Recalls
6campaigns
3 electrical · 1 air bag · 1 suspension
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
294filed
Owner reports, 2008–2014 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
20mpg combined
$3,266/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
4 L 6-cyl· 6-speed automatic
2 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (6)
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2009 Volkswagen Routan. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2009 Volkswagen Routan. Not checked against your VIN.
Air Bag Control Unit Power Supply Corrosion
Air bags · frontal
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan vehicles manufactured February 7, 2008, to August 28, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
- Consequence
- If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- VW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
34.1% repairedof 1,037 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V083000
Listed for 2009 Volkswagen Routan. Not checked against your VIN.
Ignition Switch may Turn Off
Electrical system · ignition · switch
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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 applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Consequence
- 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 and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on June 23, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H1. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 11V151 and 14V396. Vehicles that previously received an ignition switch trim ring as a recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign. Vehicles that have already received a new ignition switch are not covered by this campaign.
60% repairedof 20,676 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V194000
Listed for 2009 Volkswagen Routan. Not checked against your VIN.
Ignition Switch may Turn Off
Electrical system · ignition
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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 applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009 Routan vehicles. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Consequence
- 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 and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will modify the ignition switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1- 800-822-8987. An interim notice was mailed to owners on August 29, 2014. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28G1/U8. Note: This campaign is an expansion of NHTSA Recall No. 11V-151.
Repair progress not yet reported18,526 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V396000
Listed for 2009 Volkswagen Routan. Not checked against your VIN.
Rear Axle may Fracture
Suspension · rear · axle · non-powered axle assembly
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Freedom Motors Inc., (Freedom Motors) of Savaria Vehicle Group (formerly The Liberty Motor Company) is recalling one model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan and certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country wheelchair accessible vehicles modified by The Liberty Motor Company from February 2008 through January 2011. Over time and with use, the vehicle's rear axle may develop cracks which could lead to axle failure.
- Consequence
- Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Freedom Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected axles, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2014. Owners can contact Freedom Motors at 1-800-561-9600. Freedom Motors' number for this recall is ENGF0216-3.
31.5% repairedof 130 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V055000
Listed for 2009 Volkswagen Routan. Not checked against your VIN.
POWER SLIDING DOOR WIRING HARNESS ASSEMBLY
Electrical system · wiring
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 ROUTAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2008 THROUGH JULY 2009. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPER ROUTED WIRE HARNESS THAT MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE LOWER SLIDING DOOR HINGE BRACKET CAN MAKE CONTACT AND WEAR THROUGH THE WIRE INSULATION. CONTACT WITH A 12V POWER FEED CIRCUIT WITHIN THE HARNESS MAY CAUSE A HIGH RESISTIVE SHORT CIRCUIT WITHIN THE LATCH MECHANISM LOCATED INSIDE OF THE SLIDING DOOR.
- Consequence
- THIS COULD RESULT IN AN OVERHEATED LATCH AND A FIRE WITHIN THE REAR SLIDING DOOR COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy
- VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSPECT THE SLIDING DOOR WIRE TRACK WIRE ASSEMBLY AND THE SLIDING DOOR POWER DRIVE UNIT WIRE ASSEMBLY FOR DAMAGE, REPAIR/REPLACE AS NECESSARY, TIE STRAP THE TWO HARNESSES TOGETHER AND ROUTE THE HARNESSES UNDER THE SLIDING DOOR WEATHER STRIP. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Repair progress not yet reported15,902 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 10V252000
Listed for 2009 Volkswagen Routan. Not checked against your VIN.
MISSING INFORMATION ON OWNERS MANUAL
Equipment · other · owners/service/other manual
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 18,500 MY 2009 ROUTAN VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE OWNER'S MANUAL WAS PRINTED WITHOUT THE FMVSS NO. 208 REQUIRED INFORMATION EXPLAINING THAT NO OBJECTS SHOULD BE PLACED OVER THE OR NEAR THE AIR BAG ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
- Consequence
- ANY SUCH OBJECTS COULD CAUSE INJURY TO THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE AIR BAG TO INFLATE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL SEND AN OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE REQUIRED AIR BAG INFORMATION FOR OWNER INSTALLATION OR DEALERS WILL INSTALL IN THE EVENT THE OWNER PREFERS ASSISTANCE FROM THE DEALER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Repair progress not yet reported18,500 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V244000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (294)
294 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.
6involved a crash
3involved a fire
12injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 294 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 151 | 51.4% |
| Engine | 78 | 26.5% |
| Service brakes | 55 | 18.7% |
| Steering | 34 | 11.6% |
| Power train | 20 | 6.8% |
| Structure | 18 | 6.1% |
| Unknown or other | 15 | 5.1% |
| Electronic stability control | 12 | 4.1% |
| Wheels | 12 | 4.1% |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 2.7% |
How 2009 compares with other Routan years
Best and worst Routan years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 3 | 0 |
| 2009 | 294 | 6 |
| 2010 | 240 | 2 |
| 2011 | 175 | 0 |
| 2012 | 63 | 1 |
| 2013 | 7 | 0 |
| 2014 | 2 | 0 |
This year (2009)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 20 mpg combined
20
mpg combined
17
city
25
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,350
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 444 g/mi
- EPA class
- Minivan -
What it costs you to run
$3,266per year
$272per month
750gallons a year
Miles ÷ 20 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | $3,350 | 444 |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | $3,700 | 494 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2009 Routan for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2009 Volkswagen Routan FAQ
How many recalls does the 2009 Volkswagen Routan have?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 16V083000 (air bag), 15V194000 (electrical), 14V396000 (electrical), 14V055000 (suspension), 10V252000 (electrical), 09V244000 (equipment). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2009 Volkswagen Routan problems?
Owners filed 294 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (151), Engine (78), Service brakes (55) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2009 Volkswagen Routan get?
EPA rates the 4 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 17 city, 25 highway and 20 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2009 Routan compare with other years?
Among the 2008–2014 Volkswagen Routan model years at least five years old, the 2014 drew the fewest complaints (2) and the 2009 the most (294). The 2009 drew 294. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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