Worst 2009 Volkswagen Routan Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Brakes
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2009 Volkswagen Routan.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 146 | — | 3 | 79,779 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 78 | — | — | 74,293 mi | |
| Brakes | 38 | — | — | 65,590 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 34 | 1 | 1 | 81,736 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 16 | — | — | 75,982 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 14 | — | — | 15,564 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 12 | — | — | 93,296 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 12 | — | — | 61,071 mi | |
| Structure:Body:Door | 10 | — | — | 26,206 mi | |
| Airbags | 7 | 2 | — | 88,084 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | — | — | 69,139 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | — | — | 24,750 mi | |
| Body Structure | 6 | — | — | 16,250 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | 1 | 130,225 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Automatic Transmission | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Valve | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Starter Assembly | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Volkswagen Routan. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2009 Volkswagen Routan
5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~56,271 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Volkswagen Routan Years
2009 Volkswagen Routan — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2009 Volkswagen Routan reliable?
What are common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
How safe is the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
Does the 2009 Volkswagen Routan have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Volkswagen Routan reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2009 Volkswagen Routan
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99