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2010 Volkswagen Routan problems

The most common problem on the 2010 Volkswagen Routan is electrical system, typically around 80,000 miles. It has 3.8 times the complaints of a typical Routan model year.

Year to avoid3.8x the typical complaints
Year score
27/100
Owner complaints
240
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
377
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
18-20mpg

The worst 2010 Volkswagen Routan problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 Volkswagen Routan

Stalling 68Won't start 26Check engine light 17Loss of power 17Power steering loss 17Key fob 14Wipers 10Headlights 8Warning lights 8Jerking 7ABS 5Engine failure 5

Recalls 2

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported April 1, 2015 · 20,676 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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 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.
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.

Recall number 15V194000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported March 1, 2011 · 12,612 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
An engine shutting off suddenly while driving could increase the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 11V151000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan

Technical service bulletins for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan 377

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 377 bulletins for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan

2010 Volkswagen Routan fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.0L 6‑cylFWD172520
3.8L 6‑cylFWD162318

What 2010 Volkswagen Routan owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 20, 2026 · Electrical · WA

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.

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · OR

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 11V151000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jan 29, 2025 · Electrical · PA

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!!!!!

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · IL

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.

Filed Feb 12, 2024 · Acceleration, Brakes · PA

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.

Filed Oct 7, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · ME

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).

Filed Jul 13, 2023 · Engine · 155,000 miles · IN

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.

Filed Apr 21, 2023 · Electrical · KY

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?

Filed Mar 28, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · 95,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Mar 22, 2023 · Airbags · 98,153 miles · NC

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.

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2010 Volkswagen Routan

Is the 2010 Volkswagen Routan reliable?

Owners have filed 240 complaints about the 2010 Volkswagen Routan, 3.8 times a typical Routan model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2010 Volkswagen Routan year score?

The 2010 Volkswagen Routan scores 27 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen Routan: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Volkswagen Routan?

Electrical system, with 150 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is engine (50).

How many recalls does the 2010 Volkswagen Routan have?

2 recalls, covering electrical system.

Was there a recall on the 2010 Volkswagen Routan electrical?

Yes, 2 recalls: 15V194000, 11V151000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Volkswagen Routan have the most electrical problems?

The Volkswagen Routan model years with the most electrical complaints are 2009 (151 complaints), 2010 (150 complaints) and 2011 (111 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2010 Volkswagen Routan get?

Official estimates for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan range from 18 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.0L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 25 highway.

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