Volkswagen›Routan›2009›Overview/volkswagen/routan/2009/base/

2009 Volkswagen Routan

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2009 Routan.

Body VAN

The 2009 Volkswagen Routan is a VAN that calls for 5.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, and for researchers tracking long-term ownership experience, it stands out as the most complained-about model year in the 2008–2014 run. With 293 owner complaints on record—far above the range’s low of just two complaints for 2014—this model year also carries six recalls and counts the Electrical System as its top complaint category. That concentration of reported issues makes 2009 the pivotal year to scrutinize when evaluating the Routan’s reliability trajectory.

Model year2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque85-115 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 34 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 7B0115561E. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 34 · 600 CCAOEM · verified

Tail / brake / turnLAMPOEM · verified

Tire sizeP225-45R16OEM · verified

Wheel / rimN/A inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	7B0115561E alt 7B0115561F
Engine air filter	7B0129620B
Spark plug	7B0905601 alt 7B0905600
Battery	7B0915105A
Front wiper blades	7B0955425A alt 7B0955426
Thermostat	7B0121113A
Cabin air filter	7B0819644

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	202.4 in
Overall width	76.8 in
Overall height	68.9 in
Wheelbase	121.3 in
Curb weight	5152 lb
Track (front / rear)	65.4 / 65 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	55/45

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Routan of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

9.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 9.50 sec — 2009 SE

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2009	SE 3.8L V6	9.50 sec	17.20 sec	197 hp	FWD
2010	SEL 4.0L V6	8.10 sec	16.20 sec	251 hp	FWD
2010	SE 3.8L V6	9.30 sec	17.00 sec	197 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-115 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF +4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	5
Brake Fluid	DOT 4
Engine Coolant	HOAT · MS9769
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	5.0 qt
Engine Oil	10W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	5.5 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	70 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	40 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	55 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	17 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	9 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	21 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts

85-115 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-5-3-6-2-4
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	.53-.65 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	10900-14700 ohms
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	.495-.605 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	5130-6270 ohms

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	Front and rear A/C, 2.44. lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	Front and rear A/C, 5.07. oz
Standard BCI Group Number	34
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	600 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	15 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	192-199 °F
Pressure Test	15 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	192-199 °F
Engine Compression	100 minimum psi. 25% maximum variation psi.
Engine Compression	100 minimum psi. 25% maximum variation psi.

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	125 ft-lbs / 74 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.107 in / 0.482 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	1.097 in / 0.463 in
Rotor Discard at or Under	1.04 in / 0.409 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

5 ft. lbs., Step 2: 15 ft. lbs., Step 3: 90

5 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

20 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

20 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	45 ft. lbs.	45 ft. lbs
2	65 ft. lbs.	65 ft. lbs
3	65 ft. lbs.	65 ft. lbs
4	Do-not use a torque wrench for this step	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	45 ft. lbs.	45 ft. lbs
2	65 ft. lbs.	65 ft. lbs
3	65 ft. lbs.	65 ft. lbs
4	Do-not use a torque wrench for this step	90 degrees

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

30 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

30 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi.

Every 6,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 10,000 mi	Windshield Wiper Blade (inspect)
At 12,000 mi	CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 12,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 24,000 mi	CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 25,000 mi	Suspension System (inspect)
Every 40,000 mi	Tie Rod (inspect)
At 48,000 mi	CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Housing (clean)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

In 2008 the Routan recorded 3 complaints, 0 recalls, 0 investigations and 114 TSBs. The 2009 model year shows a sharp increase to 293 complaints, 6 recalls, 0 investigations and 356 TSBs, along with 6 crash‑related and 3 fire‑related complaints. Complaints then decline to 240 in 2010, 175 in 2011, 63 in 2012 and only 7 in 2013, while recalls fall to 2 in 2010, 0 in 2011 and 1 in 2012. TSB counts rise after 2009, reaching 377 in 2010, 453 in 2011, 506 in 2012, then 410 in 2013 and 394 in 2014, with no investigations reported any year. The data indicate that 2009 occupies the peak of complaint and recall activity early in the generation, suggesting a less reliable year compared with later models. Consequently, based solely on the federal record, the 2009 Volkswagen Routan is not the preferable year to buy if minimizing known issues is a priority.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

356

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

293

Owner complaints

6 involved a crash · 3 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’08’09’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 293 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System82

Engine26

Electrical System,Engine15

Service Brakes, Hydraulic13

Service Brakes11

Steering,Service Brakes,Engine7

Wheels7

Power Train6

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

15V194000Electrical System:Ignition:SwitchReported 01/04/2015

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009 Routan vehicles manufactured June 25, 2008, to July 8, 2009, and 2010 Routan vehicles manufactured October 1, 2009, to August 11, 2010… Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on June 23, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer…

14V055000Suspension:Rear:Axle:Non-Powered Axle AssemblyReported 11/02/2014

Freedom Motors Inc., (Freedom Motors) of Savaria Vehicle Group (formerly The Liberty Motor Company) is recalling one model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan and certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler… Remedy: Freedom Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected axles, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2014. Owners can contact Freedom Motors at…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 356 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
VOS-26-21	2026-03-27	Engine	This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the…
VOS-26-15	2026-03-06	Electrical System	This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the…
VOS-26-01	2026-01-06	Electrical System	This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the…
V4016012043146_4	2025-11-18	Suspension	What is and what is not a leaking suspension strut.
V0017132033846_24	2025-07-22	Engine	Fuel Additive

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Routan. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 34 battery Vehicles taking 5.0 qt Engine oil filter 7B0115561E Engine air filter 7B0129620B Spark plug 7B0905601 Battery 7B0915105A

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2009 Routan take?

5.0 qt of 5W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2009 Routan have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.