Is anyone who owns a 2010 VW Routan having problems with the vehicle pulling to the right? (Volkswagen Routan Suspension Electrical Power Doors)

zaken1 09/09/10 1:58 am PST

Some dealerships just have poor service departments. If there is another dealership in your area; I would definitely take it there to see if you get the same treatment. You might be pleasantly surprised. I would also recommend that you contact the regional VW customer service center and explain the situation to them. It is often possible to get satisfaction from the manufacturer without struggling with an incompetent or unresponsive dealership.

ronaldah 09/28/10 4:21 pm PST

Hello,

I also have 2010 Se Routan and it pulls to the right. I took back to the dealer and they said it was out of alignment. After driving home noticed it still pulled to the right. Took it to my local shop they checked the alignment it was correct. I then took the passenger side tire off and placed on the rear,still pulled to the right. It would be great to find out if you resolved your problem.

marceycross 09/29/10 7:02 am PST

Well, we are having it serviced for the 5th time now. I contacted VW myself and the dealership did as well. I told the dealership and VW that my next step was to hand them papers regarding our Maine Lemon Law. Yesterday the VW Tech came up and looked at it, made adjustments, etc. My husband took it out for a test drive with the service manager after and it still pulled to the right. The service manager called the tech again (as he was off to another appointment) and he asked for the specs again. He said that didn't sound right to him and so they kept our van overnight. They are going to "take another look at it" today and also call a VW rep to discuss the issue. I am not backing down from this and am ready to pursue legal steps. There is no way we would have bought this vehicle if we had known that these vans do this. They say that they are unaware that this is a ongoing problem with these vans (even though I have driven 4 of them from their lot and they all do it!), so the more people that come forward about it, the more that can be done about it. They are admitting that this is wrong for them to be doing this but they keep trying to fix a problem that I believe is not fixable.We are not happy with the vehicle and will not just deal with the pulling issue. Good luck to you and please stay in touch if you do pursue this any further.

ronaldah 10/01/10 11:34 am PST

Hello,

Just called VW about the pulling to the right issue. They said that they were not aware with our problem.(ha ha) I mentioned you had called them also with the same problem. I called another dealership which I plan to take it to. The service manager said I should check the right brake, to see if it hotter then the left, to see if it was sticking both were the same temperature.

How did you make out at your dealership. I am wondering if there might be a problem with the tires. I have Bridgestones also my van was assembled in June 20110.

Please keep in touch Ron

marceycross 10/03/10 6:50 am PST

Hi Ron,

We took it in AGAIN last week. The VW Tech came up specifically for our van. They brought it in, saw that the specs were AGAIN out, adjusted those. The VW Tech left the dealership for another appointment. The service manager called him to tell him what they had done and to give him the spec numbers after they had fixed it the way the VW Tech wanted it fixed. The VW Tech was not happy with the specs still. When the spec guy talked to his "home base", they told him to put on a whole new rear axle!!! So they kept our van over night and when the part came in the next day they put a new rear axle on. We got our van the next day, and although the wheel stays straight now (it would turn right slightly once we got the van going straight before it would drift right), the van still drifts to the right..... AARGH! So, now I have sent them a certified letter and we are pursueing our state's Lemon Law.

As far as you taking it to another dealer, you should try everything, but we did that also and nothing was better :(

Again, let me know your process and I will keep you posted on ours. Thanks for your feedback!

ronaldah 10/04/10 1:52 pm PST

Hello-Ron here, I have been investigating our problem, if you go to Edmunds 2009 Routan Reviews you find others you have same problem. I also found some by looking up reviews on Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. They all are made in the same plant in Canada as our Routans. On Dodge forum a guy describes pretty much what you are going through, he was wearing out tires which they replaced for him. The Dodge zone mgr approved a special alignment kit to be installed.

I also put in a complaint to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a Federal Government agency,their phone # is 1888-327-4236. Before buying my 2010 I looked reviews of 2010 on Edmunds they very positive but yesterday looking up the 2009 there were 84 majority negative.

Hope this helps Please keep in touch Ron

marceycross 10/04/10 3:00 pm PST

I did see where others of 2009s were having problems like us. I, too, did my research on the van and felt comfortable buying it.

I am going to call the national line myself and let them know my problems. I am also having to bring it back AGAIN this week because there is now a "clanking" sound coming from the rear where they just put in a new axle!!

Thank you for your help!!

Marcey

p.s. What state are you from?? Just curious as to how many people from all over are having probs.

ronaldah 10/04/10 8:49 pm PST

Hello Marcey,

Ron here, I am form Buffalo, NY. area.

It's terrible that you take a vehicle in to correct one problem and it snowballs because of poor workmanship. I learned from reading reviews that they can't correct some alignment components, that they can on other vehicles because they are not

adjustable on ours. Maybe that is the reason for are problem?

GOOD LUCK

Ron

vaiopeanut 10/08/10 5:40 pm PST

HI Everyone,

I've been watching this post for a few days now. I just recently bought a '10 Routan and of course it pulls to the right. I haven't taken it into the dealership yet because of the stories on here. It appears they have no idea how to fix it. I called the VW 800 number and of course they're not aware of anything. They're willing to take my complaint which could help build a "campaign" for the issue. She stated that I should take it in to have it look despite my concerns that it might make things even worse since no one knows how to fix it.....Very concerning. She said she will start a "case" for me and have "case worker" assigned to me to ensure the dealership is doing all that is possible to fix it. What I don't like about that is if it is a Wide issue, VW is not going to willing make a re-call without it being pressured too. So they won't admit there is a known issue until they are forced to. Cause it will cost them money when they do. I hope someone figures out what the problem is and posts it in this forum.

mr_shiftright 10/08/10 7:01 pm PST

Don't take that advice of trying to figure out if one brake is hotter than another. Brakes get *very* hot and if you use your finger you can get seriously burned, as in *seriously*.

The correct tool to test temperatures on a brake disc is a pyrometer.

ronaldah 10/08/10 7:29 pm PST

Mr Shiftright.

I used a thermocouple thermometer accurate to 2 degrees +or-.

Kind Regards Ronaldah

ronaldah 10/08/10 8:18 pm PST

Mr. Valopeanut,

Hello Ronaldah here, I am at the mind set you are in thinking about taking it back to the dealer but probably will.

I spoke to my niece who has a 2008 Town and Country, when it was new it pulled to the right. She had two alignments to no avail, then the dealer ordered a alignment kit and installed it. Helped a little, to this day it stills pulls sightly to the right. She said that there was no abnormal tire wear.

If you take it back to the dealer and still have the problem. I would recommend calling the National Traffic Safety Administration the number given to Marceycross, the more the merrier.

Apparently Chryslers knows there is a problem, I am sure VW does too, if they make a alignment kit. Routans are made in the same plant as the Chrysler vans (you may know that).

Best of luck lets all keep in touch!!

PS. I am making copies of this site to take with me to the dealer.

zaken1 10/09/10 12:53 am PST

Sometimes the factory goofs in establishing the wheel alignment specifications on a vehicle. I have seen that happen before. It can happen due to a variety of technical reasons; but the bottom line is that it can be corrected by someone who is experienced in determining the proper alignment settings on a vehicle. Establishing custom alignment settings is commonly done by chassis and suspension experts who set up race cars for special operating conditions. Some of these experts also have revised the factory alignment settings on production vehicles; when it turned out that the factory settings did not work well. I have had repeated positive experience in this area with a shop in Mountain View, CA called Custom Alignment. If any of you owners live near there; I would strongly recommend taking the vehicle to them and having them analyze it.

There are three different areas in which the factory alignment settings may need revision: The simplest and most likely deficient is called front wheel "toe in." Toe in refers to the difference in distance between the front edge of the wheels, and the rear edge of the wheels. The front wheels cannot be adjusted to be exactly parallel; because that would lead to steering instability and the need for frequent corrections in the position of the steering wheel. It would also make the car more likely to drift towards the outside edge of a crowned road. So the front wheels are usually set with the front edges aimed slightly closer to each other than the rear edges. This is like standing with your feet turned slightly toward each other. That is why it is called "toe in." Toe in makes the vehicle much more likely to go straight ahead; and also makes the steering wheel move back to center by itself when coming out of a turn. But with the advent of radial tires and power steering; some vehicle manufacturers have been using less and less toe in. This is done for several conflicting reasons; but the bottom line is that it sometimes does not work well. Proper toe in used to be 1/16" (1.5mm) less distance between the front edges of the wheels than the rear edges, before all the trendy variations came along. That setting still is a great fall back option.

The second factory setting that may be off is called "camber." Camber refers to the vertical angle of the front wheels. Many modern vehicles are not manufactured with adjustable camber angles; but that does not mean that it never is necessary to change that adjustment. The camber adjustments were eliminated because many mechanics did not understand how to set this highly precise adjustment properly, and were frequently messing up alignments (this is the same reason that fuel mixture adjustment screws were eliminated, or were sealed and hidden by manufacturers). When a vehicle that does not have adjustable camber needs to have the camber corrected; a good alignment shop can heat and bend the suspension parts that affect the camber; or can sometimes install camber adjustment kits made by aftermarket manufacturers (when they are available). But this kind of work requires skill and specialized alignment measuring equipment. Incorrect camber angles can make the car pull to one side.

A third alignment possibility could be that the rear wheels may not be tracking straight ahead. This was not uncommon on older American vehicles; which used a solid rear axle which was held in place by "U" bolts and brackets over the rear leaf springs. These "U" bolts could be attached in uneven locations; which would place the rear axle and wheel further forward on one side than on the other side. That can also make a vehicle drift to one side. Todays vehicles often have independent rear suspension; and as a result can have the rear wheel alignment go off. Because of this possibility; quality wheel alignment shops now offer 4 wheel alignment; to make sure the rear wheels are not out of line.

Sometimes a new vehicle is designed correctly; but the manufacturing tolerances may not be precise enough to enable the design specifications to perform as intended. And that's where adjustment may also be necessary.

marceycross 10/09/10 7:36 am PST

Well, my van has had ALL 3 of those corrections made (to the exact points that you state) and then some and it is still pulling. You're right, the steering wheel is at least going back to center now BUT it didn't fix the initial problem of pulling to the right. I have even had a VW Tech guiding the service department with no prevail.

I agree that a "campaign" needs to be started. I am in hopes that more people come forward. I have sent a letter to VW offering them one last chance to fix the problem before I pursue our Lemon Law and they had 7 days to respond back and didn't. I am sure these are manufacturer problems, but it doesn't mean that a consumer should be "stuck" with a vehicle they are unhappy with because that is just the way the vehicle is. I would have never bought this van if they had told me that the "special feature" is that it pulls to the right. I am sure they wouldn't tell anyone that as they wouldn't sell any.

You definitely need to go through the procedures: bring it to the dealer, tell them what is going on, tell them you have found others with this problem; it is not the dealers fault, it is VW (Dodge, Chrysler), so it doesn't affect the dealer directly but they can be a voice for you also with VW.

vaiopeanut 10/09/10 1:56 pm PST

Yea, I'm going to setup an appointment with the dealership. Hope things work out but it appears that might be just wishful thinking. I'm going to print out the forum so they know what they're getting into. I will follow-up with VW's customer service too.

ronaldah 10/20/10 7:40 pm PST

Hello- Just got back from the VW Dealer, after waiting four hrs. They did a through job, kept me informed throughout the process. Well to make along story short, there is a alignment kit. It will take about 5 days to get it in from VW, they did get close but they said they need the kit. I am hoping this will do the trick, hope this is helpful.

P.S. Will try to get the Part # of the kit

mr_shiftright 10/20/10 8:44 pm PST

Keep us posted as to whether it worked or not, please!

marceycross 10/20/10 9:06 pm PST

Great, Ron!! Keep us posted! VW Tech came up AGAIN last week and said there is nothing more they can do. He did NOT mention any kit so this will be helpful to see if it works! I have filed the Lemon Law papers but can still bring this to the VW dealer if it works.

Thanks for keeping us updated!

mikepc 10/23/10 5:48 pm PST

I have just picked up my 2011 Routan from its second visit to the dealership in the three
weeks I have had it. My wife is the primary driver and she noticed the pulling issue the
first week she drove it. I took it to the dealer and they reported that the allignment was
slightly off of the specs. I thought they had fixed the issue because it at 35-40 mph the
issue is not as evident. Above 40 though, it clearly pulls to the right. After having my car
the entire day today, and at first stating they could not duplicate the problem, the service
rep told me that they have ordered camber bolts from Chrysler to fix the problem. A google
search of "routan camber issues" led me to your question. I wish I had seen it prior
to my visit to the dealer. I am curious as to whether this is the "repair kit" for this problem.
I will be following this thread to see and report how everything turns out.

marceycross 10/23/10 8:07 pm PST

Oh no, Mike! I am so sorry to hear you are experiencing this also, but on the other hand, I am glad to know this is happening to others! As you saw from my beginning posts, mine started the day we bought it and has not gotten better. Kep us pposted on this "caliber" issue! Good luck!

ronaldah 10/23/10 8:40 pm PST

Hi Mike, Welcome to what is turning into a club. I saw a copy of the kit, it appears to be a round sleeve that goes over a round part to the front steering system with two large bolts. I guess there is no adjustment on the camber settings, guess this kit enables them to make adjustments.(lets hope it works.

Mike I can't force you but I would recommend you report the problem to the National Traffic Safety Adm. I posted the number on one of my posts!

Best of Luck Keep us posted please

ronaldah 10/27/10 12:49 pm PST

Hi all, The alignment kit is a Chrysler part #7B0407740. To be installed this Friday will let you know results.

Ron

ronaldah 11/05/10 2:13 pm PST

Hi,

The dealer installed the caber bolts The van still pulls to the right at low speeds and coasting at low speeds, seems to be fine at highway speeds. They noted on the work order that it still pulls to the right. They showed me copies of the wheel alignment results all four wheels showed up in green (which is in spec.). The camber results showed in red (yes that means not in spec). They ran out of ideas, yes I am disappointed, contemplating what to do next.

zaken1 11/05/10 2:54 pm PST

If the camber adjustment kit is not able to bring the camber into specs; this means that kit either does not permit as much adjustment as is necessary to correct the camber on this vehicle; or the camber problem is being caused by a design flaw or manufacturing error in another part which affects the camber. These problems can be fixed; but they cannot be fixed by dealerships which are inexperienced in analyzing and modifying suspensions which don't work properly.

As I said in another post in this thread weeks ago; the solution is to take the car to a shop that specializes in custom wheel alignment (which means disregarding the manufacturer's recommended adjustment procedures; and establshing new settings which properly align the wheels). This is done all the time on race cars; which have no manufacturer's recommended alignment procedures. It is also regularly done on vehicles which have alignment settings which, for some reason, do not work right. Aligning the wheels on a race car or an improperly designed car requires starting from a "blank slate" and setting the suspension so that the tires track properly under whatever conditions in which they will be used. This sometimes requires heating and bending parts, or machining new parts with different dimensions, or drilling mounting holes in slightly different locations. This is the ONLY way a vehicle with factory design flaws can be fixed.

If this thought causes you to cringe in fear; and you shut your mind to the reality that such flaws can and are routinely fixed by shops that have the required experience, skill and equipment; your car's problems will never be fixed. Don't depend on the factory coming out with a fix. They are as clueless as you are about what is going on. And large auto manufacturers are also obsessed with protecting and maintaining their image of being professional and infallable. This is why they are unresponsive and often stonewall complaints about their major errors. They absolutely do not want to lose face; even if it means creating hundreds of angry and dissatisfied customers. There are always thousands of other potential new customers out there; who are ignorant of their past mistakes.

ronaldah 11/05/10 8:04 pm PST

Mr. ZalkenI,

Thank you very much for your knowable advice but I think I am between a rock and a hard place. I don't want to do anything that would void the warranty. Just after writing my update on this forum, received a call from VW customer service

mgr. He stated that he spoke to the dealership service mgr. who stated correction was made. I told him to the contrary, that service repair receipt stated that van still pulls to the right. Will get back to me Monday, what a can of worms this turned out to be. The last five new cars I purchased before this one have been Japanese, should have stuck with one of them.

Kind Regards

marceycross 11/06/10 10:05 pm PST

Hi again, Ron,

I am with you on the "warranty" part. We have to be careful what and where we take it to because we can void the warranty if we don't abide by their "rules". Anyway, I got the same response from the VW guy..."everything is good, nothing else we can do". I haven't posted on here in a while because I am waiting to hear back from our Attorney General as it is in there hands now.

This is a horrible nightmare for us as well. I am not sure what the outcome will be, but I will keep you posted because depending on where I end up, you may be able to take my info somewhere for help.

mr_shiftright 11/06/10 10:09 pm PST

The only way that VW can legally harass you about warranty is if they can prove that your modification directly resulted in the failure of a certain component. So, if you, say, modify or elongate the support bolt holes on your strut towers, and then your engine blows up, VW can't legally deny you warranty. But if your tires wear out prematurely, they probably can.

ronaldah 11/19/10 2:52 pm PST

Hello, Was called by VW Customer Service Mgr., he wanted us to drive a new 2010 Routan from the dealer's lot. Since I have spinal injury and drive with hand controls. My wife did the honors, with me and service advisor. Well the van really pulled to the right, my wife said she had to constantly apply pressure on here left hand to keep the van straight. When she took here hands off the wheel it immediately drifted to the right.

That afternoon the VW man called back to see how it went, told him the result of the test drive. He stated he got copies of our last alignment and that they were in specs. There is nothing he could do because the alignment was in specs. I asked him if the alignment was in specs. why does it still pulls to the right, he again said nothing could be done because the alignment was in specs. I asked him what if I have irregular tire wear, he said VW doesn't cover tire problems you have to contact the tire maker. I asked him if the tire maker saids that it's caused by the pulling to the right. He said then I should call him back.

The result is that VW is washing their hands of the problem. I think that I will wait to see how Marcey makes out with her lemon law process.

marceycross 11/19/10 5:44 pm PST

We test drove 3 others and they all did the same AND the loaner we have had through this also pulls to the right. That is EXACTLY what they told us our last time; there is nothing we can do. We actually asked the dealership what they would do if our tires wore before the 40,000 mile warranty. The owner of the company actually warrantied them if they wore before the 40,000 mile marker. He sent us a letter stating that they would cover 50% if that happened. I guess that was good on their part but didn't make me warm and fuzzy about the whole deal and it definitely didn't fix the problem.

The Attorney General's office called this week. We should be going to arbitration within 45 days. I will keep you updated.

ecastillo 11/24/10 2:43 pm PST

We are going through the same issue with our recently leased 2010 VW Routan. We have also taken it to the dealership several times and have received the same robotic answers, probably coached by VW. We have also talked to VW directly and received the same guidance as other people with the same issue. This issue is not simple, think about it. The vehicle is NEVER properly aligned which could cause an accident. I am afraid that until something bad happens and a good lawyer is able to prove this was the culprit this may never pick up momentum. We are pursuing the Lemon Law through the Better Business Bureau. I will keep this audience posted on the outcome.

ronaldah 11/24/10 3:53 pm PST

To (ecastillo) sorry to hear about your problem with your Routan. I recommend that you call the NHSTA, I have the same problem. The fed. 800 number is on one of my postings.

Good Luck

marceycross 11/24/10 3:58 pm PST

Welcome to the club Ecastillo!!!

3hockeystars 12/08/10 11:33 pm PST

I really can't believe I'm reading this as we have a 2009 Routan and were having the same problem and they told us at the dealership that we needed to have it aligned after it had already worn the tire at 6000 miles. The dealership would not claim any responsiblity besides telling us that we must drive the van to much. We are now going in and have to have all the brakes and rotors replaced as they are already worn. The dealership also said the tires they put on the vans are really only good for one year. That is why we have to replace all of them because they have no tread left. We have also had all of the seat covers rip apart in our van the first one ripped after the first day. We have owned many new cars and have never had so many problems with a vehicle.

ronaldah 12/09/10 11:23 am PST

Hello 3hockeystars;

Sad to hear what you are going through with your Routan. I have a 2010, my Bridgestone tires are rated for 50,000 miles. Check with the tire maker for the wear rating. Have you noticed if your van was or is pulling to the right or left, even after the alignment? I know there is a problem with the brakes on the 2009 model. I would check on Edmunds reviews of the 2009 Routans, if you have not done that yet. I know there were also problems with the brakes on Town and County also. I would recommend calling calling VW on your problems. If your van is pulling left or right report it to NHTSA federal agency. Their number is on one of my posting, maybe tell them of your premature brake wear problem too. My niece has a 2008 Town and Country she had brake problems.The dearer told her to hold on to receipt because there might be a recall on the brakes.

If you get no were with VW customer service ask for a supervisor, lots a luck with them.

d_chase 12/13/10 2:21 pm PST

I worked on suspension and alignments for 25 years. first you may need a reputable alignment shop.,preferably an independant shop. Have the front tires swapped left front to right frontf first thing and drive the car again to see if it goes left, straight, or still pulls to the right. Many times tires are the culprit.If your car still leads to the right,it could be power steering "bias" or a Caster problem.Caster is an alignment angle which is designed to give the car stability...If the right side caster angle is more "negative" than the left, the car will lead to the right.On many newer vehicles this angle is not adjustable,and therefore can create nightmares for owners like you who have to depend on untrained or unskilled dealership alignment technicians to solve this problem..On some vehicles, a misalignment of the subframe which supports the motor and front suspension will cause a "torque steer" on acceleration. A power steering bias can usually be spotted when starting the vehicle...with your steering wheel located in the straight-ahead position,and the car not running,hands off the wheel,start the car and see if you notice the wheel "nudge" to the right. The underlying defect needs to be determined in order to fix the problem A skilled alignment technician can often find a way to solve your woes...good luck

amac4oney 12/25/10 8:24 pm PST

check the welds on the frame i just had my lincon break at the weld that holds the wheel in alignment

ronaldah 01/07/11 11:46 am PST

Hello,

Was looking through Motor Trend's February issue, I and noticed a article (Chrysler's Comeback). The article is about how Chrysler is making improvements to their line of vehicles for 2011. One change noted is Grand Caravan getting revamped steering. (interesting). As you know Routan is based on Chrysler's Vans.

marceycross 01/07/11 1:33 pm PST

Very interesting, Ron. I had a date for my Lemon Law arbitration but had to reschedule it as we are going on vacation. So it will be in February. I will keep you posted. Also, the "clanking" sound I had after they replaced my rear axle is back...very frustrating!!

pommie 01/12/11 12:35 am PST

Hi guys. I been watching the correspondance with great interest. Has anybody taken a Routan to a panelbeater and had the chassis checked to see if its straight. Not to say its been in an accident but maybe a design flaw. A good Car-O-Liner machine should tell you.

kerrymc324 01/24/11 4:13 pm PST

I just read this entire thread and I am beside myself right now because my 2010 Routan has been to the dealership at least 4 to 5 times for this same issue since we bought it in July of 2010. We noticed our vehicle pulling to the right the first week we had it and they have aligned it so many times that I think they screwed up other things. We now have issues with the transmission. When we put the car into Drive from park or reverse the car makes a hard thunk noise. The last time I had the car in for service they had it for a week. We had a long list of problems. The back bumper on the right side was sticking out a little like it wasn't assembled properly, they fixed that but now I am wondering if that broke because of the alignment issue. Our Routan also makes a horrible steering noise when you are turning the wheel and in reverse. My friend who owns a Chrysler Town and Country has the same issue with the steering. Honestly, I am convinced this car is a piece of sh*$. I hated Chrysler in the past and I should have known to stay away from them.

We were actually thinking of trading it in for another vehicle and not a routan. I just hate to lose money because these idiots can fix a car.

The last time I picked up my Routan from the dealer the service guys were trying to tell me that I must be driving on an uneven road. I said what do you think I am an idiot. I think they know about it and just play it off like it is the driver. I am going to bring it in again and again and again til they fix it or take the darn thing back.

ronaldah 01/24/11 6:59 pm PST

Hello Kerry,

Very sorry to hear about our common problem with the Routan. I recommend you report it to Federal agency NSTA, the 800 number is on one of my posts. I reported in Oct. and just got a follow up letter from them, the more complaints they get might bring on a recall.

marceycross 01/25/11 12:56 pm PST

Well, I am convinced something is up...I got a date for our "hearing" and then VW called the DMV to reschedule. It now looks like I am into February before it happens. I will keep you all posted. This blog will also be going with me. The more people that post on here about it, the more chances we have to do something about it!

Also, take Ron's advise and call the National number. I hope that I get a follow up letter too, Ron!!

marends 02/12/11 8:37 pm PST

Just bought 2010 Routan in Jan. and had it aligned twice in less than 500 miles(it pulls to the right). Not happy but glad to see I'm not the only one with this problem. Will be taking action to try to get the problem fixed because the dealership is there to sell the van and send you on your way.

michaeltimko 02/20/11 1:39 pm PST

I just bought a 2010 Routan SEL (owned it three days) that was used. The next time I drive it, I will definitely pay attention to see if its pulling to the right.

Hopefully I won't have this problem as my Routan seems to be having electrical issues.

ziontheman 02/24/11 12:50 pm PST

This is not an answer to the pulling problem, but extra information since this thread is garnering attention...
I purchased a 2010 Routan and after reading the owners manual, had the following questions...I will give VW's answers afterwards...
1) The side door master switch, located in the driver's overhead, is supposed to work opposite of the way it actually works, according to the owner's manual...I've verified this with every van on the lot...(if the owner's manual says it needs to be "ON" to disable the side door switches, then it's actually "OFF"). Is this a problem with the owner's manual, or roughly a half dozen Routans?

2) Where is the rear door "emergency manual release" described in the owner's manual?

3) I was never given a PIN for the keys, should they need replaced, but the owner's manual says the dealership is required to give it to me...the dealership won't give it to me, saying I don't need it?

4) There are two time-based maintenances required, one on the A/C (annual), one on the door hinges (biannual). Both are "required" per the owner's manual, but niether is covered by "carefree" maintenance...what's the deal? (neither one of these items really does much, but it's still a couple bucks and still could void your warranty for those parts if you didn't get it done).

Here is the answers
1) "It should be the way the owner's manual says" -VW (it's very counterintuitive and I think they are still wrong)
2) "Oops, that doesn't actually exist...we'll look at fixing the owner's manual" -VW
3) "you don't get a key PIN, you get a radio PIN" -dealership
"you don't get a radio PIN, you need to get the key PIN from the dealer" -VW (within 10 minutes of the call from the dealer).
I eventually got a PIN, but it doesn't do anything for you (I was pushing the dealer to live up to the manual, so I still wanted it)
"we'll look at fixing that in the owner's manual" -VW
4) "carefree maintenance doesn't cover that required maintenance" -VW
My reply, "so it's not really 'carefree'?"
"no sir, that's just what we call it" -VW

Long story short, VW has done a horrible job translating a marginal Chrysler product into a VW. And if you happen to have bought a 2010, you are living with the problems Chrysler started and VW can't really fix...unless you can make the lemon law work for you (good luck on that, I really mean that).

I realize this doesn't help pulling, but it may be good data points for some of you.

Source: email and voice communications with VW customer service

jgunn25 03/23/11 8:35 pm PST

I have a 2009 with 18,000 on it but tires wearing bad on out side.
dealership said had to be a alignment problem & after they did a alignment they said its fine if anything should b wearing on inside of tire. so they tell me its the tires! I talked to a friend who has been in the tires business for 35 years he said there is no way its the tires. So the dealership told me to take it to a yokohama dealer. I will up date you when I find something out. plz keep me up dated on yours and thank you!!!

matt_r 06/21/11 12:50 pm PST

We purchased a used 2009 Routan, it had about 9,000 miles on it and were told it was a one-year corporate lease vehicle and they did their cleaning of it and an alignment as it pulled a little to the right. The dealer we got it from is reputable and we have purchased cars there before without any issues.

Less than 2 months later it started pulling to the right, squeeking like crazy while driving, and severely pulled to the right when braking. Thinking it was an alignment issue we took it to a local mechanic. We were told it was the brake calipers and should be a warranty issue to take it to the dealer. That's when the fun started, just like the comments on this blog, we had almost the exact same experiences.

First it was the brakes they "used a special lubricant" to free the calipers that was making it pull to the right, then it was the alignment, which couldn't be fixed without the concentric bolt ordered from the manufacturer. Next it was fixed, well not really, it still pulls, or should I say veers to the right, but of course the dealer couldn't do anything about it. Then we had the service manager and shop foreman drive the car. Low and behold to the dealer's credit, the shop foreman agreed it agressivly pulls to the right, so he put it on the rack and determined the rear driver's side is "within spec" but "toes in" where the computer printout is red not green like the other wheels. Being that this has a fixed rear axle, they can't do anything about it, nor does it need anything according to VW specs.

So frustrated, I contacted a lemon law firm who contacted VW and were given a BS answer about the pulling to the right being a non-warranty alignment issue. So the lawyer rejected this response and setup an arbitration hearing through theBBB, where the arbitrator drove the car and agreed it was a bad pull to the right, a "veer" in his term.

I just heard back from the lawyer that the arbitrator has determined a vehicle buy back is in order, which according to my lawyer is a poor offer as there's little to no benefit to me, not to mention, the car will then be sold to someone else and not classified as a lemon, so some other poor bastard trying to make ends meet can get screwed like I did.

I'm interested to know what others have gone through and what the outcome of their arbitration hearings were, if they had any. I was also told by my lawyer that she had another case with a VW Routan very similar and VW finally said it was the engine that was off balance and making the car pull to the right, and shims had to be installed to correct it.

You got me?

becky9499 06/23/11 10:19 pm PST

Not having problems with the pulling but I have had my car not quite a year and I have had it serviced way to many times to remember on the brakes and rotors. I have had to have the door jamb seal replaced 2 times because I could hear a gurgling sound everytime it rained would hit the window. Wow definetely enough to drive me crazy. I just had my hard drive replaced. Went to use my navigation system and it told me I didn't have that feature! This car is too new and not a true vw and they have not ironed any wrinkles out yet. For as much as I spent on this vehicle I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. I was just saying the other day that I need to start looking for a realiable vehicle; any suggestions?

jemray 09/23/11 11:17 am PST

I have been driving the 2009 Routan for just over two years. I have never notice "aggressive" pulling or veering to the right. I have noticed a slight tendency to drift right. I HAVE had the brakes/rotors changed because of wear. I did, just today, replace all four tires because of wear on the outer tread. That being said, there are 42,000 miles on them, too. I find it interesting that VW still claims to know nothing of a pervasive problem, in the age of the internet...where people from all over can instantly communicate their problems and issues and potential resolutions. How can they say it doesn't exist, let alone have the gall to say it is within specs and not attempt to fix their product. We purchased two VW's while fleeing from Kia. They also claim to know nothing of clearly documented problems. If you are looking for a replacement for your Routan, steer clear of Kia products, too.

mojopod 10/02/11 9:00 pm PST

Wow. I just test drove a 2011 Routan SE today and noticed it was pulling slightly to the right. I said something to our less than impressive salesman and he acted shocked. My wife absolutely wants a Routan (she just wants a VW logo on the grill), but I have never been a fan, for many reasons. Now that I have read this thread, I am going to have to break it to her that it's just not happening. It's very tempting to get the Routan for what amounts to be $9,000 less than a similarly equipped Odyysey, but what a piece of garbage. I'm shocked that VW continues to produce this line.

depressed1 12/27/11 4:14 pm PST

I know this may sound weird to all of you who are having 'pulling' problems w/your vans but a credable theory has been going around that the issue is one that started in the transport of the vehicles. The problem may have come from the anchoring technique used when placing the vans on trains. All vehicles have those tow hooks on the front and back where they are chained down. The big problem may be that the sub frames were bent in transport. You can align a vehicle all day but with a bent sub frame it will never work out. This is an issue that would involve a recall that would be massive to VW and T&C owners. Have your dealership put your van on a frame machine at the body shop and see where it takes you. Good Luck.

irishdad4 01/25/12 8:00 pm PST

Hello group,
I have purchased a 2009 Routan back in September of 2009. I quickly found that the vehicle has a bad transmission and a horrific front brake problem. I have followed up with my dealer within the first 6000 miles to report both problems.
My local dealer here in PA is Awesome, they have tried to fix the isue with the trans and have replaced the rotors and front brake pads about four times.
I researched many lemon law lay firms and contacted one about the issues. Since, I have been offered two seperate offers from VW. The first was disgraceful, they offered me $300 cash, and I get to keep the car. I quickly refused. Then I was offered a replacement car. Now I need to pay a $3000 "Usage" fee to obtain the new car and I will only be responsible to finish the balance of my loan. The deal was agreed that VW would replace my car with the same model that I am currently paying for. Well, the car offered to me was lees than comparable. The new car is lacking a moonroof, remote starter, and a 3rd row 9" tv screen. All options and selling points that drove my decision to buy the Routon.
Any thoughts?

marceycross	Is anyone who owns a 2010 VW Routan having problems with the vehicle pulling to the right? We recently purchased a 2010 VW Routan and in the 8 weeks we have owned it, it has been in the service department 3 times for pulling to the right. First they told us it was tire pressure because the alignment was fine (this was the day we purchased it). The second time they told us they rotated the tires and it seemed better; there was no alignment issue. The third time we took it in, they said it was "severely" out of alignment and they needed to call VW to see how to adjust it. 4 days later, I got it back and drove it 3 miles and noticed that it had not been resolved; it still pulled. Now we are battling with the dealership as we are about to pursue the lemon law in our state if the problem is not resolved; we want our money back. Also, the sensors on our power doors are not working therefore, if my 3 year old doesn't move quick enough, she is at risk of getting caught in the door. Anyone else having similar problems??
	In Makes & Models > Volkswagen > Routan In Maintenance & Repair > Suspension In Maintenance & Repair > Electrical > Power Doors 52 answers - 111 days ago
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Is anyone who owns a 2010 VW Routan having problems with the vehicle pulling to the right?