VehicleVerdict

2010 Volkswagen Routan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 359 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median Routan year — the 2010 model ranks #2 of 7 Routan years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 45% of all reports (160 of 359), far ahead of engine at 50.

359

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Routan years?

Routan NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted460 complaints2008: 3 complaints2009: 460 complaints2010: 359 complaints2011: 302 complaints2012: 115 complaints2013: 8 complaints2014: 2 complaints
Routan NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Routan years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Volkswagen Routan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System16045%
Engine5014%
Brakes278%
Steering236%
Transmission226%
Other195%
Body & Structure113%
Tires & Wheels103%
Lighting93%
Speed Control62%
Visibility & Wipers62%
Fuel System62%
Airbags41%
Latches & Locks31%
Suspension21%
Seats10%

Does the 2010 Volkswagen Routan have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V194000Electrical SystemApril 1, 2015 · 20,676 units

Defect

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

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.

11V151000Electrical SystemMarch 1, 2011 · 12,612 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

The contact owned a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the vehicle independently caught on fire. There was no crash nor injury due to the fire. The air bags did not deploy. The fire department was contacted and was able to extinguish the fire. A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 1, 2021 · fire

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR, ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS NOW, THE ENGINE HAS SHUT OFF. THE CAR REMAINS ON BUT THE GAS AND STEERING DO NOT WORK. THE MOST RECENT TIME I HAD TO QUICKLY PULL TO THE SIDE AS I WAS DRIVING 35MPH. I SEE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR OUR MAKE AND MODEL BUT WHEN WE'RE CALLING VW, THEY ARE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 3, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS FAILURES. THE REAR ROTORS BECAME WARPED NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE ROTORS FOUR TIMES. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE ABRUPTLY WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED FROM…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 25, 2011 · fire

MY VAN SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING FOR THE FOURTH TIME. I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP AT A LIGHT AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY NOW THAN BEFORE (WITH 3 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH). MY VAN IS NOT INCLUDED IN WIN MODULE RECALL AS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 9, 2018

VEHICLE STATIONARY IN PARK. GEAR SLIPPED AND CAR DROVE BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL, STOPPED, THEN SLIPPED INTO DRIVE AND DROVE ITSELF INTO LAKE. MY DOG CRATED IN BACK. SHE DROWNED. INCLINE WAS SLIGHT. GRAVEL. ASHE COUNTY PARK JEFFERSON NC. I WAS OUTSIDE THE CAR TRYING TO CRATE MY OTHER DOG WHEN THIS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 19, 2017 · crash

2010 Volkswagen Routan — common questions

Is the 2010 Volkswagen Routan reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 359 complaints put the 2010 model at #2 of 7 Routan years. It is one of the Routan years to avoid.

What are the most common 2010 Routan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (160 complaints), engine (50 complaints), brakes (27 complaints).

Does the 2010 Volkswagen Routan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Volkswagen Routan. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volkswagen Routan years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Routan years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2011. The cleanest record among Routan years belongs to 2014.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.