DecodedCars2010 Volkswagen Routan
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Body styles
- 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
- 4,621 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Overview
The 2010 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 4,621 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway), 2% better than the 2010 minivan average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 158 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2010
- Lightest version 531 lb lighter
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Routan →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWD Minivan | 202.4 in | 76.8 in | 68.9 in | 121.3 in | 65.4 / 65 in | 4,621 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 | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +2% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Routan | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -8% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Volkswagen Routan (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Toyota Sienna | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2010 Kia Sedona | 19 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2010 Honda Odyssey | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan | 20 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2010 Chrysler Town and Country | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2010 Mazda 5 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
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 › Switch · Mar 1, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V151000 · 12,612 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- AN ENGINE SHUTTING OFF SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2010 Volkswagen Routan is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Volkswagen Routan buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 113 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 29 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 17 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 94,000 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 2010 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 |
| 2009 Routan | 20 | 202.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 154 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →