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).
The contact's son owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently fail to start after multiple attempts, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that they no longer serviced the model vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the vehicle was started and driven to her destination; however, after arriving at her destination she attempted to shut off the vehicle, but the vehicle remained running. The contact stated that she disconnected the battery to shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
I bought this van just a few weeks ago. One day I was driving and all a sudden it lost power while in motion. This has happened 4xs so far. It could've resulted in the inability to stop my vehicle as the brakes are stiff after the power & engine stop working. It could've resulted in either I hit someone or someone could've hit me. My cousins husband had a town and country that did this & it was on a recall for the ignition switch failure. He's a mechanic. He has also stated what is going on is the ignition switch failure going into accessory mode while I'm driving. It's available to be inspected I just don't have the money to have it inspected at this point by a dealership.
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.
2010 VW Routan VIN:[redacted] We purchased the vehicle used in November of 2018. From November 2018 through early 2020, I experienced the car turning off while driving it about once every 4-6 months. When researching this issue we found that extra weight from other keys or keychains could be affecting it so we separated the car key from my house keys. This showed no improvement. From early 2020 through early 2021, the issue increased in frequency. Instead of once every 4-6 months it became once a month. And, unfortunately in the past 3 months, it has started occurring several times a week (sometimes multiple times a day). This has been a safety concern for our family and we are very nervous that this could cause a serious accident. Luckily the other vehicles around us when this occurs have been alert drivers that were able to give us the extra time to restart our vehicle. …
On several occasions starting in March 2015, my 2010 vw Routan (manufactured in July 2010 by Chrysler) simply shuts off while driving the vehicle. When this occurs, I have no engine power, no power steering and no power brakes and am concerned about personal safety. I bought the van new in September 2010 for my wife, but no longer allow her to drive it as I am afraid it will shut down on her (it requires a bit of arm strength to pull the vehicle over and hopefully I am not rear-ended before being able to do so). I understand there is now a recall on the ignition for 2010 routans, but my VIN does not appear to be within the window indicated for the recall even though the date of manufacture is within the window. I am not sure if the ignition switch is the cause of the problem, but the symptoms sound similar. …
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. …
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, [phone]) 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.
While driving (car in motion)the car to pick up my children from school, it sounded like it was draining. The alert light beeped so I looked at dash the lights/info on car started blinking then the car stopped completely in middle of the road. No power would work I couldn't roll down the windows or turn on hazard lights, I had to put car in park. The key was stuck in the ignition and would not start from a jump. The car had no warning signs and was recently inspected and checked on computer and they were unable to get any codes or see any engine problems. Car would not even go into neutral to move off the road. Car was towed to my home and still not able to jump battery and car won't start. All power remains off and can't lock car with key either.
Engine complaints in other Routan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2010 Volkswagen Routan?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2010 Volkswagen Routan, 21% of the model year's 240 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2010 Volkswagen Routan engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.