Volkswagen Routan grinding brakes problems

Filed Jun 4, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 79,500 miles · PA

Had to replace right rear wheel bearing at approximately 60,000 miles. Had to replace left rear wheel bearing at 80,500 miles. Both wheel bearings were making grinding noises. Rack and pinion hydraulic line cracked at elbow and had to be replaced. Rack and pinion problem occurred while driving close to home. Lost all steering in driveway.

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 Apr 27, 2018 · Wheels · 177,000 miles · AE

Our van was in motion on the highway after an almost 2 hour drive on the highway. Loud noise, screeching, shake/vibration and a large bang and the van dropped. Upon stopping and inspecting we found the right front and left rear bolts had completely sheered completely off both wheels while driving on the highway. We were able to coast to side of road and and the wheel hubs were resting on the inside of the rim. The wheel hubs have destroyed the inside of the rims, the heat created from the grinding has melted the vw emblem on the rim. The right front tire had also come to rest on the right fender. The right rear tire was out of alignment/proper positioning however our visual inspection and lack of experience I cannot determing if these bolts are also starting to breakdown or the incident may have caused a drive shaft/axle damage.

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 May 20, 2014 · Brakes · 21,000 miles · ID

After buying my certified routan and only putting around a 1000 miles on it the steering wheel would start to shake when braking at a speed of 40mph or faster. Took the car to the dealership and was told the front brakes need to be replaced. At first they said it would not be covered under warranty because it may have been caused by me pushing to hard on the brakes. Completely bull. They finally said it would be covered under warranty. Now at 31,000 the back brakes are squeaky and need to be replaced. Called the dealership and was told the same thing that the brakes are not covered under warranty but as before the brakes should last much longer. Taking it in tomorrow to have the brakes inspected. Hopefully will be covered.

Filed Apr 30, 2012 · Engine, Locks · 2,000 miles · IA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen routan. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted a squeaking noise when stopping. The vehicle also jerked intermittently. In addition, the front passenger door opened on its own and would not lock automatically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failures. The dealer performed a diagnostic test and was unable to diagnose the failure. The dealer stated that the vehicle was performing to specifications. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,000 and the current mileage was 7,465.

Filed Jan 15, 2012 · Brakes, Electrical · 2,800 miles · MO

Purchased the vehicle from the dealership in april 2011. We took a family vacation in june and noticed that the vehicle shut itself off a few times while in motion; causing the vehicle to lose power and all steering. On the same trip, when using the key fob, the entire electrical system would freeze and shut itself off. It eventually turns back on after 5 or so minutes. The wynn module was replaced. Before departing for the vacation, we had brake issues with them making a grinding noise and , sometimes no stopping power. Dealer replaced rotors. The passenger slider doors have issues. When closing, the door's safety mechanism would not back track the doors when it hit something coming or going into/out of the vehicle. The door shut on my son! The vehicle has been to the dealership more times than a new vehicle should.... Did I mention that we still have brake issues and electrical issues. It seems that all the dealership can say is that we cannot duplicate the situation. Each time that the vehicle goes to the dealer, they have it for a week or more! I have owned chrysler/dodge products before this and this is why I went to a vw. Needless to say, I didn't do my homework before purchasing. It seems that this vw is a "chrysler". As of today, 15 january, I am looking into the "lemon law" and possibly seeking legal action. Something needs to be done. Why do we have to wait until this vw vehicle causes serious damage to property, person and maybe even death before the federal safety agency looks into the vw situations?

Filed Aug 24, 2011 · Engine, Steering · 4,000 miles · AL

Had the van less than 3 months and took it in for service - brakes squeaking and steering pulling to right w/only 4k miles. Found out steering boot was "disintegrated" and needed to be replaced, along with steering pump and related parts. Dealership had no explanation as to why the damage occurred or what could have caused it. My van was in the shop for 28 days waiting for available parts and completing repairs. I have only had my van back a week and it's pulling to the right again. Also, A/C doesn't cool consistently - fades in and out.