Recall 14V396 affects 18,526 2009 Volkswagen Routan vehicles for ignition switches that can shut off the engine. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 18,526 2009 Routan vehicles under recall 14V396 because road impacts or another jarring event can move the ignition switch out of the run position and turn off the engine. That shutdown depowers air bags, power steering, and power braking, raising crash and injury risk; until the free dealer repair is available, owners should remove everything from the key ring except the ignition key.
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What's wrong?
The ignition switch in the 2009 Volkswagen Routan holds the key in the run position while the van is being driven. In that position, it keeps the engine running and supplies power to vehicle systems tied to ignition operation, including the airbag system.
On affected Routans, road impacts or another jarring event can move the ignition switch out of the run position. When that happens, the engine turns off while the vehicle is in use. Volkswagen's instruction to remove extra keys, key fobs, and other items from the key ring is meant to reduce the load on the switch until the recall repair is performed. The dealer repair is free.
There is no warning sign before failure. The switch can move out of position during a jolt, so owners should keep only the ignition key on the ring until the repair is complete.
Who's affected?
| 2009 Volkswagen Routan | electrical system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 18,526 |
Not every 2009 Volkswagen Routan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific minivan is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the ignition key moves into OFF or ACCESSORY, the engine shuts off and key safety systems lose power, including air bags, power steering, and power braking. That loss of function raises crash risk and injury risk in a crash. Repair will be free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009 Volkswagen Routan is included in this recall.
- Ask a franchised Volkswagen dealer whether the free ignition-switch modification that keeps the key in the run position is ready for your VIN.
- Remove all items from the key ring until the repair is complete, leaving only the ignition key and no key fob.
- Bring any Volkswagen recall notice you have, and reference recall number 14V396 when you call or visit.
- Drive with only the ignition key in place until the dealer completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
Until the dealer remedy is available, Volkswagen's interim guidance is to remove everything from the key ring except the ignition key. Remove the key fob from the ring as well. Once the repair opens, a Volkswagen technician modifies the ignition switch so a jarring event is less able to move the switch out of the run position and shut off the engine. The final dealer repair will be free under the recall.
Timeline
| July 1, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V396?
Recall 14V396 covers 18,526 2009 Volkswagen Routan vehicles with an ignition switch defect. A jarring road event can move the key out of the run position, shut off the engine, and depower air bags, power steering, and power braking. Volkswagen dealers will modify the ignition switch for free.
What should I do if my 2009 Volkswagen Routan is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Routan is included in recall 14V396. If it is, remove all items from your key ring, leave only the ignition key, and remove the key fob. Then schedule the free ignition switch modification with a franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volkswagen dealers will modify the ignition switch free of charge. Reference recall 14V396 or Volkswagen recall number 28G1/U8 when you contact the dealer.
Is it safe to drive my 2009 Volkswagen Routan before recall 14V396 is fixed?
Keep the key ring stripped down until the repair is complete. The recall says extra key-ring weight or a jarring event can move the ignition key into OFF or ACCESSORY, shut off the engine, and depower air bags, power steering, and power braking.
What if I bought my 2009 Volkswagen Routan used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Volkswagen dealer and reference recall 14V396 or Volkswagen recall number 28G1/U8 to schedule the ignition switch modification.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V396000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 800-822-8987 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V396 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V396000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →