2009 Volkswagen Routan
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr FWD Minivan
- Engines
- 4.0L 6-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 202.4 in
- Curb weight
- 5,152 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Volkswagen Routan is a minivan offered with 2 engines (4.0L 6-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,152 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway), 3% better than the 2009 minivan average of 19.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 154 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr FWD Minivan | 202.4 in | 76.8 in | 68.9 in | 121.3 in | 65.4 / 65 in | 5,152 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Routan FWD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +3% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Routan FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -7% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Volkswagen Routan under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Volkswagen Routan (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Toyota Sienna | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2009 Kia Sedona | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Honda Odyssey | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 Chrysler Town and Country | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Nissan Quest | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (5)
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Feb 11, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V083000 · 1,037 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch · Apr 1, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V194000 · 20,676 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- 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. 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 · Jul 1, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V396000 · 18,526 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly · Feb 11, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V055000 · 130 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Wiring · Jun 10, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V252000 · 15,902 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- THIS COULD RESULT IN AN OVERHEATED LATCH AND A FIRE WITHIN THE REAR SLIDING DOOR COULD OCCUR.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2009 Volkswagen Routan is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Volkswagen Routan buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 94 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 42 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 19 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 89,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Volkswagen Routan. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Routan years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Routan | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2013 Routan | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2012 Routan | 20 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 58 |
| 2011 Routan | 20 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 150 |
| 2010 Routan | 20 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 158 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →