repaired · 2018 Q1
Air bags: frontal
Risk. 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.
2009 Volkswagen RoutanProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 294 owner complaints about the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-055 the manufacturer reports only 32% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 26, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Volkswagen Routan has problems
294 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
151Electrical system5 crash/fire/injury
78Engine
38Service brakes
34Steering2 crash/fire/injury
20Power train
18Structure
15Service brakes, hydraulic
12Wheels
12Electronic stability control (ESC)
6619 other systems9 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 151 | 5 |
| Engine | 78 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 38 | 0 |
| Steering | 34 | 2 |
| Power train | 20 | 3 |
| Structure | 18 | 3 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 15 | 1 |
| Wheels | 12 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 12 | 0 |
| 19 other systems | 66 | 9 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2009 Volkswagen Routan recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q3
Ignition: switch
Risk. 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…
no report yet
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2015 Q3
Axle: non-powered axle assembly
Risk. Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.
Show 2 more recalls
no report yet
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN OVERHEATED LATCH AND A FIRE WITHIN THE REAR SLIDING DOOR COULD OCCUR.
no report yet
Other: owners/service/other manual
Risk. 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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
74kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 120 electrical system complaints. 73% were reported before 100,000 miles.
10under 30k miles87under 100k miles33100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other Routan year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Routan median. How we score
'09'10'11'12'13'14
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Volkswagen Routan safety ratings
2009 Volkswagen Routan w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Routan owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V194000 (Electrical System); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not available. The local dealer was contacted to schedule the recall repair, but the part remained unavailable.…
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V194000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. No…
While driving the vehicle flashed several of the dashboard waring lights, starting dinging and then stopped, started flashing and dinging again then the vehicle completely turned off. I was able to pull over out of traffic but the vehicle would not restart. None of the interior lights would come…
Own a 2009 Routan?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.