2009 Volkswagen Routan Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 294 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 128,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, 2% of the 294 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 128,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving, the vehicle accelerated on its own and shook like it was about to stall when braking. The throttle lightening light intermittently came on. When parked, the engine revved exceptionally high and I had to shut it off to stop it. The engine has been replaced along with all electrical wiring and the radiator and radiator fan. The dealership has said all recalls have been repaired. Another diagnostic has not found anything wrong. The interior lights do not dim but are either on or off. The sliding doors will stop working or work partially. …”
NHTSA complaint #10824569, filed 2016-02, 112,000 miles“The electronic door (side panel, passenger, and driver) door locks stopped working. At about the same time our front headlights began to intermittently go out during operation of the vehicle, and then stopped working altogether. The vehicle was submitted to the dealership and customer was informed that the headlight ballast was worn out and had to be replaced. Parts were ordered and when the vehicle was taken in for said ballast replacement another mechanic stated this was not a ballast issue since the headlights appeared to turn on during ignition, but then stopped working shortly afterwards. …”
NHTSA complaint #10632580, filed 2014-09, 83,900 miles“The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Routan. While driving 60 MPH, the contact detected a burning odor without warning. In addition, the contact observed smoke outside and inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the instrument panel, headlights, and radio failed to work. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over, opened the hood, and saw no sign of a fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wire from the ignition switch to the starter had failed (burned) and needed to be replaced. Also, the power steering line failed and leaked. …”
NHTSA complaint #11031916, filed 2017-10, 145,000 miles“Besides the brakes/rotors now going on their 4th set and the car is less than 2 years old, the front bumper looks like it was about to fall off, many small other problems, this morning my son had his finger caught in the sliding door and the door did not open, it just kept trying to shut on him. This van is horrible! The door has acted up before, but never like this. The decals on the drivers door were coming off at one point and had to be replaced. The tail light already had to be replaced. Water in the front light. Just too many things for a new car.”
NHTSA complaint #10342184, filed 2010-07Related service bulletins
- 10158533Feb 18, 2019Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10239592Jun 4, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10243010May 12, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239591Mar 6, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan
151 complaintsEngine
78 complaintsBrakes
56 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsElectronic stability control
12 complaintsWheels
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsTires
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Volkswagen Routan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology