2010 Volkswagen Routan
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 150 of 240 complaints (63%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 294 in 2009 to 240 in 2010.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | vs. 2010 Minivan - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,100–3,450 | 3,100–3,450 | 3,100 | 3,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 18–20 | 18–20 | 20 | 20 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–17 / 23–25 | 16–17 / 23–25 | 17 / 25 | 17 / 25 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 444–494 | 444–494 | 444 | 444 | |
| Complaints filed | 294 | 240 | 175 | 63 | |
| Recalls issued | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 6 | 5 | 4 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 12 | 12 | 21 | 2 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2010 Volkswagen Routan have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2010 Volkswagen Routan?
Electrical: 150 of 240 NHTSA complaints (63%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Volkswagen Routan get?
EPA rates it 18–20 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Volkswagen Routan?
EPA estimates $3,100–$3,450 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 6-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Minivan - 2WD | 17 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | $3,100 (low) | 444 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 6-spd | 6 | 3.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Minivan - 2WD | 16 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | $3,450 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 50 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 22 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 150 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 0 |
| Brakes | 35 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 14 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 15 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH · Campaign 15V194000 · Apr 1, 2015
Defect: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH · Campaign 11V151000 · Mar 7, 2011
Defect: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 ROUTAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2009 THROUGH JUNE 2010. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE INADVERTENT IGNITION KEY DISPLACEMENT FROM THE RUN TO ACCESSORY POSITION WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF.
Consequence: AN ENGINE SHUTTING OFF SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIN MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.