2009 Volkswagen Routan: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Oct 5, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · 145,000 miles · VA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 volkswagen routan. While driving 60 MPH, the contact detected a burning odor without warning. In addition, the contact observed smoke outside and inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the instrument panel, headlights, and radio failed to work. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over, opened the hood, and saw no sign of a fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wire from the ignition switch to the starter had failed (burned) and needed to be replaced. Also, the power steering line failed and leaked. The independent mechanic stated that there were so many electrical failures with the vehicle and recommended her to contact the federal safety agency. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 15v194000 and 14v396000 (electrical system: ignition switch). The failure mileage was 145,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2016 · Electrical · 127,000 miles · FL

All icons on instrument panel light up causing wipers to deploy, loss of radio/GPS, high beam headlights, turn signals, fog lights and preventing the unlocking of rear doors. Problem was diagnosed by port charlotte vw specialist as tipm failure. This failure occurs when in motion and when ignition is turned on.

Filed Sep 28, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 71,397 miles · AZ

My key has been sticking in the ignition intermittently. Usually I have to turn the car back on turn the wheel, put it in gear and back in park, one or both of those things usually frees the key from the acc mode and allows me to remove it from the ignition. Today, I went to start the van and it is dead. Click. That is all it does. It does not appear the battery is dead, as the headlights and interior lights come on, the door dings, the mileage comes up, etc. There is a recall for something involving the ignition, but I have not been informed by vw yet as to a repair. I have sent in four prior complaints concerning this vehicle. I bought it used 7/2010 from carmax. It is unreliable and dangerous to have on the road. The entire brake system needs repaired every 7,000 miles following a sudden caliper seize, the van has numerous electrical issues that cause the car to just stop. One day I heard it running in my garage. I cant rule out one of my children messing with the fob, however, I have difficulty with the remote starter myself? (click2x&hold) I do not feel safe with this vehicle. I will not drive my children long distances or travel roads with them that require speeds over 40 MPH. The van died while I was driving it 55-60mph on a busy highway, the vw dealership said it was not a recall issue. I clearly see it is a recall issue for some routans, my receipt reads exactly as the side door harness recall is stated. I will be working with vw to request reimbursement, however, I don't feel that is good enough. There is a major problem here. I am lucky myself or my children have not been hurt. In hindsight of the gm ignition recall, I would be amiss to think a car company has my best interest in mind. I am hoping my government does.

Filed Sep 27, 2014 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 54,694 miles · AZ

While driving in jacksonville florida on highway, wipers suddenly came on, all idiot lights began to blink, headlights began flashing off and on, beeping sound like when door is open, the van suddenly died and I was unable to brake, steer or control vehicle. The van was towed to vw dealership the problem was found to be the sliding door harness which was interfering with normal operation of the electrical system. Replaced sliding door harness and failed battery. When I questioned the faulty part possibly being a recall issue I was told it was not. Cost=$624.48 + rental car. *it is important to note here that I had just crossed over a very long large bridge. If I had been going uphill when the van suddenly died I am certain I would have caused an accident inflicting injury or possibly death to either myself or another motorist, as there is no shoulder on the bridge and I was traveling at 55-60mph. I could not control the vehicle. This is clearly an issue with these mini vans. Thank god I was traveling to work and did not have my children in the van as I waited 2&1/2 hours for a tow.

Filed Sep 11, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 84,000 miles · TX

My wife took our 2009 vw routan minivan to a vw dealership today to repair inoperable electronic door locks and faulty headlights (separate complain filed), at which time she was informed of an ignition problem recall. The ignition part was placed on order and my wife was told the part had to be shipped from out of state and should arrive within five days. My wife asked, and was informed the vehicle was safe to operate; however, I looked up the recall when I got home from work and discovered the recall specifically states the engine can shut of during operation due to added weight from other keys or key rings on the vw key fob. According to the recall, dealership and maintenance personnel are supposed to inform customers to remove added keys from the fob. My wife had keys on her fob which the dealer mechanic had in his hand during inspections, but the mechanic never informed her of the risk, and allowed her to jeopardize her life by driving the vehicle without the required safety information.

Filed Sep 11, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 83,900 miles · TX

The electronic door (side panel, passenger, and driver) door locks stopped working. At about the same time our front headlights began to intermittently go out during operation of the vehicle, and then stopped working altogether. The vehicle was submitted to the dealership and customer was informed that the headlight ballast was worn out and had to be replaced. Parts were ordered and when the vehicle was taken in for said ballast replacement another mechanic stated this was not a ballast issue since the headlights appeared to turn on during ignition, but then stopped working shortly afterwards. We had to wait until the next day for a dealer electrician to look at the vehicle. The electrician determined a corroded control panel was causing a short and likely causing door the headlight, as well as other issues such as incorrect tire pressure and speed indications and possible fire. No water was introduced to the vehicle, so my question is how does a control panel corrode unless there is a faulty voltage issue and electrical design defect? The mechanic indicated the dealer gets a lot of these issues on the routan but there is no recall so they charge $900 for the replacement panel. Vw knows of this issue that their own mechanics indicate can start electrical fires! The company should be investigated.