Volkswagen Routan Recalls

The Volkswagen Routan has 13 recalls covering the 2008–2012 production run, with the most serious being an ignition switch defect on 2009–2010 models where the key can slip from the run position to accessory while driving, shutting off the engine and disabling power steering, power brakes, and airbags.

The 2012 model year has a separate chassis concern: a small number of vehicles built in a narrow window in November 2011 may have right rear hub and bearing assemblies that were not fully machined, which can reduce durability and lead to wheel separation while driving.

The 2009 model year carries the heaviest recall load. The wiring harness for the power sliding door on 2009 vehicles can chafe against the lower hinge bracket, wear through the insulation, and start a fire inside the door assembly. On early 2009 production, the airbag control unit can corrode and fail, preventing airbag deployment in a crash. A separate 2009 issue involves the occupant restraint control system, which can either fire the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners without a crash or fail to fire them when needed. Two 2009 compliance recalls address owner's manuals printed without required warnings about placing objects near the dashboard airbag, which can turn loose items into projectiles if the airbag deploys.

The 2008 model year has one recall specific to vehicles modified for wheelchair accessibility by Liberty Motor Company: the rear axle can fracture under a combination of corrosion and rough-road stress, affecting vehicle handling and raising the risk of a crash.