Engine
3.8L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 294 of 294 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 238 of 294 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
152 complaint records3 fire reports
"VEHICLE CONTINUES TO SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE MUST EITHER BE STOPPED AND RESTARTED OR PLACED IN NEUTRAL WHILE COASTING TO RESTART...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
83 complaint records
"VEHICLE CONTINUES TO SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE MUST EITHER BE STOPPED AND RESTARTED OR PLACED IN NEUTRAL WHILE COASTING TO RESTART...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Brakes
56 complaint records1 crash report
"PREMATURE REAR BRAKE FAILURE. WITH 40K MILES THE REAR CALIPER LOCKED CAUSING BURNING OF THE PADS, AND REQUIRING COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF ALL REAR BRAKE COMPONENTS. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16V083000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan vehicles manufactured February 7, 2008, to August 28, 2008. | Normally free |
| 15V194000 | Electrical System | 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. | Normally free |
| 14V396000 | Electrical System | 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. | Normally free |
| 14V055000 | Suspension | 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... | Normally free |
| 10V252000 | Electrical System | VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 ROUTAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2008 THROUGH JULY 2009. | Normally free |
| 09V244000 | Equipment | VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 18,500 MY 2009 ROUTAN VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016059 2016-02-05 | Airbag | 265 | On certain vehicles, a defect in the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) system could result in inadvertent airbag / seatbelt pretensioner deployment, or prevent airbags / seatbelt pretensioners from deploying when warranted. |
| 2014266 2014-07-02 | Electrical | 1,891 | On certain vehicles, the Wireless Ignition Node (a.k.a ignition switch) may allow the ignition key to inadvertently move from the ON position to the accessory (ACC) position while driving, causing the engine to shut off. |
| 2014031 2014-02-03 | Structure | 166 | On certain vehicles modified for wheelchair accessibility by the Liberty Motor Company Inc., the rear axle may fracture due to a combination of corrosion damage and operation on rough roads. |
| 2010191 2010-06-08 | Other | 1,690 | On certain vehicles equipped with power sliding doors, the sliding door wiring harness may have been routed improperly and chafe on the lower sliding door hinge bracket. |
| 2009208 2009-07-10 | Other | 1,882 | The owner's manual for certain vehicles was printed without the CMVSS 208 required information explaining that no objects should be placed over or near the airbag on the instrument panel, because any such objects could cause harm if the... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| VOS-26-21 Mar 2026 | Engine | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM... | |
| VOS-26-15 Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system... | |
| VOS-26-01 Jan 2026 | Electrical System | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and will output: | |
| V4016012043146_4 Nov 2025 | Suspension | What is and what is not a leaking suspension strut. | |
| V0017132033846_24 Jul 2025 | Engine | Fuel Additive |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| V4616012043146_3 Jul 2025 | Suspension | How to identify and when to replace a leaking strut | |
| V1917012022548_14 Feb 2025 | Engine | Identifying and Mixing Engine Coolant | |
| CampTip_RNA_VW Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available | |
| V3718022033975_13 Sep 2024 | Power Train | Fluid requirements | |
| TT 00-24-01 Sep 2024 | Structure | Wind & Water Leak Checking | |
| V691901201047916 Jan 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Airbag / Pyrotechnic Safety Belt Deployment Inquiries, update to contact information due to retirement. | |
| V871810204370421 Nov 2023 | Visibility | Reporting procedure for A/C compressor replacement regardless of the reason for failure. Update to model year applicability and new warranty GFF labor operation number | |
| V171901201285560 Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments. | |
| V4016012043146_2 Feb 2023 | Structure | Strut or Shock leak assessment. | |
| VWP-23-01 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This Document informs dealers on VWP-23-01 | |
| V691901201047915 Feb 2023 | Air Bags | VW contact when reporting a Airbag or Pyrotechnic safety belt deployment. Update to model year applicability. | |
| TT 91 23 01 Jan 2023 | Equipment | Radio knob replacement instead of radio replacement w/ knob part number. | |
| WLA-22-15 Nov 2022 | Forward Collision Avoidance | ACC Calibration Process | |
| V871810204370417 Nov 2022 | Visibility | A/C requirements, update to model year applicability. | |
| CT_batt_charger Aug 2022 | Electrical System | Minimum battery charger requirements during software updates | |
| V3718022033975_8 Jun 2022 | Power Train | Auto Trans fluid requirements. | |
| TT 13 20 01_2 May 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine oil pressure priming. | |
| TT 27-10-02_4 May 2022 | Electrical System | Battery Tester VAS 6161 introduction. | |
| A002155201173212 Dec 2021 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates. | |
| TT 01 21 03 Dec 2021 | Equipment | Explanation of error message received from scan tool when erasing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in Control Module -623- after repair. | |
| V691901201047914 Nov 2021 | Electrical System | Update to model year applicability. | |
| V871810204370416 Aug 2021 | Equipment | A/C Compressor replacement requirements, updated to include additional model year applicability. | |
| ELSAallignVW Apr 2021 | Equipment | Elsa2Go campaign information is now 100% aligned with ElsaPro. This update to Elsa2Go ensures that both systems are displaying the same campaign information, including OPEN/CLOSED status, repair date as well as criterions at the same time without any discrepancy. | |
| CustomerLetter Apr 2021 | Fuel System | 2009-2015 Model Year Volkswagen TDI® Clean Diesel Vehicles Registered in Minnesota | |
| CustomerLetterB Apr 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Warranty Extension for Intake Manifold & Fuel Injectors Certain 2008-2011 | |
| TT 00 13 04_6 Apr 2021 | Equipment | Parts ordering information | |
| TT 97 14 02 Jan 2021 | Back Over Prevention | Data link diagnostics and tips | |
| V871810204370415 Jan 2021 | Service Brakes | A/C requirements, update to title. | |
| SM C-2020 Dec 2020 | Equipment | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the part numbers listed (State of California only). | |
| V8720022061094-1 Oct 2020 | Equipment | Using Nitrogen to assist in finding A/C refrigerant leaks. | |
| TT 00 16 02-4 Oct 2020 | Steering | Mandatory fastener. | |
| TT 45 09 05-6 Sep 2020 | Equipment | Antilock brake function test direction. | |
| TT 45 09 05 Sep 2020 | Equipment | Antilock brake function test direction. | |
| V871810204370412 Aug 2020 | Equipment | Statement referring to TB 2043893 removed. To include additional models and model year applicability. A.C. Compressor Replacement, GFF Required Regardless of Concern and Flush Requirement | |
| VW Part Labels Aug 2020 | Equipment | Recall Reminder Part Labels | |
| TT 13 20 01 Aug 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Oil pressure priming after engine replacement or internal repair. | |
| TT 45 09 05ss2 Jul 2020 | Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) function test may not end on its own causing DTC. | |
| V0018052010380_8 Jun 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Update to include 2020-2021 model and model year applicability. | |
| VWALLMDLTRECHNS Apr 2020 | Equipment | Tire Chain Information (for California dealers only) All Model Years. Information only for all other dealers. | |
| Dealercomm200310 Mar 2020 | Equipment | Volkswagen After Sales Weekly Communication - March 10, 2020 | |
| V011812_2014603 Dec 2019 | Equipment | Update model applicability to MY 2020. | |
| V171901_2012855 Nov 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards. | |
| 0910RtnSrvXprs Nov 2019 | Equipment | Added: Torque Spec table | |
| V871810_2043704 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Update to mode; and model year applicability. | |
| V171901_2012855 Sep 2019 | Engine | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards. | |
| V001901_2040590 Sep 2019 | Equipment | Include additional photo's of water ingress. Also includes 2018-2020 Tiguan LWB | |
| TT 001202 Aug 2019 | Equipment | TT 001202........Also includes 2005 Jetta wagon and 2018-2020 Tiguan LWB | |
| QRUG08212019 Aug 2019 | Equipment | Quick Reference Update Guide. | |
| 30DayInvCklst Aug 2019 | Equipment | REMOVED all 12 hour wait period before starting references. ADDED EFB to "Select correct battery type" in bottom box. Also Jetta Wagon 2005 and 2018-2020 Tiguan LWB. | |
| V171901_2012855 Jul 2019 | Engine | Engine oil quality standards. Also includes all models for 1997-2003. Also Rabbit from 2006-2009. | |
| DCcampreminder May 2019 | Equipment | Campaign Reminder Communication. Also includes: 1998-2004 Beetle, 2003-2004 Beetle Convertible, 2019 Beetle Convertible, 1994-2004 Eurovan, 1994-2004 Golf, 1994-2004 Jetta, 2001-2004 Jetta Wagon, 2018-2019 Tiguan LWB, 1994-2004 Passat, 1994-2004 Passat Wagon, 2004 Phaeton,... | |
| SM 33-2019 Mar 2019 | Equipment | The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| TT 91 19 01 Mar 2019 | Electrical System | Alternative method for radio code retrieval. | |
| Gasoline Engine Feb 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Gasoline Engine Misfire Diagnosis document | |
| V271901-2011894 Feb 2019 | Electrical System | Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability. |
Showing 60 of 312 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volkswagen Routan →