2008 Volkswagen Van

The 2008 Volkswagen Routan is a minivan that was a rebadged Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan. It was offered with two engine options: a 3.8L V6 producing 197 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque and a 4.0L V6 producing 251 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Routan’s spacious interior, comfortable ride, and available features. Some common complaints include reliability issues, cheap interior materials, and a less refined driving experience compared to other minivans.

Engine

3.8L V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and crankshaft seals. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, low oil level, and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires can be caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors. Symptoms include rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ depending on the component that needs replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0L V6

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires can be caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors. Symptoms include rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ depending on the component that needs replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and crankshaft seals. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, low oil level, and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or jerky shifts between gears. This can be more noticeable at lower speeds.
  • Solution: A software update or transmission fluid flush may resolve minor issues. More severe cases may require valve body replacement or transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) - $3,000+ (transmission replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine revs up without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed. This indicates the transmission is not properly engaging the gears.
  • Solution: Requires professional diagnosis. Could involve valve body issues, worn clutch packs, or internal damage. Transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive bouncing, poor handling, and a general feeling of instability, especially over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ depending on the quality of parts and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning. Can also lead to imprecise steering.
  • Solution: Replace the worn bushings (control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the specific bushing and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Sliding Door Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Power sliding doors may fail to open or close properly, or may stop working altogether. This can be due to faulty door motors, wiring issues, or problems with the control module.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific cause of the problem (motor, wiring, control module) and replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the component that needs replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Radio/Entertainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Radio may stop working, have distorted sound, or experience intermittent failures. DVD player may malfunction.
  • Solution: Check wiring and connections. Radio or DVD player may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The TIPM controls various electrical functions and can cause a wide range of issues, including fuel pump relay failure (leading to stalling), problems with the windshield wipers, power windows, and door locks.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty TIPM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power Sliding Door Cable Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The cable that operates the power sliding doors can fray or break, causing the door to become difficult or impossible to open or close.
  • Solution: Replace the power sliding door cable.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ depending on labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows may stop working or operate slowly.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Automatic Climate Control Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The climate control system may fail to regulate temperature properly, blowing only hot or cold air, or failing to respond to adjustments.
  • Solution: Diagnose the issue (blend door actuator, sensor, control module) and replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ depending on the component and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Volkswagen Routan, while offering a spacious and comfortable ride, has some common issues to be aware of. Engine oil leaks and misfires, transmission problems (rough shifting and slipping), suspension wear, and electrical malfunctions are the most prevalent. The TIPM is a common failure point that can lead to a variety of electrical issues. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially costly repairs, with estimated costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the problem and the required repair.