
2009 Volkswagen Routan
Should You Buy a 2009 Volkswagen Routan?
The 2009 Volkswagen Routan is a family-oriented minivan that offers a spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers. Powered by a 4.0L V6 engine, it delivers 251 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. With a combined fuel economy of 20 MPG, it strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, making it suitable for daily family commutes or longer road trips. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's reliability, as it has received a total of 460 complaints to the NHTSA, particularly concerning the electrical system and engine issues, especially at mileage intervals of 40,000-80,000 miles. Despite this, the Routan boasts a solid reliability score of 91.8/100, indicating that many owners find it dependable overall.
The 2009 Volkswagen Routan is best suited for families seeking a spacious and comfortable minivan for daily commuting and road trips, who prioritize passenger capacity and decent fuel efficiency.
Strengths
- +Spacious interior with seating for seven
- +Strong V6 engine performance
- +Good reliability score of 91.8/100
- +Comfortable ride quality for family trips
- +Decent fuel economy for a minivan
Weaknesses
- -High number of complaints related to electrical issues
- -Potential engine problems at higher mileage
- -Less advanced safety features compared to newer models
- -Limited resale value in the used market
- -Some owners report subpar build quality
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2009 Volkswagen Routan has reported several issues, particularly with the electrical system, which accounts for 146 of the 460 total complaints. Other notable concerns include engine problems and service brake issues. While there have been 7 crash incidents and 5 fire incidents, there have been no recorded fatalities. Buyers should be cautious and consider these factors when evaluating the vehicle's long-term reliability.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 3.8 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- Automatic 6-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 18
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 202.4 in
- Width
- 76.8 in
- Height
- 68.9 in
- Wheelbase
- 121.3 in
- Curb Weight
- 5,152 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –