Three problems related to ignition have been reported for the 2009 Volkswagen Routan. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan based on all problems reported for the 2009 Routan.
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the ignition module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
Engine shut off while driving, steering column locked and power braking lost. Lighting and radio were still on. Was barely able to vehicle to a stop by pushing extremely hard on the brake, brakes were very unresponsive. Once stopped, was able to turn ignition off and restart vehicle.
Our Routan has "started itself" multiple times. In each instance, without intentionally starting the ignition (keys were in purse/handbag untouched by human hands), we have found the vehicle on and idling. Most recently, we happened (fortuitously) to find the vehicle running in our enclosed garage. The garage is attached to our home and we felt, given the potential for accidental death if not discovered in a timely fashion, we needed to alert authorities of the (either) design flaw or electrical system malfunction. While electrical system malfunction is certainly a strong possibility (we have had multiple problems with it in this vehicle), even if the remote ignition key were "functional" we feel the lack of barriers to accidentally starting the vehicle is extremely dangerous. For instance, if the keys are in a purse and simply moving the purse is enough to start the vehicle, even though the key "worked", it is far too easy to accidentally start the vehicle. This is what has occurred in each instance (keys in a purse, no hands directly touching the keys). A safer design might involve a code to be punched in vs simply pressing one button. Given that many families keep their vehicle in an attached, enclosed garage, accidentally running the vehicle could be deadly if carbon monoxide were to build up and enter the home.