Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Volkswagen Routan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Battery failure due to parasitic draw from Ignition IOD fuse ( J13fuse) reads 0.9 draw and M11 fuse ( hvac system) reads 0.6 draw. First occurrence 2/10/24 and second occurrence 2/11/24. Informed auto repair shop on 2/12/24 and goes in for diagnostic 2/15/24. Abs control module failure( intermittent ) Egr valve replacement (8/9/24 due to overheating but no warning lights due to overheating was displayed which is strange) Speed control sensor was replaced as well 8/9/24 but still has problems getting stuck or not reading the right speed . Consumes fuel faster than normal as well . Getting about 9 miles to the gallon.
This has happened multiple times. The ignition will cut off which make the car engine quit running. Loss of braking, steering, power has left me in the middle of intersections being nearly avoided being ran into. When this happens all the warning lights come on and the engine turns off. The exact problem VW recall number 28H1 is affecting my vehicle.
ESP ABS light illuminates while car is in motion and the car will not shift out of gear when stopped as if the break is not detected. Have to shut car off in the middle of traffic or drop of lines and turn back on several times to clear error and get shifter to shift to drive gear. Used snap on reader to check codes and does not recognize car as vw, instead it pulls up Chrysler town and country. Tried to replace a break light module, the part was actually for a Dodge neon. (I am only owner, bought van brand new). Symptom came back after two days. Code reader cannot find anything causing code trigger. Also key doesn't always work in ignition switch, must sometimes try to turn on 3 times. This has occurred since purchase. Amazed at all these safety issues and yet vw does nothing. $34,000 car and I am going to have to replace it already. Only 66,000 miles on the car. …
Reported issue to vw recall group via telephone 5/13/2019. This is very similar to a recall that took place for vw Routan 2009-2010 that were created between the dates of October 2019 to June 2010. Our vehicle was created in August of 2010, and I suspect the same parts were still used. Two issues have occurred with 2010 vw Routan sel minivan 4.0l issues started occurring after replacing a lost key fob. Key fob was ordered through local vw dealer (bob king vw) and replaced. First issue: car would not start. Put key into ignition switch, turn key, the ignition switch clicks but the car would not start. In order to start car, wait and repeat steps until car actually starts. Second issue: (highly dangerous) intermittent shut off while driving causing power steering to turn off as well as brakes. …
My van has shut off twice now while driving. Both events have occurred while turning right, at a slow speed on city streets (one time with my children in the vehicle). I lose power steering and brakes and the engine appears to shut down (radio remains on). When I first tried to restart it, it wouldn't and then the second attempt sounded unusual but it did start. The traction control light lit up on the dashboard as well. Both times were in good driving conditions. After the first time, due to my research on the issue, I only use the fob with nothing else hanging from it. In addition, I also have the issue of the vehicle randomly not starting. I usually get it to start by fiddling with the shifter. Of course, my van is not included in the ignition module recall, which is completely absurd as it is clearly happening to a lot of us. …
I was driving home from work approx. 30-35 miles per hour and my van died. I lost power steering and brakes. Luckily I wasn't seriously injured. There was no warning. No service engine light. Within a span of less than 2 years ive already replaced the fuel pump, the battery, and the alternator is still new and under warranty. The ignition/power windows fuse constantly needs adjusting so I can roll my window up or down. All the dash lights come on randomly as well. Sometimes the windshield wipers would come on. Never had a vehicle die on me while driving due to manufacturers issues. After reading other consumer complaints about the same issues im very confident its the TIPM. Some complain that this costs people $1 000s on a chance that you can get a couple more years out of it. The van wants to turn over and continues cranking when key fob is in ignition but doesn't turn over. …
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.
My vehicle is experiencing the same problem as other vehicles of the same year that received a recall. The car just shuts off, loses power and all steering, braking and so on. It makes the vehicle very dangerous. The other vehicles in this year all had bad ignition switches but vw refuses to include my vehicle and others like it of the same model year that have the exact same problem. I believe that they need to expand this recall to include more vehicles of the 2010 model. The vehicle is not safe to drive and is scary when it just cuts out on you when you are driving 30-40 MPH plus.
Car flashes ABS ESP skid control monitor, shuts car off while driving. Goes back off, does it again.locks the car, won't start, then starts a bit later. Cooling system , heater hose issues, brake issues, cruise control shuts off randomly. Could kill someone. Internet search ESP volkswagenddefect.comvolkswagen_routan_problems.htm all exactly what I have experienced since purchasing this vehicle a year ago. Afraid to drive it. Updated 04/05/2017
When driving down the road going about 30mph my car suddenly shut off. No indicator lights came on and my power steering was gone as well as my ability to brake well. Looking online their was a recall on my model year and make of van for the same problems with the ignition switch but my VIN number did not pull up a recall. I contacted vw and they also stated my car was not part of that recall. Thankfully I was able to pull to side of the road safely.
Brake complaints in other Routan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2010 Volkswagen Routan?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the brakes of the 2010 Volkswagen Routan, 11% of the model year's 240 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2010 Volkswagen Routan brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan, though it has 2 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 2010 Volkswagen Routan brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to brakes 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.