Brake Grinding Noise Problems of Volkswagen Routan

While driving approx 30-35mph, my van began to smell hot and smoke began to rise from the right front wheel well. I had two of my three children with me. I frantically told my 14 yr old son who was in the front passenger seat to get to the back and help his four yr old sister out of her car seat (we were still moving) I pulled into a parking lot and had them quickly exit the left sliding door of the van. Later that evening I went back to retrieve the van alone and as soon as the van began to move it made the most horrible grinding noise I have ever heard. I immediately knew it was a seized brake caliper, (not because I am a mechanic. I am a speech therapist). I knew because approx 4 months prior the van made the exact same sound with no warning when the right rear caliper seized and both front and back brakes were replaced! =$780). I drove to the closest brake shop where it was repaired the next day. Cost=$733. 68. I travel as a speech therapist. I was in jacksonville beach, FL during this fiasco. The prior brake repair was done in phoenix, az so I could not use the same company or question the warranty. It clearly isn't a warranty issue. Am I to believe it is normal to replace the entire brake system including rotors, drums, pads, discs, calipers, bushings, pin boots, etc,,, every 7,000 miles?? I think not. I didn't even know all those words until I purchased a Routan. Something is wrong. These vans are dangerous. I will not drive my children long distances or on the interstate in the van, which I purchased because we don't all fit in the corolla. I am asking vw to reimburse me. We will see how that goes. Thank goodness all I have lost is money.

See all problems of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan 🔎.

Purchased the vehicle from the dealership in April 2011. We took a family vacation in June and noticed that the vehicle shut itself off a few times while in motion; causing the vehicle to lose power and all steering. On the same trip, when using the key fob, the entire electrical system would freeze and shut itself off. It eventually turns back on after 5 or so minutes. The wynn module was replaced. Before departing for the vacation, we had brake issues with them making a grinding noise and , sometimes no stopping power. Dealer replaced rotors. The passenger slider doors have issues. When closing, the door's safety mechanism would not back track the doors when it hit something coming or going into/out of the vehicle. The door shut on my son! the vehicle has been to the dealership more times than a new vehicle should. . . . Did I mention that we still have brake issues and electrical issues. It seems that all the dealership can say is that we cannot duplicate the situation. Each time that the vehicle goes to the dealer, they have it for a week or more! I have owned Chrysler/Dodge products before this and this is why I went to a vw. Needless to say, I didn't do my homework before purchasing. It seems that this vw is a "Chrysler". As of today, 15 January, I am looking into the "lemon law" and possibly seeking legal action. Something needs to be done. Why do we have to wait until this vw vehicle causes serious damage to property, person and maybe even death before the NHTSA looks into the vw situations?.

See all problems of the 2010 Volkswagen Routan 🔎.