2009 Volkswagen Routan

The 2009 Volkswagen Routan is a minivan that shares its platform with the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. The Routan offered a 3.8L V6 engine producing 197 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque and a 4.0L V6 engine producing 251 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Some people appreciate the Routan for its more European-tuned suspension and interior styling compared to its Chrysler counterparts. However, others dislike it for not offering the Stow ‘n Go seating found in the Chrysler minivans and for potential reliability issues.

Engine

3.8L V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various points on the engine, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The water pump can fail, leading to overheating. Symptoms include high engine temperature, coolant leaks, and a whining noise from the engine.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0L V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various points on the engine, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The water pump can fail, leading to overheating. Symptoms include high engine temperature, coolant leaks, and a whining noise from the engine.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Rough Shifting/Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: The 6-speed automatic transmission can exhibit rough or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift.
    • Solution: The recommended solution is to replace or rebuild the transmission. Sometimes a software update can resolve shifting issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3,000+ depending on the issue and whether it is a repair, replacement, or rebuild.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: The struts and shocks can wear out, leading to a bouncy ride, poor handling, and excessive tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ for all four corners.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Sway Bar Links
  • Description/Symptoms: The sway bar links can wear out, leading to clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the worn sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The power sliding doors can malfunction, failing to open or close properly. This can be due to faulty door motors, sensors, or wiring.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific cause of the problem and repair or replace the faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the component needing repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power window motors can fail, causing the windows to not operate.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop on the body panels, especially around the wheel wells and rocker panels.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the rusted panels and repaint.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the extent of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can develop cracks, especially in warmer climates.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard or install a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (for a cover) - $1,000+ (for replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2009 Volkswagen Routan, while offering a more European driving feel compared to its Chrysler counterparts, suffers from several potential issues. Engine oil leaks and water pump failures can be costly to repair. Transmission problems, especially rough shifting, can require expensive repairs or even a full replacement. Suspension components wear out, and electrical issues with the power sliding doors and windows are common. Interior problems like dashboard cracking detract from the vehicle’s overall appeal. While some repairs are relatively minor, others can be quite costly, making a thorough inspection crucial before purchasing a used Routan.