Is the 2010 Volkswagen Routan reliable?

Compared to other Routan model years, 2010 ranks poorly: it has a complaint index of 83 and is the 2nd-worst of 7 years, earning an Avoid verdict from NHTSA complaint and recall data.

What is the main problem with the 2010 Routan?

The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 151 of 240 complaints (63%), largely tied to ignition switch failures that led to two recalls.

Does the 2010 Routan have any recalls?

Yes, two recalls address ignition switch and key FOB issues (campaign 15V194000) and inadvertent ignition key displacement (campaign 11V151000), both affecting the electrical system.

At what mileage do 2010 Routan problems typically appear?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 70,000 miles overall, with electrical failures at 79,650 miles and brake failures at 85,000 miles.

How does the 2010 Routan compare to other years?

The 2009 Routan has a worse complaint index of 100 and is also rated Avoid, while 2013 has a much lower index of 33 and is rated Good.

2010 Volkswagen Routan Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2010 Volkswagen Routan has a complaint index of 83, ranking 2nd-worst among 7 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA logged 240 complaints, mostly Electrical System issues (151 complaints, 63% share), plus 2 recalls tied to ignition switches.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 83/100; #2 of 7 Routan years
Verdict: Avoid; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 240; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 2; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 5; reported in complaints
Fires: 3
Injuries: 12
Top issue: Electrical System
Best nearby year: 2013; rated Good

NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 19; 16.5 city / 24 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 12 / 0

2010 Volkswagen Routan recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

NHTSA 15V194000Apr 1, 2015Electrical System20,676 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:switch
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.
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.
NHTSA 11V151000Mar 1, 2011Electrical System12,612 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:switch
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.
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.

2010 Volkswagen Routan fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 16.5 MPG
Highway: 24 MPG
Combined: 19 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $3,425; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Regular
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2010 compared with other Routan years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2008	No verdict	17	3	0	—
2009	Avoid	100	294	6	19
2010	Avoid	83	240	2	19
2011	Caution	67	175	0	20
2012	Caution	50	63	1	20

All Volkswagen Routan years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 Volkswagen Routan reliable?: Compared to other Routan model years, 2010 ranks poorly: it has a complaint index of 83 and is the 2nd-worst of 7 years, earning an Avoid verdict from NHTSA complaint and recall data.
What is the main problem with the 2010 Routan?: The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 151 of 240 complaints (63%), largely tied to ignition switch failures that led to two recalls.
Does the 2010 Routan have any recalls?: Yes, two recalls address ignition switch and key FOB issues (campaign 15V194000) and inadvertent ignition key displacement (campaign 11V151000), both affecting the electrical system.
At what mileage do 2010 Routan problems typically appear?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 70,000 miles overall, with electrical failures at 79,650 miles and brake failures at 85,000 miles.
How does the 2010 Routan compare to other years?: The 2009 Routan has a worse complaint index of 100 and is also rated Avoid, while 2013 has a much lower index of 33 and is rated Good.