2009 Volkswagen Van

The 2009 Volkswagen Routan is a minivan that offers a spacious interior and comfortable ride, making it a popular choice for families. Engine options include a 3.8L V6 engine producing 197 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, or a 4.0L V6 engine producing 251 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The Routan is generally praised for its practicality and passenger space, while some criticisms include the van’s bland styling and reliability issues.

Engine

3.8L V6 Engine

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may occur from various locations on the engine, such as the valve cover gaskets or oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the vehicle and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Spark Plug Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires caused by worn or fouled spark plugs. Rough running engine and illuminated check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the spark plugs and ignition coils.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0L V6 Engine

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may occur from various locations on the engine, such as the valve cover gaskets or oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the vehicle and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Spark Plug Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires caused by worn or fouled spark plugs. Rough running engine and illuminated check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the spark plugs and ignition coils.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Both Transmission Options

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report harsh or jerky shifting between gears, especially at lower speeds.
  • Solution: Fluid change. In some cases, valve body replacement or full transmission rebuild/replacement is needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 for fluid change, $500 - $1000+ for valve body, $2500 - $4500+ for rebuild/replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip out of gear or hesitate when accelerating.
  • Solution: Often requires a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $4500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts and Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, and excessive body roll during turns.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacing the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Sliding Door Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The power sliding doors may fail to open or close properly, or may make unusual noises during operation.
  • Solution: Could be a sensor replacement, motor replacement, or track repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Radio/Entertainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent issues with the radio, CD player, or other entertainment system components. The screen may freeze or go blank.
  • Solution: Replacing or reprogramming the radio/entertainment system unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially if the vehicle is left sitting for a few days.
  • Solution: Finding the parasitic draw and fixing the cause. Sometimes requires replacing the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+ for diagnosis, $100 - $300+ for battery replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Cable Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The cables that operate the sliding doors can fray or break, causing the door to become difficult or impossible to open/close.
  • Solution: Replacing the sliding door cables.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power windows may stop working or operate erratically.
  • Solution: Replacing the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard material, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Seat Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The power seats may stop adjusting or move erratically.
  • Solution: Seat motor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Volkswagen Routan is prone to a range of issues, with the transmission being a potential area of concern due to harsh shifting and slipping problems that can lead to costly repairs. Engine oil leaks and electrical issues with the power sliding doors and entertainment system are also common. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be quite significant, potentially leading to high repair bills.