10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 104,180 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. While driving 60 mph, the contact detected a burning odor without warning. In addition, the contact observed smoke outside and inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the instrument panel, headlights, and radio failed to work. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over, opened the hood, and saw no sign of a fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wire from the ignition switch to the starter had failed (burned) and needed to be replaced. Also, the power steering line failed and leaked. The independent mechanic stated that there were so many electrical failures with the vehicle and recommended her to contact NHTSA. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V194000 and 14V396000 (electrical system: Ignition switch). The failure mileage was 145,000.
- Mathews, VA, USA
While driving, the vehicle accelerated on its own and shook like it was about to stall when braking. The throttle lightening light intermittently came on. When parked, the engine revved exceptionally high and I had to shut it off to stop it. The engine has been replaced along with all electrical wiring and the radiator and radiator fan. The dealership has said all recalls have been repaired. Another diagnostic has not found anything wrong. The interior lights do not dim but are either on or off. The sliding doors will stop working or work partially. The throttle box is currently begin replaced as a best guess solution.
- Aurora, CO, USA
The electronic door (side panel, passenger, and driver) door locks stopped working. At about the same time our front headlights began to intermittently go out during operation of the vehicle, and then stopped working altogether. The vehicle was submitted to the dealership and customer was informed that the headlight ballast was worn out and had to be replaced. Parts were ordered and when the vehicle was taken in for said ballast replacement another mechanic stated this was not a ballast issue since the headlights appeared to turn on during ignition, but then stopped working shortly afterwards. We had to wait until the next day for a dealer electrician to look at the vehicle. The electrician determined a corroded control panel was causing a short and likely causing door the headlight, as well as other issues such as incorrect tire pressure and speed indications and possible fire. No water was introduced to the vehicle, so my question is how does a control panel corrode unless there is a faulty voltage issue and electrical design defect? the mechanic indicated the dealer gets a lot of these issues on the Routan but there is no recall so they charge $900 for the replacement panel. VW knows of this issue that their own mechanics indicate can start electrical fires! the company should be investigated.
- New Braunfels, TX, USA
Besides the brakes/rotors now going on their 4th set and the car is less than 2 years old, the front bumper looks like it was about to fall off, many small other problems, this morning my son had his finger caught in the sliding door and the door did not open, it just kept trying to shut on him. This van is horrible! the door has acted up before, but never like this. The decals on the drivers door were coming off at one point and had to be replaced. The tail light already had to be replaced. Water in the front light. Just too many things for a new car.
- St. Charles, IL, USA
- Lbuquerque, NM, USA