Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
On Monday, October 4th, 2010, I pulled into my driveway and placed the 2009 Volkswagen Routan in park. The engine was still running while I finished up a phone call through the Bluetooth and proceeded to listen to the radio while cleaning out the van. I walked around the exterior of the vehicle leaning in to clean the interior of the car. I needed to go inside the house, so, standing outside driver's side of the van I reached across the seat to turn off the engine and remove the keys. As soon as I did this, the van jolted backward and continued to travel down my driveway. My upper body was still inside the car. I tried to depress the emergency brake with my right hand while I held tightly onto the steering wheel with my left. I wasn't able to stop the car but I was able to turn the wheel so that the van crashed into a tree on my property, instead of going into the street. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. While driving between 30 to 65 MPH, the vehicle randomly jerked forward and backward as if it were skipping a gear. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated afterwards several times. The contact spoke with two unknown dealers and then contacted an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the underdrive solenoid circuit of the transmission was malfunctioning. After conducting some research, the contact found that the manufacturer placed a Chrysler engine and transmission into her Volkswagen vehicle. The independent mechanic completed the repairs with another new Chrysler transmission solenoid part. While the contact was driving on the highway, the vehicle lost complete acceleration and had to be pulled over to the shoulder of the road. …
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. …
Even after rebuilding the entire transmission, every time the vehicle is placed into reverse, there is a pause, then a jarring as it slips into r gear; but every time acceleration is attempted in r, there is a delay, followed by consistent lag; if attempting to r up an incline, if speed is not already over a specific minimum, vehicle then assumes action as if it is in n. Even an incline slope of simply backing into a driveway, if vehicle is not entirely across the incline, it's not possible to continue controlling a reverse movement, though engine responds as though in n. This has been an ongoing issue; that has persisted even after rebuilding the transmission. Another issue that began several years ago; is that the door's locking mechanisms for several of the doors, no longer operate properly. Locking via key fob, or door panel, does not actually engage the door to lock. …
I driving last month 47 MPH and my driving sliding door open and my 8 years girls was dear and she scare when the door open when I driving ,, and when I stop the door not want to close automatic..that scare me and my wife... The other concern is my transmision hard shiffting ,hard shiffting , I ready take like 5,6 time my van to check my transmission and my sliding door and the say is normal , and my sliding door not found anytime , they say the sliding door recall was done ready,, the other big concern is the gas mileage, only 11 or 12 gallon for miles they did a lot test and not found nothing ,,is poss to 16 MPH for gallon and never have that,,.... Thanks.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that after stopping at traffic light, the vehicle stalled and the instrument panel warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not 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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,031.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. While in park, the vehicle failed to start. While driving at 40 MPH, there was a beeping noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the range selector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V396000 (electrical system); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
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!
I went to pass a vehicle at 65mph and the accelerator pedal did not release, the van hit 80-MPH before I popped it in neutral and then back into drive to correct the issue. Hitting the brakes had no effect on the unintended acceleration. This vehicle is mechanically identical to Chrysler town & country and dadge grand caravan, see other identical complaints here: http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/14835/Dodge/voyager/Dodge-grand-caravan-sudden-acceleration?
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. While driving 40 MPH the contact noticed the transmission was stuck in third gear. The dealer was not notified of this failure. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that they were not able to assist. The VIN search reveled no recalls. The vehicle had not been diagnosed repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Transmission complaints in other Routan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, 7% of the model year's 294 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Volkswagen Routan transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.