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 2010 Volkswagen Routan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Vehicle stationary in park. Gear slipped and car drove backwards down the hill, stopped, then slipped into drive and drove itself into lake. My dog crated in back. She drowned. Incline was slight. Gravel. Ashe county park jefferson nc. I was outside the car trying to crate my other dog when this happened.
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.
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.
I was driving on I 66 in virginia and got stuck in traffic due to an earlier accident. Car went for about a mile in stop and go traffic, when suddenly the car started to rev up and jumped into gear to move forward. I thought maybe something was stuck, so I put into park and turned the engine off, and restarted it. It did it again after doing it for about 5 times, I was able to get over to the side of the highway. I called a tow truck and had it taken to my mechanic. He told me that I need a new transmission. My car had 135000. Miles on it. No warning lights at all came on. My mechanic had just fixed it two weeks before for the heater hose cracking after being replaced a year ago.
Around 108000 miles, my 2010 Routan automatic transmission started jerking into gears 2, 3, 4. Sometimes it shifts smoothly but more often it's hard enough to jerk all passengers while driving. I have tried eco mode with same results. Driving normal it seems to be worse than when speeding up quickly. 3rd gear is the worst and is hard enough to throw you forward causing you to swerve sometimes. It's the same results in town, on highway, and in stop and go traffic. Now has 129000 miles and getting worse. There are other times it feels like it didn't want to shift up and would over rev before shifting up.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that when the vehicle was placed in park and shut off, the vehicle reversed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was made aware of NHTSA investigation number: pe09035, which May have been related to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 49,678.
My car recently started having issues shifting into the next gear. Typically happens when I have been driving for a while. All of a sudden it will get stuck in a gear and it won't shift. The car can be in motion or even stationary (stop light) when it happens.
Automatic transmission change of gears jerks the vehicle during 1-3 gears. In eco mode same jerking of transmission. Vw states it is a town and country problem that a Chrysler dealership must re-code the transmission.
This complaint is regarding my new 2010 Volkswagen Routan, the car is under two months old. The accident occurred after I pulled into my driveway and I put the car in park and left the keys in the engine because I was going to run into open the garage.... I wanted to get a puppy out of the rear of the car first so I went and stood behind the car but it was locked (clearly in parked.) I then went to the drivers side to hit the unlock switch on the door and the car started reversing and I was just caught really off guard so I tried to jump in the car as it was backing up but I guess my reaction was too late and I ended up being shoved on the pavement as the car rolled out of our driveway. At this point I was caught under the open drivers door and I was dragged across my street.... I managed to get out from under the door. …
I purchased a 2010 vw Routan in May 2010. I have had multiple issues with the vehicle since that time - electrical issues with the sliding doors, transmission not shifting correctly, the vehicle's strained ability to back up when stopped/parked on a decline. The only issue which has been satisfactorily addressed to date is the sliding door electrical issue. My most pressing concern, however, involves a stalling issue which occurs without warning and without any particular pattern. On September 2, 2010, while traveling on the interstate at appx 60 MPH the vehicle stalled out. Fortunately, my husband was driving and was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road. Once stopped, the vehicle restarted without trouble and we were able to reach a safe location to call the dealership. …
Transmission complaints in other Routan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Volkswagen Routan?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Volkswagen Routan, 9% of the model year's 240 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Volkswagen Routan transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 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.