2009 Volkswagen Routan Recalled Because Ignition Switch May Turn Off

Just the Facts:

• Volkswagen of America is recalling 18,526 2009 Volkswagen Routan minivans because the ignition switch may turn off.
• Volkswagen dealers will modify the ignition switch.
• Owners should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key, until the recall is performed.

WASHINGTON — Volkswagen of America is recalling 18,526 2009 Volkswagen Routan minivans because the ignition switch may turn off, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Owners should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key, until the recall is performed. The key fob should also be removed from the key ring, NHTSA said.

"Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine," NHTSA said in its summary of the problem.

"If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the 'Off' or 'Accessory' position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems, including, but not limited to, airbags, power steering and power braking.

"Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of a crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash."

The affected Routans were built from June 2008 to July 2010. This is an expansion of a previous 2010 Volkswagen Routan recall. This brings the total affected vehicle count to approximately 31,270 for this recall in the U.S.

There are no injuries, accidents or fatalities linked to the recall, wrote Mark Gillies, a Volkswagen of America spokesman, in response to an Edmunds query

Volkswagen dealers will modify the ignition switch. The recall will begin sometime in August. Volkswagen said in addition to notifying owners of the 2009 Routan, it will also send an updated notification letter to all owners of 2010 Routan vehicles that have not yet had the safety recall completed.

Owners can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Edmunds says: This recall should begin soon, pending parts availability. It's best to contact your dealer for next steps.