ProblemsByVin File / 2010-VOLKSWAGEN-ROUTAN NHTSA data synced 7 hours ago

2010 · Volkswagen

Volkswagen Routan problems

240 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

Reliability score

7.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2010 Routan?

Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

Electrical system: 136 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 51,186–104,000 mi
Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical

136 reports · fails ~78,837 mi · avg $850

severe

engine

23 reports · fails ~60,959 mi · avg $3,100

moderate

steering

23 reports · fails ~99,394 mi · avg $700

moderate

powertrain

19 reports · fails ~58,766 mi · avg $2,500

severe

brakes

8 reports · fails ~23,229 mi · avg $450

moderate

body

7 reports · fails ~34,200 mi · avg $1,500

severe

tires

4 reports · fails ~42,100 mi · avg $150

moderate

wheels

3 reports · fails ~76,667 mi · avg $400

moderate

Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2010 Routan's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

Honest Calculator

Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2010 Routan?

We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.

See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2010 Routan · steering

My van shut down while driving again. I was slowing down to make a turn and the engine lost power and I lost power steering and brakes.

12/26/2018 · at 114,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11163514.0 · see steering pattern →

2010 Routan · steering

My van shut down while driving for the fourth time. I was slowing down to a stop at a light and the engine lost power and I lost power steering and brakes. This has been happening much more frequently now than before (with 3 times in the last month). My van is not included in…

12/26/2018 · at 114,200 mi · NHTSA ODI #11163515.0 · see steering pattern →

2010 Routan · steering

My van shut down while driving again. I was slowing down to a stop at a light and the engine lost power and I lost power steering and brakes.

12/26/2018 · at 114,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11163512.0 · see steering pattern →

2010 Routan · electrical

While driving the car the car shut off causing an issue with the steering and brakes. This is the second time this has happened. in trying to duplicate the issue, with the car in park and running we were able to duplicate it by wiggling the key fob while it is in the switch. We…

12/21/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11498388.0 · see electrical pattern →

View all 240 owner complaints →

Had a problem with your 2010 Volkswagen Routan? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi

At 80,000 miles

Likely repair cost in next 24 months

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 15V194000 April 1, 2015

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc

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.

severe NHTSA 11V151000 March 1, 2011

Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2010 routan vehicles manufactured from october 2009 through june 2010

An engine shutting off suddenly while driving could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the win module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during june 2011. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Common questions

Is the 2010 Volkswagen Routan reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 240 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Volkswagen Routan is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2010 Volkswagen Routan?

The 2010 Volkswagen Routan is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 136 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 51,186–104,000 mi; Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2010 Volkswagen Routan?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 136 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 78,837 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 78,837 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Volkswagen Routan has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2010 Volkswagen Routan?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 240 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Volkswagen/Routan. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Volkswagen. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.

Volkswagen Routan problems

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

Estimate your repair exposure

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc

Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2010 routan vehicles manufactured from october 2009 through june 2010

Common questions

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