2010 Volkswagen Routan: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2010 Volkswagen Routan: 2 recalls, 240 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #11V151000 · 2011 · 12,612 vehicles
What's wrong: Some vehicles May experience inadvertent ignition key displacement from the run to accessory position while driving causing the engine to shut off.
Why it matters: An engine shutting off suddenly while driving could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the win module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2011.
Electrical Vehicle recall #15V194000 · 2015 · 20,676 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009 routan vehicles manufactured June 25, 2008, to July 8, 2009, and 2010 routan vehicles manufactured October 1, 2009, to August 11, 2010. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if…
Why it matters: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the off or accessory position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including, but not limited to, air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems May increase the risk of crash…
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on June 23, 2015.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (150): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (68), electrical failure (61), warning light on (29).
- Engine (45): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (25), warning light on (11).
- Steering (23): the most common themes are steering problems (17).
- Brakes (23): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2010 Volkswagen Routan has 240 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 7 Routan model years for complaints (2.1× the average Routan year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (31 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (294 complaints, 6 recalls), 2011 (175 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2010 Volkswagen Routan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2010 Volkswagen Routan problems?
Owners have filed 240 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (150), engine (45), steering (23).
What gas mileage does the 2010 Volkswagen Routan get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (4.0 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2010 Volkswagen Routan repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.