2009 Volkswagen Routan: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Oct 12, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 129,000 miles · IL

I just purchased the 2009 volkswagen routan. I have had it 3 weeks it randomly died when test driving the van and all the alarms and lights came on. We just thought I didn't have the fob in right. Then it started to randomly not start, even the remote start will not work. The lights, radio, alarm, windows and door locks work like they normally should. Usually if I wait like 20 minutes and keep trying the key (taking it out of the ignition and reinserting it) until it starts. The check engine light came on for 7 days. Thursday 10/10/2019 nothing worked let it sit overnight and still nothing tried to jump it and it finally started. Took to place I purchased jd byrider in janesville, wi and they believe it was the starter because it was not turning and it was replaced on 10/11/2019. Then 2 hours later the car again would not start again. The dealer came to rescue me and we tried the actual key and at first it didn't work, we pushed the gas and it as as the gas pedal got stuck for about 30 seconds but started. Then driving down route 26 from johnson creek, wi to janesville, wi, it was making squeaking noises from the engine. We could hear it through the heating vents. Then the tire pressure warning light came on and it kept dinging. When I got to janesville, I checked the tire pressure on all the tires and it was fine. Because I live in rockford, il, I drove down i90 and the car at times started shaking like it was going died. Again, today it won't start not even with an actual key. Also, the driver side passenger door lock is not working and had to have a part ordered. The vehicle has 129,000 miles.

Filed May 19, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 51,496 miles · AZ

The first incident with a "clunking" noise of the transmission began on 7/10/2014 at 51,496 miles. When shifting from reverse to drive car makes a "clunking" noise and jerks the car forward. It was noted by dealership after a test drive no faults found. On 3/19/15 at 58,611 miles car returned to dealership. Same clunking and grinding noises. Faults: p0868, p1790 & p0944. Pressure readings to low in TCM control wires. Transmission to be replaced per dealership. Findings: under drive clutches worn out, sungears and assembly damaged with metal metal fragments. On 4/30/2015 and 59,215 miles, car returned to dealership for same grinding and clunking noises. Dealership performed another "quick learn test." as of 5/19/2015 and 60,001 miles, transmission is still grinding and clunking on occasion during acceleration and/or transmission shift from reverse to drive. The vehicle also randomly "stalls" while at stoplights/stop-signs with no normal frequency. Even with a new transmission, same issues are still surrounding this car. Thanks.

Filed Sep 27, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · 57,311 miles · AZ

While driving in phoenix az the van began to shake and steering became difficult. (this has happened in the past multiple times intermittently). Later the same evening brakes began to squeak and grind. Until this day the only issue had been the intermittent shaking while braking. There was no squeaking prior to the grinding. Right rear caliper was replaced along with all front/rear brakes rotors drums and hardware. Cost=$780.55.

Filed Sep 27, 2014 · Brakes · 64,680 miles · AZ

While driving approx 30-35mph, my van began to smell hot and smoke began to rise from the right front wheel well. I had two of my three children with me. I frantically told my 14 yr old son who was in the front passenger seat to get to the back and help his four yr old sister out of her car seat (we were still moving) I pulled into a parking lot and had them quickly exit the left sliding door of the van. Later that evening I went back to retrieve the van alone and as soon as the van began to move it made the most horrible grinding noise I have ever heard. I immediately knew it was a seized brake caliper, (not because I am a mechanic. I am a speech therapist). I knew because approx 4 months prior the van made the exact same sound with no warning when the right rear caliper seized and both front and back brakes were replaced! =$780). I drove to the closest brake shop where it was repaired the next day. Cost=$733.68. I travel as a speech therapist. I was in jacksonville beach, fl during this fiasco. The prior brake repair was done in phoenix, az so I could not use the same company or question the warranty. It clearly isn't a warranty issue. Am I to believe it is normal to replace the entire brake system including rotors, drums, pads, discs, calipers, bushings, pin boots, etc,,, every 7,000 miles?? I think not. I didn't even know all those words until I purchased a routan. Something is wrong. These vans are dangerous. I will not drive my children long distances or on the interstate in the van, which I purchased because we don't all fit in the corolla. I am asking vw to reimburse me. We will see how that goes. Thank goodness all I have lost is money.

Filed Jan 20, 2011 · Body, Brakes · 5,000 miles · FL · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 volkswagen routan. While the vehicle was parked with the key in the ignition, the rear door opened and would not close. The contact turned the vehicle off and restarted it; the door then closed. She stated that once a child's hands got caught in the rear door. The vehicle was taken to two authorized dealers seven times; once the dealer vacuumed the channels where the pulleys were located. The doors hesitated after but did not stay open. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for brake issues as the brakes were grinding and was informed that the rear drums and rotors needed to be replaced. The transmission hesitated and the seams were separating on the rear portion of the front seats. The vehicle had not been repaired. There were five recalls for the vehicle but the repairs had not been performed. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000 and the current mileage was 26,000.