Fluid requirements
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Volkswagen Routan powertrain problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
1fire
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 19 powertrain complaints filed for the 2010 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
Of the 4 model years of Volkswagen Routan we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 19.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 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 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 ↗Transmission Fluid requirements updated to include additional model year applicability.
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 ↗Automatic transmission fluid requirements.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a cascade of powertrain failures in the 2010 Routan. The most alarming issue is unintended gear shifts: vehicles have shifted from Park into Reverse without driver input, causing one owner to be dragged by the open door and another's vehicle to roll into a lake with a dog inside. Owners also report severe rollback on even slight inclines, with not enough time to transition from brake to accelerator—a hazard at stop signs.
Transmission problems are pervasive. Vehicles jerk violently when shifting gears (especially 3rd gear), hard enough to throw passengers forward and cause swerving. Transmissions fail outright at various mileages, with metal debris found inside indicating internal destruction. In one case, a transmission was replaced, yet the vehicle continued to vibrate and make noise because the engine mount sheared during improper reinstallation.
Engine stalling without warning occurs across the mileage spectrum—from 2 months of ownership to 135,000 miles—on highways and surface streets with no warning lights. Check engine lights persist despite multiple repairs including oxygen sensor replacement and ECM resets. One owner waited 43+ days for parts after brake and transmission failures left the van undriveable. Dealers have sometimes blamed issues on normal operation or told owners problems are Town and Country design flaws requiring Chrysler recoding.
Same Volkswagen Routan powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended gear shifts and park-to-reverse rollaway
Vehicle shifts out of Park into Reverse or Drive without driver input, or rolls backward/forward when parked on inclines. One incident involved the vehicle reversing unprompted while parked, with keys in the ignition and driver standing behind it, resulting in the driver being dragged by the open door. Another incident involved the vehicle rolling backward into a lake from Park, drowning a dog in the back seat. Owners also report severe rollback on slight inclines even when in Drive, creating safety hazards at stop signs.
When: Occurs at any mileage, including early in ownership (under 2 months and at 49,678 miles); rollback on inclines is consistent issue
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts from Park to Reverse or Drive on its own; Severe rollback on slight inclines when in Drive or Reverse; Insufficient time to transition foot from brake to accelerator; Vehicle rolls backward from Park position, especially on inclines
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs documented; dealer claimed behavior was 'normal per VW specs' despite acknowledging it was abnormal
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VW stated the rollback behavior is 'normal' per specs; owners directed back to dealer with no resolution
Transmission shifting harshness and jerking
Transmission jerks violently when shifting between gears, most severe during shifts into 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears. Jerking is violent enough to throw passengers forward and cause swerving. Some owners report the transmission hesitates to shift and over-revs before shifting. Occurs in both normal and eco driving modes, in town, on highway, and in stop-and-go traffic.
When: Starting around 108,000 miles; worsens with continued driving; can occur in newer vehicles with transmission shifting issues from early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Hard jerking into gears 2, 3, 4 while driving; 3rd gear shift is the worst, hard enough to throw passengers forward and cause swerving; Transmission hesitates to shift, over-revs before shifting; Jerking occurs in all driving conditions: town, highway, stop-and-go traffic; Occurs in both normal and eco modes
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; one owner noted VW states this is a Town and Country problem requiring Chrysler dealership recoding
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VW stated jerking is a 'Town and Country problem' requiring Chrysler dealership transmission recoding
Transmission failure and inadequate torque converter/bearing performance
Transmission fails completely, with fluid degradation and internal metallic debris indicating bearing or internal component failure. Vehicle will not drive, only revs. In one case, metal was found in the pan, bell housing, and other components. Some failures recurred after initial transmission replacement, indicating potential underlying design or installation issues. One case involved the transmission being replaced, then continuing to vibrate and make noise due to an engine mount being sheared off during improper re-threading of the engine.
When: Early failures at 11,418 miles; later failures at 112,000 miles and beyond; can recur shortly after replacement (days to weeks)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not drive, only revs; Vehicle unable to shift into gear while accelerating or going uphill; Metal particles found in transmission pan, bell housing, and compounds; Transmission makes humming sound during acceleration; Transmission vibrates and makes noise after replacement; Vehicle unable to accelerate over 40 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced; in one case, bearings were replaced; metal found in pan and housing indicating internal degradation; one replacement followed by discovery that engine mount was sheared and engine was improperly threaded during the repair
Engine stalling without warning
Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving, idling, or immediately after startup. Stalling occurs on highways, surface streets, and in traffic without warning lights. No diagnostic codes precede the failure in some cases. Vehicle may restart, but stalling may recur within short intervals. Stalling combined with transmission issues creates serious safety hazard, especially on highways with children aboard.
When: Can occur as early as 2 months of ownership; also at 135,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving on highway in traffic; Engine stalls immediately after startup on multiple occasions; Engine stalls while in motion with no warning lights; Engine turns off as if vehicle is in neutral; Stalling recurs multiple times during short drive
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to find cause on one vehicle; one owner's mechanic recommended transmission replacement but stalling was not resolved
Oxygen sensor faults with persistent check engine light
Check engine light illuminates repeatedly with fault codes for oxygen sensor circuit malfunctions. Codes P0038 and P0032 indicate O2 sensor issues. Despite multiple ground tightening, sensor replacement, and ECM reset, the light continues to come on and off over many months. This recurrent fault led to a cascade of other failures including transmission replacement and stalling events.
When: Beginning August 2010, recurring over multiple months through May 2011 and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on; Check engine light comes on and off intermittently; Vehicle stalls out while driving after prolonged check engine light issues
Codes mentioned: P0038, P0032, Rear O2 sensor fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Rear O2 sensor replaced; ECM reset; grounds tightened; issues persisted despite multiple interventions
Transmission shifting into neutral independently while driving
While driving, transmission unexpectedly shifts into neutral without driver input. Vehicle continues forward without propulsion, losing engine braking and control. Failure can recur on the same drive.
When: At approximately 89,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts into neutral independently at highway speed (~40 mph); Vehicle coasts without propulsion; Failure recurs on same drive after restart
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner was made aware of NHTSA campaign 11V151000 (Electrical System) but VIN was not included in recall notice and association with failure was not confirmed
Brake control and transmission response failure combined
Brake pedal becomes unresponsive or uncontrollable; vehicle fails to slow or stop when brakes applied at traffic light. Driver was forced to turn ignition off to slow the vehicle. Simultaneously, transmission fails to reverse when backing up, then suddenly 'jumps into gear' when foot is released from pedal. Fault codes PO731 and PO935 were stored.
When: Timing not specified; parts awaited after 43+ days
Symptoms owners cite: Brake failure at traffic light; vehicle does not slow or stop with pedal pressure; Had to turn ignition off to stop vehicle; Vehicle fails to back up when gas pedal pressed; Vehicle 'jumps into gear' when foot released from pedal; Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: PO731, PO935
Repairs/costs cited: Parts on order; vehicle not yet repaired; owner waiting 43+ days for parts
Erratic transmission behavior and shift lag
Transmission behaves erratically: struggles to shift in normal operation, sometimes stalls immediately after startup, and gets stuck in a gear and refuses to shift during driving or at a stop light. Shifting stiffness increases after prolonged driving.
When: Reported after 2 months of ownership; worsens over time; recurs on subsequent drives
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls immediately after startup (5+ occasions); Transmission struggles to shift; Transmission gets stuck in a gear and will not shift while driving or at stop light; Gets worse with extended driving duration; Engine turns off with no warning while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to find fault on first visit
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
August 11, 2010 the check engine light was one. Codes p0038 and p0032 for 02 sensor faults populated. The codes were cleared. We were without the use of our vehicle for approximately day. September 13, 2010 the check engine light continued to come on. The grounds were tightened and the vehicle was test driven. A loaner/rental vehicle was issued for approximately 2 days. December 3, 2010 the…
Vehicle stationary in park. Gear slipped and car drove backwards down the hill, stopped, then slipped into drive and drove itself into lake. My dog crated in back. She drowned. Incline was slight. Gravel. Ashe county park jefferson nc. I was outside the car trying to crate my other dog when this happened.
The car failed to slow down or stop when applying pressure to brakes at traffic light. Had to turn ignition off in order to have car slow down and than eventually stop. Also failed to back up when pressing gas pedal at first and than jumped into gear when foot was released. The check engine light went on and it was taken to be fixed. The codes that came up were po731 and po935. Waiting on parts…
Bought the van in february 2012 since then it has been in the shop 11 times for transmission,rotors,and my passenger sliding doors they open automatically. Now its leaking antifreeze and we bought extended warranty and this part the plastic y part that contexts two hoses they say isn't covered and wants us to pay 450$ to do it..the van has 38,035 miles we bought it with 18,563 miles how can this…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Volkswagen Routan?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 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 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 11,418 and 108,000 miles, with the median around 49,678. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,418; a quarter make it past 108,000. 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 $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/2010/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.