Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Volkswagen Routan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 NHTSA. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V194000 and 14V396000 (electrical system: ignition switch). …
I was driving my 2009 Routan this morning (8/6/18) in a round-a-bout when out of blu my steering and brakes completely locked up and my ABS light came on. I had traffic behind me. I almost went over the curb and caused an accident due to this happening. I praise god that I and everyone around was safe. My vehicle has already had the ignition ssswitch replaced twice. I had it checked for codes and nothing came up. I noticed a huge amount of complaints regarrding this. What is it going to take to get this fixed? There are lives on the line. When a vehicle shuts down on the highway that will cause a major accident. Is Volkswagen and NHTSA willing to live with that knowing that this has been a major issue with this vehicle for some time? How many injuries or deaths do you need to prove to you that this is a safety issue?
While taking my grandson to school this morning on a very curvy country road the engine died on my 2009 volkswagon routain. Having no brakes and no power steering made it very difficult to control vehicle. I turned on emergency flashers when car finally stoped turned to off position then restarted engine. This is not the first time this has happened to me and my wife. Problem cannot be diagnosed by dealer why can't Chrysler fix this serious problem before someone gets injured or killed. I know as well as NHTSA that this has happened to many people. Previous recall fix for ignition switch at wv dealer to solve this problem did not work . Its a shame that many people have to injured or killed by a serious known problem like this before companies are forced to fix them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. In addition, the contact stated that the brakes failed to respond when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V396000 (electrical system); however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,770.
We were driving the vehicle when all of the sudden it stalled! There is no check light on and when it does this we lost all power breaking and steering. This almost happened to us around an elevated corner luckily we had just past the curve when we lost all power. In reading this is a common problem on the town and country Routan grand caravan and all associated models. Something should be done due to the danger and potential risk to human life! We bought this van to keep our children safe not have to worry of it will loose power steering at 30 MPH in a canyon corner!
Five times in the past 6 months the power in the van basically turns off. The steering becomes next to impossible and the brakes become extremely tight to the point you can't even use them. It is terrifying to have zero control over your car considering I have 4 children. It has happened while I was going only 30mph and also when I was going 45 MPH. It happens when I'm going straight and has also happened while turning. Since the latest issue I refuse to drive anywhere that I can't take back roads to.
The clockspring in the steering wheel went out. At 28 miles the traction control turns on and the car starts braking even if the car is not skidding. Very dangerous. Our mechanic told us the clockspring is a common problem with both the Volkswagen routon and the Chrysler town and country. I found one report on the internet that said Volkswagen started servicing the clockspring as of 2010 routon models but did nothing for the 2009 routon.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the power steering failed intermittently without warning and the engine stalled. The vehicle became increasingly difficult to control. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician diagnosed that the ground strap cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the emergency brake warning indicator illuminated, which indicated that it was locked. The vehicle veered to the right and crashed into a parked vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The dealer performed an unknown repair, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 850.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the power steering warning light illuminated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Steering complaints in other Routan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, 12% of the model year's 294 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Volkswagen Routan steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Volkswagen Routan steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.