2010 Volkswagen ROUTAN
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2010 Volkswagen ROUTAN has 359 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.2x the segment average of 302. The most common issue is electrical problems (42% of all complaints), specifically: tl*the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen routan. the contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the vehicle lost power and shut off without warning. the contact was concerned that a crash would result. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the computer system was re-flashed and the abs mod. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 6 fire reports filed.
359
Total Complaints
2
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.2x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
151 complaints- • TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT A CRASH WOULD RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS RE-FLASHED AND THE ABS MOD
- • 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 SATISFACT
- • DEATH & INJURY RISK! VOLKSWAGEN 2010 ROUTAN SUDDENLY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH. THIS HAS HAPPEN MORE THAN A FEW TIMES. TODAY IS THE LAST STRAW AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS. I BARELY SURVIVE THE INCIDENT. I HAVE BEEN TAKING THE VEHICLE TO VW SERVICE MULTIPLE TIME
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT A CRASH WOULD RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS RE-FLASHED AND THE ABS MOD”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2010 Volkswagen ROUTAN
Based on 288 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 72K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
BRAKES
TRANSMISSION
BODY/STRUCTURE
WHEELS
SPEED CONTROL
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (2)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009 Routan vehicles manufactured June 25, 2008, to July 8, 2009, and 2010 Routan vehicles manufactured October 1, 2009, to August 11, 2010. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including, but not limited to, air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on June 23, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H1. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 11V151 and 14V396. Vehicles that previously received an ignition switch trim ring as a recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign. Vehicles that have already received a new ignition switch are not covered by this campaign.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Volkswagen ROUTAN
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Volkswagen ROUTAN
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Volkswagen ROUTAN Service Intervals
TSI turbo engines require VW-approved 502/504 spec synthetic oil. DSG transmission service (if equipped) every 40K miles.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Volkswagen New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Volkswagen. If you're buying a used 2010 ROUTAN, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volkswagen dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 359 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT A CRASH WOULD RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS RE-FLASHED AND THE ABS MOD
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: 2010 ROUTAN WITH LESS THAN 10K MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF LEAVING US WITH NO POWER BRAKES, NO POWER STEERING AND VERY LITTLE CONTROL OF THE CAR. MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND WAIT FOR THE CAR TO STOP. HE THEN PUT IT IN PARK AND RESTARTED IT. WE TOOK IT ST
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: ROUTAN SEEMED TO JOLT/SKID WHEN BRAKE WAS PRESSED. THIS WOULD HAPPEN APPROXIMATELY EVERY 3RD DAY. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND THE ROTORS WERE WORN. THIS I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHEN IT IS A NEW 2010 WHICH I PURCHASED IN AUGUST OF 2010. I DO NOT COMPREHEND AND UNDERSTAND THEIR EXPLANATION. T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND STEERING GOES OUT ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WILL STOP WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND THE STEERING WILL FAIL. IF THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND RE-STARTED THE TRANSMISSION WILL WORK, BUT THE VEHICLE WILL CONTI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Volkswagen dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Volkswagen ROUTAN — Year Comparison
How does 2010 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 359
- Recalls
- 2
- Fire reports
- 6
- Crash reports
- 5
- Injury reports
- 15
- Segment avg
- 302
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2010 Volkswagen ROUTAN