Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 240 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Volkswagen Routan, and it carries 2 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 96 | 40% |
| Engine | 20 | 8% |
| Power train | 13 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 10 | 4% |
| Unknown or other | 7 | 3% |
| Structure | 6 | 3% |
| Service brakes | 5 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 4 | 2% |
| Steering | 4 | 2% |
| Steering | 4 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the turn signal and th
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact was helping her friend who owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine and stability control warning
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
On 01/24/25 around 9pm I was leaving a friend house headed home. I took the i76 route home because it's faster. As I'm getting off on my exit, coming up on the first stop sign I start pressing down on the break pedal and
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I bought this van just a few weeks ago. One day I was driving and all a sudden it lost power while in motion. This has happened 4xs so far. It could've resulted in the inability to stop my vehicle as the brakes are
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Battery failure due to parasitic draw from Ignition IOD fuse ( J13fuse) reads 0.9 draw and M11 fuse ( hvac system) reads 0.6 draw. First occurrence 2/10/24 and second occurrence 2/11/24. Informed auto repair shop on 2/12
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
All electrical gauges randomly go on and off, there is a continuous beeping to go along with it, the windshield wipers will go on and off. It seems to happen more in the summer or if it’s raining. It will occasionally st
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated that the vehicle was started and driven to her destination; however, after arriving at her destination she attempted to shut off the vehicle, but the vehicle
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The key for the key switch is loose and can fall out in any position. Can come out in the off ; start; run; all positions. The van falls within the right timeline for the key switch replacement recall; but I am told it d
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2010 Volkswagen Routan. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 rec
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
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 1-800-8
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.
| Reliability raw | 66 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 71 | good |
| Maintenance | 68 | good |
| Depreciation | 59 | average |
| Performance | 60 | average |
| Efficiency | 38 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other minivans & vans in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 240 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and electrical system is the most reported area with 96 of them (40%). There are 2 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 66/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 71/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2010 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 63/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.