Volkswagen Routan Volkswagen Routan

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Volkswagen Routan repairs by problem area

Engine (28%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (10%)

Brakes and Traction Control (11%)

Suspension and Steering (10%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (27%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (9%)

Other (5%)

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Chart based on 209 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Volkswagen Routan.

Volkswagen Routan transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (5%)

$1000 - $2499 (11%)

$500 - $999 (11%)

$100 - $499 (37%)

< $100 (37%)

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Chart based on 19 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Volkswagen Routan 4dr Minivan, ext.

283-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

14000 mi VW issued a TSB for harsh downshifts. The dealer reset the computer module and the vehicle seems to shift more smoothly now. Gas mileage has also improved somewhat. 
102000 mi

US $1600
Transmission solenoid switch needed to be replaced. 
56420 mi Transmission failed 17 days out of power train warranty. Complete failure while driving. I had to tow to the steelership for a 2 hour diagnostic. Torque converter broke, valve body damaged beyond repair. Minor hunting while shifting for a couple weeks before failure. Slow to upshift before failure. $6500 for a new transmission and 1500 labour to install. I have a brand new transmission now. I got a free car wash with my visit. I have a 2011 VW Jetta TDI so I pushed the steelership to contact VW Canada and plead my case. VW in the end paid for the transmission and offered 1 year warranty. I had to pay for labour. While looking for my bill of sale for the Jetta I found the extended warranty for the van and had $1600 reimbursed. Some of the towing and car rental fees I paid out of pocket. 
130200 mi

C $450
Transmission cooler lines leaking 
50000 mi

US $200
Transmission chugs when reversing up an incline. Shop was unable to find reason without taking apart. Replaced transmission mount with factory part. Did not resolve issue. Decided to live with it and has not gotten worse 50k later. Neighbors 2013 van does the same thing. May be a design flaw. 

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2010 Volkswagen Routan 4dr Minivan, ext.

197-horsepower 3.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

127000 mi

US $1100
Valve body and TRS (transmission range sensor) replaced. TCm updated with new software. 

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2009 Volkswagen Routan

Engine not specified

25000 mi Transmission downshift issue. Related to temperature, when cold would downshift if below 20 MPH. Dealer could not understand my frustration. Parked van in warm shop overnight, could not duplicate. Did not set code so had no idea how to fix. Bought back. 

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2009 Volkswagen Routan 4dr Minivan, ext.

251-horsepower 4.0L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

57700 mi

US $135
Whining in the transmission between 25 mph and 45 mph 
115000 mi

US $850
Computer regulating shifts broke. 
118000 mi

US $850
Control on transmission failed 
49543 mi

C $26
CV shaft replaced under warranty Rear tailight replaced $25.83 
70462 mi

C $342
Serpentine belt tensioner seized 
71300 mi

C $380
Transmission stuck in 2nd gear limp mode. Replaced input speed sensor. Transmission stuck in 2nd gear limp mode. Replaced input speed sensor. 
54500 mi

US $24
Replaced passenger axle shaft seal and balance front tires 
54000 mi

US $100
Transmission dropped. Covered under warranty. Routan has Chrysler driventrain. Chrysler Trannies notorious for failing. Like the van but the trannie issues are annoying. I'm done with Chrysler products. 

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2009 Volkswagen Routan 4dr Minivan, ext.

197-horsepower 3.8L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

168458 mi Other bigger issues involve the main computer and transmission. 
71800 mi

US $50
Rough shifting. Transmission was replaced. 
107000 mi

US $150
Transmission is starting to shift roughly, mostly in lower gears; tried transmission filter/fluid change to see if it will help. 
131440 mi

C $2750
change waterpump and transmission cooling lines 

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Volkswagen Routan Transmission Problems

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