2008 Volkswagen Routan problems
The Volkswagen Routan is a seven-seat minivan and rebadged variant of the Chrysler RT platform, with revised styling, content features, and suspension tuning from the fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.
Manufactured alongside the Chrysler and Dodge minivans at Windsor Assembly and marketed in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Routan debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and went on sale in the United States in September of the same year as a 2009 model. The Routan's minivan variants include the Dodge Caravan, Ram C/V, Chrysler Town & Country, and Lancia Voyager (export)—that by 2009 have ranked as the 13th best-selling automotive nameplate worldwide, with over 12 million sold.
Production of the Routan was halted in 2012 due to high inventory levels, and Volkswagen announced the 2013 model year would be primarily reserved for rental car companies and other fleets, with limited availability to the public at dealer showrooms. This also held for the 2014 model year Routan.
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Common 2008 Volkswagen Routan problems
The Volkswagen Routan, produced between 2009 and 2014, shares many components with the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. However, it has its own unique set of problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the most common issues with the 2008 Volkswagen Routan:
- Transmission Issues: Transmission problems are a common complaint among Routan owners. These issues include slipping, jerking, and sudden shifts, which can be both inconvenient and potentially dangerous. Some owners have reported that the transmission needs to be replaced entirely, which can be a costly repair.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues are another common problem with the Routan. These can range from minor issues like malfunctioning power windows and doors to more serious problems like electrical shorts and blown fuses. Some owners have reported that their Routan's electrical system has caused the car to shut off while driving, which can be a serious safety hazard.
- Brake Wear: Premature wear on brake pads and rotors is a common complaint among Routan owners. This issue can lead to decreased stopping power and increased stopping distances, which can be a serious safety concern. Some owners have reported that their Routan's brakes need to be replaced more frequently than expected, which can be a costly repair.
- Steering Issues: Steering problems are another common complaint among Routan owners. These issues can range from minor problems like stiff or difficult steering to more serious problems like steering locking up or the car seizing while driving. Some owners have reported that their Routan's steering system needs to be replaced entirely, which can be a costly repair.
- Engine Problems: Engine problems are a common complaint among Routan owners. These issues can range from minor problems like reduced power and acceleration to more serious problems like engine failure. Some owners have reported that their Routan's engine needs to be replaced entirely, which can be a costly repair.
- Fuel System Problems: Fuel system problems are another common complaint among Routan owners. These issues can range from minor problems like decreased fuel efficiency to more serious problems like fuel leaks. Some owners have reported that their Routan's fuel system needs to be replaced entirely, which can be a costly repair.
In conclusion, while the Volkswagen Routan is a popular minivan, it has its own unique set of problems that owners have reported. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards. If you're considering purchasing a Routan, it's important to be aware of these common problems and to budget accordingly for potential repairs.
Are Volkswagen Routans reliable?
The Volkswagen Routan Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 8 for minivans. The average annual repair cost is $745 which means it has average ownership costs.
Why did Volkswagen stop making the Routan?
Automotive industry analysts were not surprised by VW's decision to drop the Routan because buyers had no reason for selecting the Routan over the similar Dodge Grand Caravan or the Chrysler Town & Country, and the Routan's base price of nearly $28,000 was far more than the basic $21,000 Grand Caravan, while the ...
What is the problem with the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
(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. What should you do: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will modify the ignition switch, free of charge.
How many miles per gallon does a Volkswagen Routan get?
Acceleration and Power
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates fuel economy for the 3.8-liter V6 at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Surprisingly, the more powerful 4.0-liter is more fuel efficient, getting 17 city/ 25 highway.
Are Volkswagen Routans reliable?
The Volkswagen Routan Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 8 for minivans. The average annual repair cost is $745 which means it has average ownership costs.
What is the transmission problem on the VW Routan?
Some of the most common VW Routan transmission problems are slipping between gears, erratic up or down shifts, or a hard slam when the 62TE transmission engages Drive or Reverse.
Why did Volkswagen stop making the Routan?
Automotive industry analysts were not surprised by VW's decision to drop the Routan because buyers had no reason for selecting the Routan over the similar Dodge Grand Caravan or the Chrysler Town & Country, and the Routan's base price of nearly $28,000 was far more than the basic $21,000 Grand Caravan, while the ...
What is the problem with the 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
(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. What should you do: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will modify the ignition switch, free of charge.
2008 Volkswagen Routan car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Routan problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Wheels problems
- Child seat problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Volkswagen Routan vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2008 Volkswagen Routan complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Volkswagen Routan.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-31
- VIN: 2V8HW54X99R
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-12
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TPMS SLEEVES WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
CHILD SEAT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-10
- Components: CHILD SEAT
- Summary: I HAVE THE CAR SEAT GRACO MY RIDE 65. I HAVE HAD IT NOW FOR 4 YEARS. I WAS PLANNING ON USING IT AGAIN FOR MY SECOND DAUGHTER. AFTER THE END OF THE 2ND YEAR, THE STRAPS THAT YOU PULL BEGAN TO FRAY. THE LATCHING SYSTEM ON THE SEAT HAS BEEN LOCKING OR GETTING STUCK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION MAKING IT HARD FOR ME TO RELEASE MY DAUGHTER FROM THE STRAPS. I AM ALSO HAVING A HARD TIME TIGHTENING HER SUFFICIENTLY ENOUGH BECAUSE THE LATCH GETS STUCK. THE STRAPS ARE ALSO CONSTANTLY GETTING TANGLED AND TWISTED. I CALLED GRACO AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BUT SEND ME A 40 DOLLAR REBATE WHEN I BUY ANOTHER ONE OF THEIR SEATS. THERE IS NO PARTS THAT THEY CAN HELP ME WITH REPLACING ANYTHING. I AM VERY DISGUSTED. I NOW HAD TO PURCHASE ANOTHER GRACO HIGH BACK BOOSTER FOR MY 5 YEAR OLD AND NOW I HAVE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER SEAT FOR MY BABY. I WASN'T PLANNING ON BUYING ANOTHER SEAT FOR MY BABY. I WANTED TO USE THE MY RIDE FOR MY 2ND DAUGHTER. I AM VERY UPSET. *TR
Other years of Volkswagen Routan
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