NHTSA vehicle safety data

2010 Volkswagen Routan Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2010 Volkswagen Routan has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 240 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volkswagen dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2010 Volkswagen Routan owner complaints

Owners have filed 240 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Volkswagen Routan, describing incidents dated February 22, 2010 to January 24, 2025.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 150 complaints
Engine 50 complaints
Service Brakes 27 complaints
Steering 23 complaints
Power Train 22 complaints
Unknown or Other 18 complaints

Of the 240 complaints on file, 5 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 240 complaints, owners report 12 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11712238 · Filed January 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the turn signal and the speed control failed to function as designed. The vehicle was taken to an…
ODI #11653263 · Filed April 7, 2025
The contact was helping her friend who owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine and stability control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring…
ODI #11639386 · Filed January 29, 2025
On 01/24/25 around 9pm I was leaving a friend house headed home. I took the i76 route home because it's faster. As I'm getting off on my exit, coming up on the first stop sign I start pressing down on the break pedal and all of a sudden the car engine shuts off and comes to a sudden seizure like…

Read all 240 complaints

Owner-reported

2010 Volkswagen Routan mileage at failure

196 of the 240 complaints on file for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Electrical System	Median 85,000 miles	Middle half 50,000–115,000 miles	Based on 118 complaints
Engine	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–90,000 miles	Based on 40 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

Ignition Switch may Turn Off

NHTSA #15V194000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported April 1, 2015 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 20,676 vehicles

Repair completion: 59.97% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 28H1 · Owners notified June 23, 2015 · Vehicles built October 1, 2009 – August 11, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

IGNITION SWITCH

NHTSA #11V151000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported March 1, 2011 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Potentially affected: 12,612 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign 28G1/U8 · Owners notified June 15, 2011 · Vehicles built October 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

AN ENGINE SHUTTING OFF SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

VOLKSWAGEN SAFETY RECALL NO. 28G1/U8.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

2010 Volkswagen Routan w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

240 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan.

Electrical System

ODI #11712238

Incident: January 20, 2024 · Filed: January 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the turn signal and the speed control failed to function as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The failure was troubleshooted; however, the failure was not diagnosed. In addition, the vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the failure was not diagnosed. The contact stated that neither the independent mechanic nor the dealer was able to diagnose or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that after researching, the vehicle was known for electrical system failures. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Electrical System

ODI #11653263

Incident: March 7, 2024 · Filed: April 7, 2025

The contact was helping her friend who owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine and stability control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was built by another manufacturer. The contact was then referred to another dealer. The contact was advised by the 2nd dealer that the vehicle should be taken back to the first dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V151000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Electrical System

ODI #11639386

Incident: January 24, 2025 · Filed: January 29, 2025

On 01/24/25 around 9pm I was leaving a friend house headed home. I took the i76 route home because it's faster. As I'm getting off on my exit, coming up on the first stop sign I start pressing down on the break pedal and all of a sudden the car engine shuts off and comes to a sudden seizure like halt. I put on my hazards lights instantly, put the car in park and proceeded to to start the car again. After like 10 failed start attempts. I decided to give it a rest and that's when I realized that there key would not come out the ignition, I had to turn the ignition back and forth twice before it was released. After that I waited about 25 minutes, and have it another shot but this time I stepped on the gas while attempting to start the car and it came back on. I went home parked and since that day the car won't turn over but everything still comes on. There are no codes, showing, no damage to the car at all it's still pretty much new. Vw says there nothing they can do because my vin is not on the recall list but I'm literally experiencing the same mechanical issued that are listed on the recall for my exact model. Can someone please offer me a solution that doesn't involve me paying for an issue that is listed on recall for free repair!!!!!

Electrical System; Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11624687

Incident: November 12, 2024 · Filed: November 12, 2024

I bought this van just a few weeks ago. One day I was driving and all a sudden it lost power while in motion. This has happened 4xs so far. It could've resulted in the inability to stop my vehicle as the brakes are stiff after the power & engine stop working. It could've resulted in either I hit someone or someone could've hit me. My cousins husband had a town and country that did this & it was on a recall for the ignition switch failure. He's a mechanic. He has also stated what is going on is the ignition switch failure going into accessory mode while I'm driving. It's available to be inspected I just don't have the money to have it inspected at this point by a dealership.

Electrical System; Vehicle Speed Control; Service Brakes

ODI #11571385

Incident: February 10, 2024 · Filed: February 12, 2024

Battery failure due to parasitic draw from Ignition IOD fuse ( J13fuse) reads 0.9 draw and M11 fuse ( hvac system) reads 0.6 draw. First occurrence 2/10/24 and second occurrence 2/11/24. Informed auto repair shop on 2/12/24 and goes in for diagnostic 2/15/24. Abs control module failure( intermittent ) Egr valve replacement (8/9/24 due to overheating but no warning lights due to overheating was displayed which is strange) Speed control sensor was replaced as well 8/9/24 but still has problems getting stuck or not reading the right speed . Consumes fuel faster than normal as well . Getting about 9 miles to the gallon.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting; Unknown or Other

ODI #11548783

Incident: July 1, 2023 · Filed: October 7, 2023

All electrical gauges randomly go on and off, there is a continuous beeping to go along with it, the windshield wipers will go on and off. It seems to happen more in the summer or if it’s raining. It will occasionally stall while doing this, especially in a stationary position (like at a drive through).

Engine

ODI #11531999

Incident: July 10, 2023 · Filed: July 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the vehicle was started and driven to her destination; however, after arriving at her destination she attempted to shut off the vehicle, but the vehicle remained running. The contact stated that she disconnected the battery to shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

Electrical System

ODI #11518208

Incident: April 1, 2023 · Filed: April 21, 2023

The key for the key switch is loose and can fall out in any position. Can come out in the off ; start; run; all positions. The van falls within the right timeline for the key switch replacement recall; but I am told it does not have the right vin #. Can you explain to me why I can not get my defected switch replaced and others can? My vin number does not determine if the switch is bad?

Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11514168

Incident: January 1, 2023 · Filed: March 28, 2023

The contact's son owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently fail to start after multiple attempts, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that they no longer serviced the model vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Air Bags

ODI #11513218

Incident: February 15, 2023 · Filed: March 22, 2023

The contacts husband owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the air bag safety light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed with the air bag and air bag clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,153.

Other Volkswagen Routan model years

Check your 2010 Volkswagen Routan VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Volkswagen Routan at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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