Steering complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
referenced to recall nhsta Id no:11v-151 same issue happens on newer models, the car key ignition switch does not secure the key and that causes the car shut-down in tje middle of highway or road intermittently! t does not give any dashboard warning and no codes! all the lights are being gone and even ac shuts off! when push the key the lights come back on and the car can be turned on again. similiar problems are poster on youtube: https://youtu.be/ZESy-MnVPZs
I've been experiencing major safety problems with my 2012 vw Routan lately. On several occasions, while driving, my van has completely shut down. The dashboard, engine, power steering, everything completely turns off and I am unable to do anything until the vehicle comes to a complete stop and I start the engine again. The first time it shut down, I was driving in the city driving at 35 MPH. Out of no where, the engine shut down, simultaneously the dashboard turned off and I lost all control of my vehicle until it came to a complete stop and I was able to turn it back on. But the last time this happened, I was on the freeway, driving in the rain, at 60 miles/hr. The scariest part is not having control of the wheel and have the ability to safely pull over to the shoulder before restarting the engine again. The mechanic I contacted was not been able to figure out what the problem is. …
While driving on a highway at 65 Mph, vehicle shut down, lost brakes, steering, and all power, had to coast to a stop, narrowly avoiding a collision. Upon exhaustive review, TIPM was faulty, causing starting issues, intermittent power loss, and fuel pump issues. As this van is manufactured by Chrysler (for VW) and their (identical) model has the same issue, it was known and recalled, it is appalling that no recall exists for this VW model. These vans are being financed and bought by families, and like us driven daily with children in them. The issue is widespread, very well known, but as in our case, not disclosed by dealerships as no official action has ever been taken, and no official record exists. …
loss of steering while driving, fluid loss multiple times since late september 2024(all while driving and no lights or warnings came on), 2 snapped serpentine belts, key ignition sticking(would not turn), dashboard not lighting up, rpm no longer rests below 1.5 - 2, car struggles to accelerate(especially uphill), car turns over and struggles to start, even though has newer battery. 1/9/25 driving to an appointment, upon reaching destination, a pop sound. No smell, no warnings came up on dashboard. Upon leaving, saw fluid leak, headed straight to dealership, at which a massive amount of fluid began pouring out of vehicle..in exact same area as original issue from 8/31/24.
In April 2015 the check engine light came on in my 2010 vw Routan, maybe a week or so later it started to stall while I was driving it. I took it to an import dealer locally to have it looked at and was told that the EGR valve was bad. They replaced it, which cost me $400, and put a new gas cap on it. In July the engine light came on again, had the codes run at a parts store and it was the EGR valve again. Took it back to the shop that did the first repair because it still had a parts and labor warrantee with them. They replaced it again. Now, in September, my engine light is on again and again it says it's the EGR valve. I have called the shop to get it in to be repaired again, waiting on a call back. This issue is quite scary because it has and probably will again stall out on the highway causing me to have to try to pull over and put it in neutral to restart it. …
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. …
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?
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Routan years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (34), 2010 (23), 2011 (11) and 2012 (8) model years. Steering complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Volkswagen Routan steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Volkswagen Routan model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volkswagen Routan steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
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.