Volkswagen Routan owners have reported 4 unknown or other related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common unknown or other problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's unknown or other (4 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other problems |
While driving on highway at 60 mph. Car (2010 volkwaggen routon) suddenly stopped. Tried to start it, I worked and then suddenly stopped again. The car stopped suddenly turned off while driving at 60, I could have been killed. Had to wait 1 1/2 hours to be towed. Turns out problem is in ignition, the part that the key goes into. The part is on back order, have already had to wait over a week. And they are still unsure as to when the part will be in. The problem is a recall item and volkswaggen didn't inform me and when I called they still didn't know about the recall. I found out is was recall by googleing it. They don't have in their system that its a recalled item. Had I been told about recall our lives would not have been in danger. I would love to get out of the lease and really dont want to drive a car from a company that doesn't inform customers of recalls. Called Volkswagen, they are looking into it. There is s.
Routan seemed to jolt/skid when brake was pressed. This would happen approximately every 3rd day. Took it to the dealership and they found the rotors were worned. This I cannot understand when it is a new 2010 which I purchased in August of 2010. I do not comprehend and understand their explanation. The described how the rotor works along with the brake. Bottom line is a more sensible material is being used. They were not replaced only touched up. Makes no complete sense and to me is already a safety hazard. Also there is a ticking sound coming from the engine but they could not detect/find it. I'm to go back and do a test drive with their technician so that I can point out to them the sound. Well today when I started the Routan it has more of a clicking sound which was not there before. I would hear the sound only when the gas pedal was being used. When gas pedal would be released it would go away but now it is a constant sound.
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.
We recently purchased a 2009 Volkswagen Routan se with both driver and passenger automatic sliding doors. Our 4 year old son went to open the rear passenger side door by pulling on the handle, and at the same time my husband went to open the door by pushing the "door open" button on the key. As a result of this, the door ended up closing completely, and latching, on my son's hand. It also would only open once my husband forcefully pulled the door open. Of course his hand immediately swelled up and we visited the emergency department, had xray's taken, and there was no incidence of a fracture. When we reported this directly to Volkswagen of America, we were instructed to bring it to the local dealer and have diagnostics done. The result? "there is nothing wrong with your vehicle. " they went on to explain to us that the anti pinch protection is working, but is not designed to sense such a small object. Volkswagen of America assured us that this matter was not taken lightly, and that the engineering department came to the conclusion that the door was functioning properly. When we addressed any further actions, ie replacement of door, vehicle, or termination of our lease agreement, we were told, "we are sorry for this unfortunate accident, but accidents happen and there is nothing more we can do for you. " when we expressed our concern that our 4 year old son is petrified of our car, and that he refuses to get into the vehicle by himself, let alone open the door alone, we were told, "I am sure he will get over it after a while. " these answers are not acceptable to us. For a car that is marketed as a family mobile and a safe vehicle, we feel that it does not live up to it's claims. It makes no sense why an automatic door would be designed to sense something bigger than a child's hand, limb, or other body part. What goes hand in hand with a minivan? a child! we feel we have been neglected due to the lack of caring or importance that this matter has been given.