Fluid requirements
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Volkswagen Routan powertrain problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
2injuries
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
Auto Trans fluid requirements.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Specific diagnostic check to address DTC U0151, after TIPM component replacement. Part identification, location and ensured installation after rplacing Integrated Power Module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Incorrect torque converter or flywheel/flexplate installation can result in transmission damage. When installing an engine, flywheel or transmission, please follow the installation procedures outlined in ELSA. For the flywheel/flexplate, please be certain the correct shim is installed between it and the crankshaft (reference VWIQ120). When installing a torque converter, press the torque converter hub through the seal as far as the first stop. Turn the torque converter while pushing toward the transmission using light force, until the cut outs in the torque converter hub lock into the pump wheel plate. The torque converter slides in. The torque converter is installed correctly if it is easy t
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For an upcoming campaign that will include all MY09-14 TDI (CBEA/CJAA) vehicles, we need to test the SVM3339 code in 200 vehicles of various model-years and engine/transmission combinations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2009 Routan report widespread transmission problems that persist across multiple repairs. The transmission gets stuck in a single gear (most often 3rd) while driving and requires a complete engine shutdown to reset—a problem that recurs even after replacement or rebuild. Clunking and grinding sounds accompany harsh shifts from Reverse to Drive. Reverse gear specifically exhibits a jarring delay before engaging and lacks adequate power on inclines.
One owner had the vehicle roll backward out of Park unprompted, resulting in a collision and serious injury. Another experienced sudden uncontrolled acceleration to 80 mph with brakes reportedly ineffective.
Electrical faults compound powertrain failures. Doors and windows open unexpectedly while driving. Check engine lights illuminate with no diagnosable fault. Door locks fail entirely. One owner's sliding door opened at 47 mph with an 8-year-old child inside. Dealers claim recalls were completed on the doors but the openings persist.
Owners and independent mechanics point to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM)—a Chrysler-manufactured component—as a possible root cause of cascading electrical and powertrain failures. VW service acknowledges these systems are electrically integrated but reports inability to read or test the TIPM. Parts shortages have delayed recall repairs. Even after $6,000 transmission replacements sourced from Germany, the same failure modes return within 30,000 miles.
Same Volkswagen Routan powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Stuck in Gear / Failure to Shift
Transmission locks in a single gear (typically 3rd) and does not shift out. Requires key cycle off/on to reset. Occurs while driving at highway speeds. Owner reports recurrence on replacement transmissions.
When: Mileage 62,000–75,000+; multiple instances reported across model years
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not shift out of current gear; Check engine light illuminates; Revving without gear change; Requires vehicle shutdown and restart to reset transmission function; Loss of acceleration despite engine response
Codes mentioned: P0868, P1790, P0944
Repairs/costs cited: New/replacement transmissions installed; one owner paid $6,000 for transmission sourced from Germany. Issues persist even after full transmission replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VW Service unable to detect faults using diagnostic equipment despite clear symptoms. NHTSA case number 181899879 issued.
Transmission Shift Shudder / Clunking and Grinding
Loud clunking and grinding noises during gear shifts, particularly from Reverse to Drive or during acceleration. Test drives show no faults initially. Dealership diagnostics reveal internal wear.
When: Mileage 51,496–60,001; recurring after transmission rebuild
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise when shifting Reverse to Drive; Jerking forward during shift; Grinding noises during acceleration or shift; Continues on occasion even after new transmission installation; Unexplained stalling at stop lights or stop signs
Codes mentioned: P0868, P1790, P0944
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement performed. Inspection revealed worn underdrive clutches, damaged sun gears, and metal fragments inside transmission. Multiple returns to dealership; issues recur after rebuild.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership performed multiple 'Quick Learn Tests' to no lasting effect.
Reverse Gear Delay and Lag / Inadequate Thrust
Reverse gear exhibits pause before engaging, then jarring engagement. Consistent lag and delay during reverse acceleration. Vehicle cannot maintain reverse up incline if speed is below threshold; behaves as if in Neutral.
When: Ongoing condition persisting even after transmission rebuild
Symptoms owners cite: Pause followed by jarring engagement into Reverse; Delay when attempting acceleration in Reverse; Insufficient power to back up incline at low speed; Vehicle behaves as if transmission is in Neutral during reverse operation
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission rebuild performed; problem persists unchanged after rebuild.
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Accelerator pedal does not release; vehicle accelerates uncontrollably to 80 mph. Brakes reportedly ineffective. Owner notes Routan shares mechanical platform with Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan.
When: During highway passing maneuver at 65 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal stuck or does not release; Uncontrolled acceleration to 80 mph; Brake pedal has no effect on deceleration; Issue corrected only by shifting to Neutral then back to Drive
Vehicle Stalls While Driving
Engine shuts off automatically without warning while vehicle is in motion. No specific environmental trigger identified by owner. Occurs multiple times during normal driving.
When: Multiple incidents; no specific mileage or conditions noted
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving; No specific time of day or temperature trigger; Recurs more than once per driving session; Occurs both at traffic lights and during highway driving
Vehicle Fails to Start / Start No-Crank
Vehicle will not crank or start for no apparent reason. VW service cannot detect diagnostic fault. Intermittent condition makes diagnosis difficult.
When: Intermittent; specific mileage not provided
Symptoms owners cite: No apparent reason for failure to start; Intermittent occurrence
Repairs/costs cited: VW Service Dept. unable to detect issue despite investigation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VW unable to locate fault or offer solution.
Transmission Sensor Fault / Range Selector Malfunction
Transmission sensor fails; range selector needs replacement. Triggers instrument panel warning lights and stalling. Part availability is a major issue delaying repairs.
When: Mileage 34,031–70,000
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stalls at traffic light; Instrument panel warning lights illuminate; Beeping noise from front of vehicle while driving; Vehicle fails to start while in Park
Repairs/costs cited: Range selector and transmission sensor replacement required but not completed due to parts unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V396000 (Electrical System) issued; manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for recall repair due to part shortage.
TIPM / Integrated Power Module Malfunction (Electrical)
Suspicion of Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failure causing cascading electrical and powertrain faults. Owner notes TIPM is Chrysler-manufactured and was subject to lawsuit settlement for Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles. Glitches may not register as diagnostic codes.
When: Recurring over 2+ years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on intermittently; VW cannot detect fault; Alarms sound with no corresponding dashboard signal; Power windows and seats work intermittently; Sliding doors open and close unintentionally while driving; Liftgate opens while driving on highway; Door locks stop working entirely; manual operation only; All interior lights activate unexpectedly; battery drain risk; Transmission solenoid failure; replacement solenoid fails prematurely if TIPM not addressed
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports transmission specialists confirmed faulty TIPM can cause solenoid issues and ruin replacement solenoids. VW service unable to read or diagnose TIPM faults despite 2-day inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VW denies TIPM is the issue and states they cannot read TIPM diagnostic data. Manufacturer settled similar lawsuit with Chrysler for TIPM failures in Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles.
Sliding Door Malfunction / Unintended Opening
Driver and sliding doors open unexpectedly while vehicle is moving. Doors fail to close automatically when they should. Recall was allegedly performed, but doors continue to open.
When: Multiple incidents at 47 mph; ongoing despite reported recall completion
Symptoms owners cite: Sliding door opens while driving at highway speeds; Door fails to close automatically when stopped; Doors found open in parking lot with vehicle locked; Windows found open unexpectedly
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership claims recall was performed; issue persists. Dealership states 'sliding door not found anytime' despite multiple owner complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Sliding door recall reportedly completed; manufacturer states issue is normal operation.
In-Park Rollaway / Loss of Brake Hold
Vehicle rolls backward out of Park without driver input. Vehicle in Park on level driveway suddenly accelerates backward when driver reaches across to turn off engine.
When: October 2010; vehicle in Park in driveway
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward from Park; Emergency brake ineffective at stopping motion; Vehicle collides with obstacle (tree); driver ejected
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suffered two broken ribs, sprained shoulder, and extensive soft tissue damage from resulting collision.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No correction or resolution reported.
Reverse Gear Slip / Vehicle Rolls Backward
Vehicle slips into Reverse without driver command while parked or moving. Results in vehicle rolling backward and striking person behind it.
When: While standing behind parked vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly shifts into Reverse; Vehicle rolls backward; Strikes person standing behind; leg injury sustained
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 34,031 and 85,900 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 34,031; a quarter make it past 85,900. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.