Is the 2009 Volkswagen Routan reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen Routan have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2009 Volkswagen Routan

○ Not enough data

2009 Volkswagen Routan
BUILT 2026-10-10

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 293
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2009: 293 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2008	3
2009	293
2010	240
2011	175
2012	63
2013	7
2014	2

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

52% · 151 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and wiring.

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Power sliding doors actuate on own, without warning, both open and close with no regard to humans or object in the path. Door handles chrome delamination causing severe cuts.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-22

Also filed under Seats and structure

Volkswagen dealership does not want to fulfill the recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-23

The car does not start after a stop. It takes hours before it restarts. Replaced battery, starter still same issue. Many other vw Routan owners have the same issue. The car has power but something is messed up in this car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-16

Engine

27% · 78 reports

Service brakes

19% · 56 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHINJURY

Steering

12% · 34 reports

CRASHFIRE

Power train

7% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2009-07-31Equipment09V244000 Volkswagen is recalling 18,500 my 2009 Routan vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant crash protection." The owner's manual…

Remedy: Dealers will send an owner's manual insert containing the required air bag information for owner installation or dealers will install in the event the owner prefers assistance from the dealer. The…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-10-15Electrical system10V252000 Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 Routan vehicles manufactured from June 2008 through July 2009. These vehicles may have been built with an improper routed wire harness that may have…

Remedy: Volkswagen will inspect the sliding door wire track wire assembly and the sliding door power drive unit wire assembly for damage, repair/replace as necessary, tie strap the two harnesses together…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-04-01Suspension14V055000 Freedom Motors Inc., (Freedom Motors) of Savaria Vehicle Group (formerly The Liberty Motor Company) is recalling one model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan and certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country wheelchair...

Remedy: Freedom Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected axles, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2014. Owners can contact Freedom Motors at 1-800-561-9600. Freedom Motors' number for this recall is ENGF0216-3.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-06-23Electrical system15V194000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-12-12Air bags16V083000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan vehicles manufactured February 7, 2008, to August 28, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.

Remedy: VW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

Date not on fileElectrical system14V396000 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.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will modify the ignition switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1- 800-822-8987. An interim notice was mailed to owners on August 29, 2014.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Volkswagen Routan — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 151 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 78 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 56 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V396000 · Electrical system
Recall 09V244000 · Equipment
Recall 10V252000 · Electrical system
Recall 14V055000 · Suspension
Recall 15V194000 · Electrical system
Recall 16V083000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Routan reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen Routan have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.