Strut or Shock leak assessment.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Volkswagen Routan body problems
severe 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 7 body complaints filed for the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA body complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Contacting the parts helpline
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TO UPDATE CLAIM PROCESSING STATEMENT.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Strut or Shock Absorber Leak Assesment.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VW Elsa Newsletter
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
We have had a problem with our Volkswagen routan since nearly day one. While parked on any type of surface, (hill, or flat, down hill, or up hill). On occasion the door while opening or closing will re-close or not open. This has been very dangerous when you have a 4 year old get in the door before door has come to complete rest. The child gets in as the door opens, and the door closes back on…
Had body trouble with your 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
It's a meaningful issue. 7 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, body issues most often appear around 5,360 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Volkswagen/Routan.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.