Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Volkswagen Routan - part 1

I bought this van just a few weeks ago. One day I was driving and all a sudden it lost power while in motion. This has happened 4xs so far. It could've resulted in the inability to stop my vehicle as the brakes are stiff after the power & engine stop working. It could've resulted in either I hit someone or someone could've hit me. My cousins husband had a town and country that did this & it was on a recall for the ignition switch failure. He's a mechanic. He has also stated what is going on is the ignition switch failure going into accessory mode while I'm driving. It's available to be inspected I just don't have the money to have it inspected at this point by a dealership.

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Loss of steering while driving, fluid loss multiple times since late September 2024(all while driving and no lights or warnings came on), 2 snapped serpentine belts, key ignition sticking(would not turn), dashboard not lighting up, rpm no longer rests below 1. 5 - 2, car struggles to accelerate(especially uphill), car turns over and struggles to start, even though has newer battery. 1/9/25 driving to an appointment, upon reaching destination, a pop sound. No smell, no warnings came up on dashboard. Upon leaving, saw fluid leak, headed straight to dealership, at which a massive amount of fluid began pouring out of vehicle. . In exact same area as original issue from 8/31/24.

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The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 190,000.

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the vehicle was started and driven to her destination; however, after arriving at her destination she attempted to shut off the vehicle, but the vehicle remained running. The contact stated that she disconnected the battery to shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

Nhtsa recall 14v396 is probably the best correction to this issue. My van has shut off mid-driving while my children are in the car with me. It is so dangerous in the road. I can't move the steering wheel. Mechanics can't seem to diagnose the problem because the van doesn't give any computer codes when it would shut down. There are similar complaints and I wonder how Volkswagen knows of this issue and has failed to inform the owners of these vehicles. Chrysler had a similar issue and did a recall. I hope Volkswagen would acknowledge this issue.

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The contact's son owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently fail to start after multiple attempts; several waring lights would appear on the instrument panel. The contact initially called the dealer and was informed that they no longer work on that model vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

This has happened multiple times. The ignition will cut off which make the car engine quit running. Loss of braking, steering, power has left me in the middle of intersections being nearly avoided being ran into. When this happens all the warning lights come on and the engine turns off. The exact problem vw recall number 28h1 is affecting my vehicle.

Car is stalling out while driving with no warning. Doesn't matter the rate of speed I'm going it just cuts out. Can't turn steering wheel. No codes pop up. No mechanics can pinpoint issue. I have seen quite a few thousand people complaining of the same issue and reported it to vw as well as NHTSA and no one will do a recall. Chrysler did a recall for this same issue but not vw. This is a safety issue for not only the owner but other drivers on the road. If I get into an accident or cause one I will be suing NHTSA as well as vw for no recall being done. I have printed out over 100 pages of complaints from others for evidence of complaints. I have already entered the class action lawsuit with others having the same issue. Recall the issue or face lawsuits.

The transmission on our 2012 vw Routan has completely failed. The car will not go into gear and left my wife in a position where she was stranded in traffic. We are the original owners of this vehicle and have followed the recommended maintenance schedule. The engine in this vehicle is a Chrysler pentastar v6. (the vehicle was built as a joint venture between vw and Chrysler) according to online research Chrysler has recognized a “fatal flaw” in this engine and has extended warranty to customers in order to cover repairs beyond 100,000 miles. We only have 72,000 on our vehicle. I have spoken with vw north America, they told me to plead my case with Chrysler. I spoke with Chrysler and they told me to plead my case with vw. Neither company is willing to recognize that a total transmission failure at 72k miles is [their] responsibility. I am asking for the drivetrain warranty on our vehicle to be extended, due to the “fatal flaw” which has already been identified by Chrysler on the pentastar v6. Vw service is asking me to pay more than $6,000 to repair the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal high pitch noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was jump started by the police and was restarted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the starter needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

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While driving on a highway at 65 mph, vehicle shut down, lost brakes, steering, and all power, had to coast to a stop, narrowly avoiding a collision. Upon exhaustive review, tipm was faulty, causing starting issues, intermittent power loss, and fuel pump issues. As this van is manufactured by Chrysler (for vw) and their (identical) model has the same issue, it was known and recalled, it is appalling that no recall exists for this vw model. These vans are being financed and bought by families, and like us driven daily with children in them. The issue is widespread, very well known, but as in our case, not disclosed by dealerships as no official action has ever been taken, and no official record exists. We have learned all about it through trial and error, and are having to pay for possibly fatal errors committed on the part of the manufacturer - who, to state again, has in fact already recalled the vehicles due to it being such a wide spread and dangerous issue with a primarily family vehicle. Again, for clarity, the vw Routan is no longer in production, but when it was it was manufactured by Chrysler for vw, and is part for part a Dodge grand caravan/Chrysler town and country. Why is this critical recall in existence for only a portion of the vehicles? this has become a major issue as we have to continue reducing this van until we can sell or trade it.

The vehicle turned off in the drive gear. I lost steering,breaking and control of vehicle.

The van totally looses all power while driving. It happens multiple times per week. While driving the van dies, it takes about 3-5 seconds then the power comes back, we can then drive again. When it happens, sometimes the power doesn't come back on its own, we then have to put it in neutral and restart it, then can drive as normal.

My 2011 vw Routan completely lost power on the freeway while driving in heavy traffic. The steering completely locked up (not lost power steering), locked up and all components died while moving. It took two people to break the steering wheel loose so that the van could be pushed out of the road by tdot. We had the van towed and once removed from the truck it started and ran like normal. Our 3 kids were also in the van which makes the situation extremely hazardous. Previous to this, we paid $1,500 to the vw dealer to replace the tipm unit because the van wouldn’t start on many occasions. The dealer stated that he knew Chrysler had issued a recall on their vehicles with these same issues but vw hadn’t taken any action. Other info… no dash lights are/were on. Dealer can’t seem to reproduce the issue. Tdot officer said he’d never seen a vehicle that locked the steering while the car was in motion. This was worse than it loosing all power.

The ignition key inadvertently moves into the off or accessory position, the engine will turn off, which then depowers various key safety systems including, but not limited to, air bags, power steering, and power braking. This has happened to me several times including while driving on the interstate and in traffic. I was able to pull over but it is very difficult when power steering and power breaking goes out. I had children in the vehicle several times when this has happened. Per volkswagon website, I removed all keychains or anything that would cause the key fob to be weighed down. When I contacted them, they said my van is not under recall even though it is the same exact issue previous models had been recalled for. The only symptom prior was the check engine light was on.

Thé engine malfunction was observed and confirmed by the mecanicien and the cause was from the manufacture. I'm willing to submit the car for any inspection. The car is still drivable, but I have to report it. I have been trying to call since longtime in vain. Thank.

When driving for about 25 and then getting to a stop light. As I slow down and start to come to a stop the car shakes very roughly and turns right off. The first time this happened was 3 days after getting car from carmax. It had not happened again until this week.

The vehicle was in a parking lot and would not start after repeated tries. It would start as normal and immediately shut off. Had to take it to the dealership who advised the tipm is faulty. Faulty tipms in these vehicle with 55k-70k mileage seems to be a very common problem. There are many shops who will rebuilt these tipms as its a very known issue. This is also a serious problem as it would shut off the vehicle and how start, leaving passengers stranded.

Dash flashing, hard start after putting in a new fuse box and after flash from the dealer.

When car is running, either in park or drive, the engine cuts out. We must wait 30 sec to restart. It will then restart. This action happend both when the car is in park and drive. The action happened once in our driveway and once coming out of a carry out driveway.

Tl-the contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen routon. The contact stated that the vehicle has trobl only starting consistantly and will sputter. The contact had the fuel pump replaced by an independent mechanic but the issue recurred. The contact took the vehicle back and they recommended that the tipm relay also needed to be replaced. The contact researched the issue and the manufacturer had issued a recall but his vehicle was not included. The dealer capital Volkswagen 3963 w tennessee st, tallahassee, FL 32304 (850) 692-5609 stated there were no recalls at this time on the vehicle. The contact will have the repairs done with an independent mechanic and not with the dealer for $20 part for a repair cost for over $1000. The faiklure mileage was 90,000. Tf.

Car electrical system goes crazy, speedometer needle goes crazy. Radio turns off and on, then the vehicle turns off completely. It turns on after. Sometimes all this happens before turning off, sometimes it turns off suddenly with no warning. Have spent a lot of money trying to fix issue with no luck. Driving it makes me very nervous but I can't change cars right now. It has happened both on small streets and highway in motion.

2011 Volkswagen Routan engine will unexpectedly shut down during normal driving conditions, resulting in no engine power, no power steering and no power brakes. This occurs at any speed and in any driving condition from stationary idling up to highway speeds. This has occurred multiple times with this vehicle.

Tl the contact owns a 2001 vw Routan se. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph the vehicle's engine cut off and all the indicator lights illuminated. The anti theft system came on and the contact could not restart the vehicle. The vehicle was still parked in the lot it coasted into. The dealer and the manufacturer stated that there were no recalls. The manufacturer's for both vw and Chrysler have referred the contact to each other and did not want ot address the malfunction. The failure mileage was 184,000. Tf.

The vehicle has shut off at random times, often in traffic making it very dangerous for my family. Chrysler (who actually made this vehicle) has issued a recall for this particular issue but vw will not honor it.

While driving (car in motion)the car to pick up my children from school, it sounded like it was draining. The alert light beeped so I looked at dash the lights/info on car started blinking then the car stopped completely in middle of the road. No power would work I couldn't roll down the windows or turn on hazard lights, I had to put car in park. The key was stuck in the ignition and would not start from a jump. The car had no warning signs and was recently inspected and checked on computer and they were unable to get any codes or see any engine problems. Car would not even go into neutral to move off the road. Car was towed to my home and still not able to jump battery and car won't start. All power remains off and can't lock car with key either.

Van randomly goes to 3rd on the highway. Going to neutral and back to drive corrects the issue. Van will not start/crank randomly. Van turns off on the highway randomly. Random "enter security code" on the nav system. 129k miles on it. Chrysler recalled caravan's and the town and country for these same issues. The tipm needs to be replaced. Filing a complaint with corporate vw to have them correct this massive safety issue as Chrysler has done. . Read more...

Reported issue to vw recall group via telephone 5/13/2019. This is very similar to a recall that took place for vw Routan 2009-2010 that were created between the dates of October 2019 to June 2010. Our vehicle was created in August of 2010, and I suspect the same parts were still used. Two issues have occurred with 2010 vw Routan sel minivan 4. 0l issues started occurring after replacing a lost key fob. Key fob was ordered through local vw dealer (bob king vw) and replaced. First issue: car would not start. Put key into ignition switch, turn key, the ignition switch clicks but the car would not start. In order to start car, wait and repeat steps until car actually starts. Second issue: (highly dangerous) intermittent shut off while driving causing power steering to turn off as well as brakes. Very dangerous combination due to the fact that turning becomes very difficult as well as braking. In order to brake you have to apply great force to break since there is no power to the car. This issue has been encountered over the past two months at least four (4) times while the primary driver has been driving the vehicle. The first three times the vehicle was in motion in a residential area. The last time this issue occurred 5/13/2019 the vehicle was in motion on a major road way near an intersection. Evasive maneuvers were taken to get vehicle off of road and into a nearby parking lot off the street.

Multiple times in the past few months the car has stopped running while I am driving. Vehicle in motion on highway. In past have taken to dealer with this complaint and they can find nothing wrong.

My 2012 vw Routan cuts off while in motion. It is very scary when you are driving down the highway and your car is no longer running. Also sometimes I have to turn the key multiple times before it cranks. Vw needs a fix for this!.

2010 vw Routan VIN:[xxx] we purchased the vehicle used in November of 2018. From November 2018 through early 2020, I experienced the car turning off while driving it about once every 4-6 months. When researching this issue we found that extra weight from other keys or keychains could be affecting it so we separated the car key from my house keys. This showed no improvement. From early 2020 through early 2021, the issue increased in frequency. Instead of once every 4-6 months it became once a month. And, unfortunately in the past 3 months, it has started occurring several times a week (sometimes multiple times a day). This has been a safety concern for our family and we are very nervous that this could cause a serious accident. Luckily the other vehicles around us when this occurs have been alert drivers that were able to give us the extra time to restart our vehicle. We realize that this won’t always be the case and need to get it fixed. The issues we are experiencing as outlined above are in line with the issues listed in NHTSA campaign 11v151000 for other 2010 vw Routans. However, for whatever reason, our VIN number is not included in the recall. I would like to make a formal appeal with NHTSA that our vehicle be included in this recall and that it be repaired by vw as it is quite clear that what we are experiencing is from the issue in this NHTSA recall campaign. We are disappointed to be in a position to fight for something to get fixed that is quite clearly caused by a defaulted part, but remain hopeful that this will be resolved in a timely manner. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The engine will die as I'm driving down the highway. This causes me to lose power steering, all my digital guages on dash,etc. When I pull over stop and put it in neutral I can then turn the key and it will start right back up. This has happened at least 6 times while driving on the highway or in town but always while moving and for no apparent reason. Possible touched the key chain with my knee but I can't say anything triggered it. First thing I notice is I'm slowing down and have to power steering. Also, when starting the car the ignition regularly does not recognize that I've turned the key. Requires that I push the key in with force up and to the right while rotating for the key to activate the ignition. Sometime the engine will begin to start but stop when I let go of the key. My dealer said it could be the battery or the remote car starter. I've replaced both and still have the same problem. Now they are quoting me about $700 to replace the key fobs and ignition. I was told by a mechanic this is the exact type of problem that all the town & countries & Routans have had and there was a recall. It's a plastic key that wears out and stops working properly. Checking on-line vw Routan, Dodge caravan & chysler town & country all had a recall on their ignitions, but it was limited to 2009 & 2010. I have the same issue described in the recall "inadvertent ignition key displacement from the run position, which would shut off the engine and depower safety systems, such as airbags, power steering and braking".

My van has shut off twice now while driving. Both events have occurred while turning right, at a slow speed on city streets (one time with my children in the vehicle). I lose power steering and brakes and the engine appears to shut down (radio remains on). When I first tried to restart it, it wouldn't and then the second attempt sounded unusual but it did start. The traction control light lit up on the dashboard as well. Both times were in good driving conditions. After the first time, due to my research on the issue, I only use the fob with nothing else hanging from it. In addition, I also have the issue of the vehicle randomly not starting. I usually get it to start by fiddling with the shifter. Of course, my van is not included in the ignition module recall, which is completely absurd as it is clearly happening to a lot of us. I love everything about this van except for these two major issues.

Vehicle would shudder sometimes harshly under light throttle at 45-60mph and small hill or acceleration. Dealer diagnosed a left cylinder head failure and cylinder misfires. Vehicle has approximately 80,000 miles. Not included by VIN and falls just outside the manufacturing date, which resulted in a manufacturers extended warranty for similar failures. Requested assistance from vw due to the similarity of failure and close manufacturing date for the extended warranty. Vw did not offer assistance. Hard to believe a vehicle just produced outside an extended warranty window would have a similar failure and not be a part of the extended warranty. Review the documented complaints. . . Many 2013 Dodge grand caravan, Chrysler town and country and vw Routan vans have left cylinder head failures that are documented yet are not included by the manufacturers in their extended warranty notice.

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Tl the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. While driving between 30 to 65 mph, the vehicle randomly jerked forward and backward as if it were skipping a gear. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated afterwards several times. The contact spoke with two unknown dealers and then contacted an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the underdrive solenoid circuit of the transmission was malfunctioning. After conducting some research, the contact found that the manufacturer placed a Chrysler engine and transmission into her Volkswagen vehicle. The independent mechanic completed the repairs with another new Chrysler transmission solenoid part. While the contact was driving on the highway, the vehicle lost complete acceleration and had to be pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic, but had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer provided case number: 181899879 and NHTSA's phone number to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 115,226.