This page covers 3 recalls, 240 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan.
18–20 mpg combined
11.8–13.1 L/100km
Minivan - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2010 Volkswagen Routan draws the heaviest complaint volume around its electrical system, which accounts for nearly half of all owner reports. Owners frequently describe instrument cluster failures, including gauges and warning lights behaving erratically or going dark entirely. Turn signals, speed control, and other electrical functions stopping unexpectedly are also common complaints. Battery drain is a recurring theme, with owners reporting repeated dead batteries tied to excessive parasitic draw from fuses associated with the ignition and HVAC circuits. The engine category is the second most reported area, where owners describe sudden stalling while driving, sometimes accompanied by the check engine and stability control lights illuminating. Several owners report this stalling happens repeatedly on the same vehicle. When the engine cuts out while moving, owners note the brake pedal becomes stiff and harder to press, since power assist is lost with the engine off.
240
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Volkswagen Routan has 3 recalls, all centering on the same ignition switch defect: the key can slip out of the run position while driving, cutting engine power and disabling airbags, power steering, and power brakes mid-trip.
When the key shifts unexpectedly to the accessory or off position, the engine shuts off without the driver intentionally doing so. Losing power steering means the wheel becomes significantly harder to turn, and losing power brake assist means the pedal requires much greater foot pressure to slow the vehicle. At the same time, the airbag system loses power, leaving occupants without that protection if a collision follows the sudden engine cutoff. The combined effect, reduced steering response, reduced braking ability, and inoperative airbags, raises the risk of a crash and increases the consequences if one occurs.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition switch may move out of the run position from road vibrations or jarring, causing the engine to shut off unexpectedly and disabling the airbag system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ignition switch and key fobs at no charge.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition switch may accidentally shift from ON to ACC while driving, causing the engine to shut off and loss of power to the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wireless ignition node module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition key may unintentionally shift from the Run position to Accessory position while driving, causing the engine to shut off.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the WIN module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
