DRIVERS SIDE SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. I'VE TRIED ALL KINDS OF WAYS TO OPEN IT AND IT WILL NOT BUDGE. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING, CAR SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING.
2010 Volkswagen Routan
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Routan years
Owner complaints for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan are substantially higher than the model-year median of 63.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Routan years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
198 reports with mileage · 42 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 150 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
11 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 40 MPH. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN BEING OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HILEY VOLKSWAGEN OF ARLINGTON (1461 E INTERSTATE 20, ARLINGTON, TX 76018, (817) 575-6000) …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 40 MPH. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN BEING OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HILEY VOLKSWAGEN OF ARLINGTON (1461 E INTERSTATE 20, ARLINGTON, TX 76018, (817) 575-6000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DOOR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY; HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR DID NOT LOCK IN OPEN POSITION. INSTEAD, IT OPENED ALMOST ALL THE WAY AND THEN IMMEDIATELY BEGAN CLOSING AGAIN. I WAS ALREADY REACHING INTO THE VAN AT THAT POINT AND HAD TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY QUICKLY AFTER APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE DOOR TO KEEP IT FROM CLOSING ON ME DIDN'T WORK. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 3 OTHER…
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AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR DID NOT LOCK IN OPEN POSITION. INSTEAD, IT OPENED ALMOST ALL THE WAY AND THEN IMMEDIATELY BEGAN CLOSING AGAIN. I WAS ALREADY REACHING INTO THE VAN AT THAT POINT AND HAD TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY QUICKLY AFTER APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE DOOR TO KEEP IT FROM CLOSING ON ME DIDN'T WORK. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 3 OTHER OCCASIONS. VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A VW DEALERSHIP UNDER WARRANTY. THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE BUT STATED IT WAS A KNOWN GLITCH. IT TOOK A LOT OF FORCE FROM ME AS AN ADULT TO TRY TO STOP THE DOOR FROM CLOSING. WE HAVE 3 CHILDREN THAT RIDE REGULARLY IN OUR VAN. "KNOWN GLITCH" IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. *TR
ON 1/7/13 WE WERE SIMPLY TRYING TO OPEN THE REAR POWER LIFT GATE USING THE REMOTE AND OVERHEAD BUTTON TO NO AVAIL. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED TO FIND OUT THAT THE REAR DECK LID LIFT GATE DRIVE UNIT CHAIN (PART#51528) BROKE THUS CAUSING THE POWER LIFT GATE OF OUR ROUTAN SE TO BE INOPERABLE. AFTER 3YRS AND BARELY 7 MONTHS OF NORMAL US…
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ON 1/7/13 WE WERE SIMPLY TRYING TO OPEN THE REAR POWER LIFT GATE USING THE REMOTE AND OVERHEAD BUTTON TO NO AVAIL. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED TO FIND OUT THAT THE REAR DECK LID LIFT GATE DRIVE UNIT CHAIN (PART#51528) BROKE THUS CAUSING THE POWER LIFT GATE OF OUR ROUTAN SE TO BE INOPERABLE. AFTER 3YRS AND BARELY 7 MONTHS OF NORMAL USE, WE ARE APPALLED THAT THIS CHAIN FOR THE POWER LIFT GATE WOULD SUDDENLY BREAK FOR NO LOGICAL REASON. WHAT IS MORE SHOCKING, THE PRICE FOR THIS PART IS $1,100 EXCLUDING LABOR. THIS IS THE QUOTE THAT WAS GIVEN TODAY BY KING VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE DEPARTMENT. *TR
BOUGHT THE VAN IN FEBRUARY 2012 SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 11 TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION,ROTORS,AND MY PASSENGER SLIDING DOORS THEY OPEN AUTOMATICALLY. NOW ITS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE AND WE BOUGHT EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THIS PART THE PLASTIC Y PART THAT CONTEXTS TWO HOSES THEY SAY ISN'T COVERED AND WANTS US TO PAY 450$ TO DO IT..…
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BOUGHT THE VAN IN FEBRUARY 2012 SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 11 TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION,ROTORS,AND MY PASSENGER SLIDING DOORS THEY OPEN AUTOMATICALLY. NOW ITS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE AND WE BOUGHT EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THIS PART THE PLASTIC Y PART THAT CONTEXTS TWO HOSES THEY SAY ISN'T COVERED AND WANTS US TO PAY 450$ TO DO IT..THE VAN HAS 38,035 MILES WE BOUGHT IT WITH 18,563 MILES HOW CAN THIS VEHICLE HAVE THIS MANY PROBLEMS? MY POWER DOORS I BELIEVE IF THEY OPEN WHEN YOUR PUMPING GAS ISN'T RIGHT. *TR
WHILE MY 3 YEAR OLD WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE SIDE SLIDING DOOR, SHE PRESSED THE BUTTON TO CLOSE THE DOOR. WHILE THE DOOR WAS CLOSING, SHE SLIPPED GETTING HER ANKLE/FOOT TRAPPED BETWEEN THE DOOR JAM AND DOOR BUT OVER THE BRACKET ATTACHING THE FRONT OF THE DOOR. THE DOOR CONTINUED TO CLOSE UNTIL IT JAMMED, SHE FELL OUT…
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WHILE MY 3 YEAR OLD WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE SIDE SLIDING DOOR, SHE PRESSED THE BUTTON TO CLOSE THE DOOR. WHILE THE DOOR WAS CLOSING, SHE SLIPPED GETTING HER ANKLE/FOOT TRAPPED BETWEEN THE DOOR JAM AND DOOR BUT OVER THE BRACKET ATTACHING THE FRONT OF THE DOOR. THE DOOR CONTINUED TO CLOSE UNTIL IT JAMMED, SHE FELL OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WHILE STILL BEING TRAPPED. WE HAD TO PUSH ON THE DOOR TO TRY TO SLOWLY OPEN IT TO ATTEMPT TO FREE HER. AFTER PICKING HER UP AND REACHING UNDER THE DOOR TO MOVE HER FOOT WE WERE ABLE TO FREE HER. THE ENTIRE TIME WE WERE TRYING TO FREE MY DAUGHTER THE DOOR KEPT MAKING A CLICKING NOISE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS FAILURES. THE REAR ROTORS BECAME WARPED NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE ROTORS FOUR TIMES. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE ABRUPTLY WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. ADDITIONALLY, TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS FAILURES. THE REAR ROTORS BECAME WARPED NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE ROTORS FOUR TIMES. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE ABRUPTLY WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. ADDITIONALLY, THE FOG LIGHT ASSEMBLY BECAME OVERHEATED AND BURNED SEVERAL TIMES. THE PLASTIC ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR BECAME FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO SUSTAIN LACERATIONS TO THE RIGHT HAND AND FINGERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE TO THE DEALER WHERE ALL DEFECTIVE PARTS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURES WOULD LIKELY RECUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,418 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,470.
WHEN CLOSING THE POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, MY DAUGHTER REACHED BACK IN AND THE DOOR CLOSED 4 FINGERS IN IT. THE DOOR IS SUPPOSED TO OPEN BACK UP WHEN IT SENSES THAT SOMETHING IS IN THE WAY OF IT CLOSING. IN THIS CASE, IT FULLY LATCHED AND STAYED CLOSED WITH HER FINGERS STUCK IN IT. *JB
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A SLOPE THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR PASSENGER DOOR OPENS THEN IMMEDIATELY CLOSES AND RISKS TRAPPING EXITING PASSENGERS. THE ISSUE DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE DOOR ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO VOLKSWAGEN SEVERAL TIMES BUT ACCORDING TO THEM "IT WORKS AS DESIGNED". IT HAS ALMOST TRAPPED O…
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WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A SLOPE THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR PASSENGER DOOR OPENS THEN IMMEDIATELY CLOSES AND RISKS TRAPPING EXITING PASSENGERS. THE ISSUE DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE DOOR ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO VOLKSWAGEN SEVERAL TIMES BUT ACCORDING TO THEM "IT WORKS AS DESIGNED". IT HAS ALMOST TRAPPED OUR DAUGHTER AND ELDERLY RELATIVES. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SLIDING DOORS WOULD NOT LATCH AND THE DOORS WOULD SLIDE OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE REAR SLIDING DOORS WOULD ALSO CLOSE INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT ACTIVATION. A CHILD WAS INJURED AS A RESULT OF THE REAR DOOR CLOSING WITHOUT ACTIVATION A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SLIDING DOORS WOULD NOT LATCH AND THE DOORS WOULD SLIDE OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE REAR SLIDING DOORS WOULD ALSO CLOSE INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT ACTIVATION. A CHILD WAS INJURED AS A RESULT OF THE REAR DOOR CLOSING WITHOUT ACTIVATION AND CLOSED ON THE CHILD'S BODY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SLIDING DOORS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Official recalls
215V194000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch
Apr 1, 2015
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
11V151000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch
Mar 1, 2011
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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