Mandatory fastener.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Volkswagen Routan steering problems
severe 34 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 34 steering complaints filed for the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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
Of the 4 model years of Volkswagen Routan we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 34.
Owners have filed 34 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
VW Elsa Newsletter
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VW Elsa Newsletter
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VW Elsa Newsletter
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VW Elsa Newsletter
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Routan steering complaints center on sudden, total loss of power steering tied to engine shutdown events. Owners report the engine cutting out without warning—usually during turns, low-speed maneuvers, or at 25–65 mph—leaving them unable to steer or brake. The traction control light or anti-slip warning often illuminates beforehand. Each shutdown is temporary; restarting restores power.
Owners describe this happening twice per month to multiple times per week. Some report tightness in the steering wheel as a warning sign. The failures occur on highways, city streets, roundabouts, and while parking—putting drivers and passengers at serious risk. One owner lost control in a ditch; another nearly hit parked vehicles. An owner with children was stranded in a busy traffic lane for five minutes.
A secondary issue: the steering angle sensor erratic performance causes the vehicle to swerve unexpectedly and triggers traction control false braking during normal driving. Brake shaking and failure to respond cleanly are also reported. Owners note the ignition switch recall (14V396000, RNA1, 28H1) was applied to their vehicles but didn't stop the stalls. Dealers struggle to diagnose—many claim they cannot replicate the problem or say "nothing came up" on scans. Parts like steering angle sensors and ground straps remain unavailable for months, leaving unsafe vehicles on the road.
Same Volkswagen Routan steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Shutdown with Power Loss (Ignition/Electrical)
Engine cuts out suddenly without warning during normal driving, causing complete loss of power steering and brakes. Vehicle must be restarted to restore function. Often triggered during turns, low-speed maneuvers, or gear shifts.
When: Intermittent; 25–65 mph, often during turns or at low speeds; happens twice per month to multiple times per week; some events occur shortly after starting the vehicle or shortly after parking
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without check engine light or other warnings; Complete loss of power steering; Complete loss of power brakes; Vehicle slows to a stop due to momentum loss; Traction control or anti-slip warning light illuminates; Dashboard lights blink and controls go haywire before shutdown; Tightness in steering wheel may precede failure; Restarting engine restores power immediately
Codes mentioned: C121C (reported by one dealer; owner disputes the EGR interpretation, notes code actually means torque request signal denied), ABS malfunction codes, Trouble codes for faulty switch (ESC system)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report inability to diagnose or replicate the issue. Ignition switch replacement (part of recall 14V396000/RNA1/28H1) performed on multiple vehicles but did not resolve stalling. One owner reported blown engine fuse replacement, but failure recurred within two hours; dealers then suspected grounding wire issue. Dash assembly replacement attempted on one vehicle but parts unavailable for 6–10 weeks. Ground strap cable replacement recommended by one dealer but not performed due to parts unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V396000 (NHTSA 14V-396000, also referenced as RNA1 and 28H1) issued for ignition switch; owners report parts backlogs of months, dealers claiming they must witness the failure to authorize repair (contradicted by VW customer care), and delays exceeding four months for repair. VW customer care indicated part replacement should proceed without witnessing the failure. Some vehicles had ignition switch already replaced under recall for prior owner. Multiple dealers denied the recall existed.
Steering Angle Sensor Malfunction
Steering angle sensor fails or provides erratic readings, causing unexpected vehicle swerve, loss of steering control, and unwanted traction control braking. Anti-skid warning light illuminates.
When: At 10 mph (turning), at 28 miles of driving (traction control false engagement), intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle swerves to right or left without driver input; Steering wheel becomes difficult to control; Anti-skid or traction control warning light illuminates; Traction control engages and applies brakes when vehicle is not skidding; Traction control causes unexpected hard braking at low speed (even parked)
Codes mentioned: ABS steering angle sensor erratic performance, Anti-skid system fault
Repairs/costs cited: Steering angle sensor replaced on at least one vehicle (after 13 days at dealership). On another vehicle, steering angle sensor repair was diagnosed but parts remained unavailable. Replacement cost and labor not specified in most narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall mentioned for steering angle sensor. One dealer diagnosed the failure but could not complete repair due to parts unavailability.
Clockspring (Steering Wheel Contact Assembly) Failure
Clockspring in steering wheel fails, disabling horn and airbag circuits. Owners report this is known to be common in both 2009 Routan and Chrysler Town & Country models.
When: Early in vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Clockspring internal failure; Loss of horn function; Airbag circuit disabled or compromised
Repairs/costs cited: Clockspring replacement required. One mechanic noted VW began servicing the clockspring as of 2010 Routan models but did nothing for the 2009 model.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or service bulletin mentioned. One owner's mechanic noted this is a known common problem but no factory fix was offered for 2009 model year.
Ignition Switch Failure with Grounding/Electrical Issues
Ignition wiring or switch circuit fails, causing wire burnout, smoking, and loss of multiple electrical systems. Ground strap or grounding connections fail.
When: At 145,000 miles; at 60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Burning odor without warning; Smoke inside and outside vehicle; Instrument panel lights fail; Headlights fail; Radio fails; Multiple electrical systems fail simultaneously; Ignition switch wire from starter burns
Repairs/costs cited: Wire from ignition switch to starter burned and required replacement. Power steering line also failed and leaked during same incident. One mechanic recommended NHTSA contact due to extent of electrical failures. Ground strap cable identified as needing replacement on another vehicle but repair not performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle not included in NHTSA campaign numbers 15V194000 or 14V396000 (electrical system: ignition switch), despite reported electrical failures.
Brake System Shaking and Excessive Wear
Brakes shake violently during application at moderate speeds, and brake system components require frequent replacement.
When: At 30 mph and higher
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking when brakes are applied near or above 30 mph; Driver must grip steering wheel tightly to maintain control; Brake rotors and pads require replacement every two to three months; Brake noise (squeaking and grinding); Brakes feel extremely tight or unresponsive
Repairs/costs cited: Brakes and rotors replaced multiple times (every 2–3 months). One incident involved replacement of front/rear brakes, rotors, drums, and hardware for $780.55. Caliper replacement also performed.
Transmission and Shift Issues
Transmission sluggish, jerky, or fails to shift smoothly; tiptronics malfunction. Transmission catastrophic failure and repeated major work.
When: At 76,000 miles (catastrophic failure); 6 months after major transmission work; at 26,000 miles (previous major work)
Symptoms owners cite: Non-smooth shift between gears at higher cruising speeds; Sluggish acceleration; Tiptronics do not work; Transmission sensor failure; Vehicle reluctant to move after shifting to gear
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission sensor replaced. Entire transmission replaced at one dealership; same issues recurred. One owner reports VW engineer called the problem the 'Routan Shake' and claimed it was normal.
Door Latch and Sensor Failures
Door locks inoperable or fail intermittently; door latches malfunction; door sensor does not engage when closing.
When: Early in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic door locks inoperable; Door will not close properly on a slope; Door sensor fails to register closure; Nearly allowed children to be caught in door
Repairs/costs cited: Door latch components replaced.
Synthesized from 34 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Van has stalled while driving on multiple occasions. Power steering is lost. Vehicle will then start right back up. This is extremely dangerous for a minivan used to transport multiple children. No codes or faults are recorded.
Catastrophic failure of transmission at 76k. Major transmission work done approximately 26k. Transmission replaced 6 months later and still has issues (sluggish, non-smooth shift between gears at higher cruising speeds. Vw engineer gerardo zeledon calls this the "routan shake" and claims this is normal. Approximately 95,000 miles steering began seizing up while in motion. This is, according to…
Was driving on a residential street when the engine shut off without warning. Completely lost all power (steering, brakes, etc). Was able to pull over to side of road thankfully only going 25 MPH and no traffic. Put vehicle in park, started up immediately and ran fine after that. Received recall letter in mail the following week stating the ignition switch can turn off without notice incident…
Since buying our 2009 routan in the fall of 2016 we have sunk thousands into it trying to get it fixed because of the issues we have had shortly after buying it (ours did not come with a warranty from the vw dealer). At least twice a week, and sometimes more, it stalls while we are driving...usually at low speeds like when we are slowing down to make a turn or slowing down for a stoplight.…
After my van has been sitting for a while and it been warmed up for 15 minutes. With in the first 2 to 5 miles of driving the traction control light will come on and the van will shut off and the steering wheel and break will fail. Then I have to turn the key to off and restart the van and it sometime repeat itself if I'm stuck in traffic.
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
It's a meaningful issue. 34 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 63,000 and 119,000 miles, with the median around 88,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 63,000; a quarter make it past 119,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.