Shudder shifting transmission VW Passat 118TSI DSG
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Asked by Paul Durrant
My 2009 VW Passat 118TSI DSG wagon was purchased as a demo. Whilst under warranty the transmission began to shudder shifting from first to second from a standing start. The Mechatronic unit was replaced, but three to four months later it occurred again. At this time and out of warranty the VW recall occurred and the Mechatronic unit and the clutches were replaced. At present all is well. I would like to upgrade to the latest model, as in all ways I am happy with this car, except for the record of faults worldwide in VW, Audi and Skoda with DSG transmissions. What years are affected by DSG failures, and are the current models DSG transmission free? Should I change to, say, a Mazda 6 wagon or similar?
Answered by CarsGuide
6 Dec 2013There have been a couple of recalls relating to the DSG gearbox, the latest being in November and affecting model year 2013 vehicles. The earlier one, in June this year, affected vehicles produced between 2008-2011. From that you would have to believe that most models with the DSG gearbox are afflicted with the problem. The current models have DSG gearboxes and there's no reason to think that VW will move away from the technology. It is brilliant technology if it works, and you can only assume that they will get the bugs ironed out and when they do it will be a very good gearbox. I couldn't advise you to change to another brand, that's a decision for you and you alone, but if you are concerned about the DSG technology then look around at other makes. But in doing that remember that many companies are going to DSG technology as well as VW, so check to see what gearboxes are being used by any alternative make you might choose to switch to.
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