH 40K MILES THE REAR CALIPER LOCKED CAUSING BURNING OF THE PADS, AND REQUIRING COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF ALL REAR BRAKE COMPONENTS. *TR
BRAKES STARTED SHAKING AT AROUND 3,000 MILES. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE WARPED ROTORS CAUSED A SHIMMY THAT WAS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE. THE DEALER TURNED THE ROTORS AND WITHIN 500 MILES THEY EXHIBITED THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. THE DEALER THEN CHANGED ALL FOUR ROTORS. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 20,000 MILES AND IS SHOWING THE SAM…
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BRAKES STARTED SHAKING AT AROUND 3,000 MILES. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE WARPED ROTORS CAUSED A SHIMMY THAT WAS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE. THE DEALER TURNED THE ROTORS AND WITHIN 500 MILES THEY EXHIBITED THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. THE DEALER THEN CHANGED ALL FOUR ROTORS. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 20,000 MILES AND IS SHOWING THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. *TR
Official recalls
616V083000 · Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
Feb 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.
15V194000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch
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.
14V396000 · Electrical System:ignition
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.
14V055000 · SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED Axle Assembly
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.
10V252000 · Electrical System:wiring
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.
09V244000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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