Faulty Volkswagen DSG Gearboxes Reported in Europe

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We have been informed that owners of Euro-spec VW cars (Polo, Golf and Scirocco) are reporting similar problems to the ones that caused a massive recall in China (500,000-strong). The issue has been reported in France, where owners of the aforementioned cars started reporting hearing strange noises coming from the gearbox, which lead them to believe that there may be a design flaw which wears the mechanisms inside it prematurely.

The culprit is VW’s latest twin-clutch setup, the seven-speed DSG7, which reportedly makes the ‘strange noises’ when shifting from 4th to 3rd, 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st, inside the car. However, outside, a different sound is audible, a metallic and repetitive sound which is made when the car goes over speed-bumps. Whatever it is, it sounds serious, especially since owners first began to hear it “a few weeks after delivery” (of the car) - nothing should wear out that quickly.

Also, since the problem in China was never really solved, as they just increased the warranty coverage to 10 years, it will be interesting to see how VW handle this problem in a market very close to home - France. Furthermore, the angry group of French VW owners claim that Seat, Skoda and Audi drivers are also reporting the same problems, so If this report turns out to be accurate, it will spark further outrage and may dent VW’s famed ‘bulletproof’ reliability record.

Update: A further 91,000 DSG-equipped Volkswagen cars were recalled in Japan.

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On 12 July 2012 at 17:02 UTC, sam_uk1 said:

I have a SEAT Bocanegra and reported it to SEAT UK and had it investigated. I was fobbed off like everybody else, The car is nearly 2 years old and the metallic rattle when I go over bumps is terrible but the manufacturer wont do anything for me

On 2 September 2012 at 11:03 UTC, Torben M?ller said:

In have a VW Golf TSI 1.4 122HP 7-DSG. Strange noise after 30.000 km. Resultet in a new gearbox.

On 2 September 2012 at 15:59 UTC, nikola brlecic said:

I'm from Croatia,and I have the same problems like all of you. My Polo gti dsg is 5 month old and noises transmissions are intolerable. I tried everything, now it's the singular remaining lawsuit against VW. Good luck to everybody.

On 10 September 2012 at 06:36 UTC, Darryl Green said:

I have a 1.4 tsi Vw golf, only 22,000 miles and does the same thing. Dealer only resets the computer and still have the same issue

On 12 September 2012 at 16:55 UTC, Carmen Thomas said:

Hi? our son bought a 2006 GTI last year. It has been fun to see how very much he has LOVED this car? It was THE ONLY car he wanted! He has been taking EXTREMELY good care of it.. almost seemed excessive, but he just wanted to do everything right?

Well, this summer he worked at a summer camp and saved up for this school year (going back to school for his MBA) and on the way home from Michigan to Tennessee, in the middle of now where, Michigan? his GTI experienced the ?flash of death? we have seen in the news. You can imagine the challenge and nightmare of getting his car (and himself) back down to Tennessee just barely in time to start classes? not even time to get moved into his apartment, get his books, etc?

One week later (someone loaned him a truck to get around in) Village VW in Chattanooga replaced the computer that governs the DSG to the tune of $2,480+! There went all his savings! :O One expects to make some repairs from time to time? but when he (and we, his parents) found out that the 2007-2009 models were being fixed/recalled by VWofA but not this first year that this system was installed in the GTI? well? that just doesn?t sit right!! How could they leave out the very first year that this problem existed (2006) in their help for people who are having this total loss of power problem?!!

So? we now have someone who was a complete VW GTI ?evangelist? who told everyone how wonderful his car was? now so unhappy with the VWofA for not making good on ALL the years that have this problem? His thoughts on this are: If they won?t help with this? what next? He now does not trust his GTI, is planning on selling it, and is telling everyone he knows about how VW has NOT stood behind him. He has a lot of friends on fb as well, and believe me, they were following his ?nightmare saga? all the way from Michigan?. to Tennessee! They know?

What else can be done? Any suggestions?

Signed, A Concerned Family Member

On 23 September 2012 at 05:28 UTC, SOS CLIENTS VW said:

Dear Carmen. The problems related to this article talks about the last generation of DSG from VW, called DSG-7.
Is the DSG generation your son is having problem with, the 6 speed transmission named DSG-6, right ?
Due to the specific problems of your son's car, Volkswagen has increased its warranty policy up to 10 years on DSG transmission for the USA market. (this link to a copy of the official letter from VW to its USA clients https://dl.dropbox.com/u/84761752/VW-DSG-recall-warranty-extension.pdf).
Your son can know more about who we are here (link for english readers on at the top) https://www.facebook.com/pages/SOS-CLIENTS-VW/184071751667510?sk=info

On 1 October 2012 at 15:46 UTC, ????????? ???????? said:

I own a 2009 seat ibiza fr (6j) with DSG... today the car stoped and i went to SEAT..
They told me that the DSG ECU was BURNED !!!
i am waiting for replacement ECU next month !!!
Evangelos Paschalis Athens Greece
engelo1969@gmail.com

On 3 October 2012 at 20:07 UTC, Christopher Henderson said:

I am in Australia and have a 2011 Octavia Stationwagon which has repeatedly cut out when driving (on freeways or at top of hill), usually able to get started but often times (now 3) have had to get it towed. It has been fixed or the computer reset now some 6 times. The 7 speed gear box also does not work well but no noise. Latest is electronic control box has been replaced but we are trying to get a refund due to it being a major problem under the consumer guarantee laws in Australia

On 10 October 2012 at 16:05 UTC, Nihad Eminovi? said:

Hi,
I am owner of 2011 VW Touran TDI DSG7 ... details on my troubles can be read on http://touran.me ...
In short, the same problem as described in the article. I am close to filing a lawsuit against VW Denmark, as this is not what I bought, and they are refusing to acknowledge the problem with this gearbox.

On 10 November 2012 at 16:58 UTC, Alan Smith said:

VW USA have been forced by consumers to extend DSG Warranty to 10 yrs, after reporting problems
Hope uk gets same cover

On 21 November 2012 at 21:16 UTC, Iyas Azara said:

I have been monitoring this problem for more than three years now. First of all the sound that comes when going over speed bumps is normal in the 7 speed dry clutch DSG but we should notice that it is not normal hear it in the 6 speed wet clutch DSG which comes mostly with bigger engines (V6 ... ) ... However the noise when shifting down is a sign of probable failure in the ( Mechatronic ) of the gearbox which might lead in the end to loose the power going to wheels suddenly which is very dangerous if you are driving on high way for example .. I am preparing a sue case against VW but still need more reviews to prove the problems ,,,, so please help us if you are experincing such problems on our facebook page : DSG Gearbox Problems

On 6 December 2012 at 14:36 UTC, Randy Mays said:

I have a 2010 jetta tdi sportwagen man. date Aug 09, with 80k miles and have been told my DSG transmission needs replaced!, this is not a top fuel dragster, 140hp 4 cylinder car with under 250 ft/lbs of torque, VW is a joke they do not want to repair or replace until the goverment tells them they must. MY FIRST AND LAST VW! DSG OWNERS WATCH OUT, THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT US. Take our money and run.

On 20 December 2012 at 14:42 UTC, Shirley Pinder said:

Hi
I have an Audi A3 automatic August 2008. Only done 28000 miles . Strange persistent low whining noise appeared a few weeks ago . Took it to Audi dealership in Edinburgh where I bought it . Have been told it is gearbox but they ar not exactly sure what th problem is, I took it back within warranty as when put in reverse car wouldn't move. It was intermittent and Audi couldn't find fault .Neither could my husband and was pretty much told I was not putting stick in to correct position . What do I know just a mere woman !!!! Audi put in new DGS7 gearbox without consulting me and it was only when I picked it up they told me they had replaced the 6 gear with the new one.Dudn't pay extra but am worried may have to shell out now. Am in negotiations with Audi but nothing concrete offered yet . Think I should have repair ( but not too keen on that unless given a decent warranty ) or have new box put in .

On 21 December 2012 at 05:32 UTC, Shirley Pinder said:

Audi have come up trumps ... as a goodwill gesture they are replacing my gearbox .Am very impressed.

On 25 December 2012 at 21:52 UTC, Testing Wong said:

I am driving a golf 1.4 tsi from Malaysia. Having exactly the same problem described above. Unfortunately, our technician told me this is NORMAL!

On 30 December 2012 at 11:21 UTC, Praveen Nagaraja said:

I drive a ford with a powershift DSG. there are some noises at first to 2nd but nothing like how the VW folks are suffering. Get a Ford!

On 30 December 2012 at 11:37 UTC, Leon Loke said:

Faulty DSG7 gearbox reported world wide not only in Europe. It's happening in Asia as well.

On 30 December 2012 at 11:40 UTC, Leon Loke said:

http://www.facebook.com/volkswagen/posts/137686129720254?comment_id=259478

On 5 January 2013 at 10:15 UTC, SOS CLIENTS VW said:

Dear Leon Loke,
It's true that it's not only Europe that is concerned by the DSG7 malfunction.
We have testimonies from South-Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey.
In Asia, lately, VW's Chinese clients are being better treated since the got a 10 year warranty on DSG7.

On 8 February 2013 at 14:06 UTC, Najib Merhej said:

Lebanon : I had an Ibiza 2011 5D ( DSG7) after 22 months arround 33000 km mileage I lost the clutch also a noise coming out from the engine when shifting down like grinding sound any recall or problem in that dsg 7 system ??? Email : najib.merhej@gmail.com

On 9 February 2013 at 08:40 UTC, Moataz Assayed said:

I'm from egypt and i own a 2012 golf having the dsg7 gearbox. I have faced the issue at 11000 km where the dealer had to change the clutch pads on one of the shafts under warantee. No i'm facing the issue again @ 26000 km .. This issue is available here in egypt with ALL vw DSG gearboxes coming in passat , jetta and tiguan.

On 17 February 2013 at 03:57 UTC, dest Ng said:

I'm from Geogetown Penang, Malaysia. I own a 2012 having DSG7 speed gearbox 2nd gear Juddering and I have faced the issue at 6000 km. My dealer said had to wait for 1 month, but still now around 3 months plus havent receive any news from them yet. I was so disappointed.

On 6 March 2013 at 04:39 UTC, Peter Lopes said:

Booked my 2011 Polo GTI in for the 24 month service, I was asked to return the car to repair a clutch issue under warranty, after four days, still waiting for my car to be ready to collect.

On 6 March 2013 at 06:05 UTC, Robert Abou Mrad said:

Quest: If u change this Mecatonic part, will the sound be removed? Will we face this problem again?

On 18 March 2013 at 21:27 UTC, Jerry W. said:

VW is required by the watchdog of China authority to make the recall for cars with DSG

On 20 March 2013 at 17:44 UTC, hannah m. said:

Done about a quarter of a million miles with DSG boxes in Passats now including 115,000 in a 3.2 litre v6. The boxes, are in my opinion rock solid but you can have problems. On my latest car the, box, DMF and mechatronic unit have now been swapped so hopefully it's sorted now. Still believe this is the best auto on the market but maybe the drive to cut costs has taken its toll and that's why my latest one has problems. Time will tell but my view is the design is sound as long as the QC is on the mark

On 21 March 2013 at 06:26 UTC, Matt B. said:

VW hasn't had a famed bulletproof reliability record since the late 60's or early 70's.

On 21 March 2013 at 15:42 UTC, Xavier N. said:

I'm from Spain, own my Ibiza Bocanegra 6 months ago, i have the same sound problem. The mandufacturer says this is normal. I'm very disapointed, I will fight for a new gearbox.

On 1 April 2013 at 09:14 UTC, Tham Sang C. said:

I own a VW Golf 1.4L ,manufactured 2010,118 TSI D7F,seven speed DSG.Mileage now approaching 49,000 KM.10 days ago,the reverse gear malfunctioned.Could not reverse car.Shifting to neutral and pushing it back & forth seems to solve problem.This morning the same thing happened.Repeated pushing back & forth got it going.50Metres down the road,the D2/Spanner symbols appeared on/off on screen.
Local Agent diagnosed and found a faulty MECHANTRONIC PART faulty.Whatever that means!!!Replacing this part may take 2 to 3 weeks!!!Involving insurance adjustors and flying part from Germany to Malaysia!! Was told the cost could be as high as RM7000.00 if not covered by Insurance.Anyone out there having similar problems?

On 1 April 2013 at 09:38 UTC, Tham Sang C. said:

Between my son and I we had 7 VWs...No problem until now with this Golf 1.4L DSG7!!!
What a letdown...!!!
Looks like I have to reconsider my options

On 3 April 2013 at 12:08 UTC, Rosa G. said:

Our 3 year old Skoda has just broken down in France and thr garage say its the gearbox. We live in Ireland and are stranded. It is a dsg automatic gearbox

On 5 April 2013 at 03:31 UTC, Niket B. said:

I have VW Tiguan with 7 speed DSG. This is DQ500 wet clutch box. I drive in extreme hot weather of saudi arabia. So for in one year (14000 km) no problem. Its butter smooth and power delivery is superb. Fun to drive car.

On 14 April 2013 at 06:13 UTC, Dave O. said:

I am just about to be taking order of my first v w Tiguan SE auto in July the news coming out from China does not fill you with confidence about v w reliability.

On 30 April 2013 at 07:27 UTC, Ajay K. said:

VW launched Polo in India last week with DSG-7. I was planning to buy this car, but after reading all these comments, I have decided to not go for it.

On 15 May 2013 at 11:07 UTC, Endri K. said:

is this problem resolved yet?

On 16 May 2013 at 01:29 UTC, Chi Wei Y. said:

Just wondering if the 'new' replacement gearbox, mechatronic unit, really solves the root cause of the issue or will it happen again down the road. If it does solve the issue, why not publish an article that says that it does - like showing a new revision number or explaining to the owners how it really fixes the problem. Worrying for owners especially when warranty expires. Large countries like US and China have clout and can force VW to give a 10 year warranty. Smaller countries like Malaysia and Singapore only get a 5 year warranty. Not so good VW!

On 18 May 2013 at 14:04 UTC, Sitaram P. said:

I am from India, and we are facing the same problems here. The problem is with Skoda/VW cars using the DSG gearbox. Skoda customer care is least co-operative.They have threatened us saying the legal system here is weak and that they know to handle individuals like us.
Legal battles are long drawn and tiring. Wish skoda leaves the country. Given a chance to go back i would any day choose a Honda/Toyota

On 19 May 2013 at 07:48 UTC, Mark G. said:

My 6 speed DSG shudders when taking off. VW say I need a new Machatronics unit. The car has done 80,000Kms. I am not happy. I will be selling my VW ASAP. I will not be buying another one.