Recall 15V194 affects 20,676 2009-2010 Volkswagen Routan vehicles for an ignition-switch defect. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 20,676 2009-2010 Routan vehicles because a jarring road event can move the ignition switch out of run and shut off the engine. If that happens, air bags, power steering, and power braking lose power, and Volkswagen dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ignition switch, listed as the WIN module, is the part that recognizes the key and keeps the 2009-2010 Volkswagen Routan in the run position after the engine starts. In normal use, it keeps electrical power flowing to the engine controls and safety systems, including the airbag system, while the vehicle is being driven.
On affected Routans, the switch can move out of the run position after rough road conditions or another jarring event. When that happens, the engine shuts off and the airbag system is no longer in its normal operating state. Volkswagen's interim instruction was to remove all extra items from the key ring and leave only the ignition key, with the key fob removed as well.
There is no warning sign before failure. The change can happen during a jolt, so an owner cannot rely on a light, noise, or drivability symptom to identify the problem first.
Who's affected?
Covers two Routan model years tied to the same ignition-switch component.
| 2009 Volkswagen Routan | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2010 Volkswagen Routan | electrical system |
| Units affected | 20,676 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific minivan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An ignition key that slips into OFF or ACCESSORY shuts the engine down and depowers air bags, power steering, and power braking. That loss of assistance raises crash risk and raises injury risk if a crash occurs. If the engine shuts off while driving, steer and brake firmly, pull over when safe, then call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2010 Volkswagen Routan is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free ignition-switch and key-fob replacement that fixes the switch moving out of the run position.
- Remove all items from the key ring until the repair is complete, leaving only the ignition key.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V194 when you call.
- Call Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987 with questions about scheduling or prior recall repairs.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician replaces the ignition switch and key fobs. Vehicles that previously received only an ignition switch trim ring as an earlier recall remedy need this repair again, while vehicles that already received a new ignition switch are not included in this campaign. The replacement parts and labor are free under recall 15V194. Volkswagen's standard reimbursement plan covers documented, related out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. Bring repair paperwork and proof of payment to the service desk so Volkswagen can review the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 1, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 22, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| June 22, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 23, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 23, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 23, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V194?
Recall 15V194 covers 20,676 2009-2010 Volkswagen Routan vehicles with an ignition switch defect. A road jolt can move the key out of the run position, shut off the engine, and depower air bags, power steering, and power braking.
What should I do if my 2009-2010 Volkswagen Routan is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Routan is included in recall 15V194. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the ignition switch and key fob replacement. Until the repair is complete, remove everything from the key ring except the ignition key.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volkswagen dealers will replace the ignition switch and key fobs free of charge under recall 15V194.
Is it safe to drive my Volkswagen Routan before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect affects key safety systems. Until the dealer completes the repair, Volkswagen says to remove all items from the key ring and leave only the ignition key. Remove the key fob from the key ring as well.
What if I bought my Volkswagen Routan used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Routan is included, then call a Volkswagen dealer and reference recall 15V194 or Volkswagen recall number 28H1.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V194000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-822-8987 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V194 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V194000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notice (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →