Volkswagen Golf Gearbox & Transmission Problems

You need to take it to your dealer and report the problems and request that it be fixed. Your car is still under warranty, so there shouldn't be any issues in having it repaired. If that doesn't resolve the issue, take your concerns directly to VW.

The clutch issue you have experienced (twice) is a common one with the DSG and the replacement clutch that is to be fitted should be covered by warranty. In other countries such has been the trouble with the DSG that VW has extended the warranty on it to 10 years. Approach VW and request a free extended warranty from them.

It's frustrating when you have so many serious issues with a car, but the only thing you can do is persist in getting the carmaker to repair the faults as they occur. The advice you received from the Department of Commerce is correct, that while the company is genuinely trying to repair the car there is nothing that be done. We asked VW to review your case and respond to your requests. We were told that VW had apologized to you for the experience, but rejected your requests for a vehicle swap, fair trade-in, or an extension of your warranty to 10 years. We understand that they have, however, extended your new vehicle warranty by one year and advised you that all parts replaced are covered by their two-year parts warranty.

NOTE: Mike has subsequently told us that he has managed to negotiate with his dealer for a brand new Golf 103 TDI for a fair changeover price.
 

Possibly not, but you should have your mechanic diagnose the cause of the problem to know for sure.

We also heard from Rick Pringle of J. Pringle Automotive in Melbourne who also told us that it is a problem with the valve body, which needs to be replaced. It is common on all Aisin Warner six- speed transmissions, he says, and it can be fixed without removing the transmission from the car.

It's most likely a problem with the shift solenoid and the dealer is right in saying the only way to find whether it is electrical of mechanical is to pull it down, but it seems an extreme step to replace the whole transmission. I would take it to an independent VW specialist mechanic and get another opinion.

Patience and persistence is the only way ahead for you. There are problems with the DSG, but VW seems to prefer to stonewall owners when they strike trouble with it instead of being pro-active and fixing it. Keep reporting the problems, keep demanding they be fixed, and consider legal action if it isn't fixed.

You're a member of a large and growing club of disgruntled DSG owners. We have received lots of reports about DSG gearboxes malfunctioning, and we know VW has issued at least one service alert about oil contaminating the gearbox wiring and ECM, but it would appear that VW isn't the most responsive company when it comes to complaints from its customers. I can only suggest that you maintain the pressure on the dealer/company, and perhaps consider legal action.

Oil contamination of the wiring loom is a common problem with the DSG gearbox, one that VW is well aware of, but I'm guessing that the dealer has guessed at the cause of the problem and arrived at the wrong conclusion. I would refuse to pay for the work done in arriving at that diagnosis. Why should you pay for their incompetence? With respect to the gearbox itself, I would ask VW to cover the costs. They will possibly make you an offer of part payment, it's then up to you to accept or reject it. You are correct in believing the gearbox should last more than 71,000 km, but from the evidence we have it doesn't seem to. Your case should be a warning to anyone considering buying a VW with the DSG gearbox.

Before replacing the transmission I would have returned to the dealer armed with the information from your mechanic and asked them to check it themselves to confirm that the auto is shot as you have been told. It does seem to be too soon for auto trans troubles to set in. If the dealer confirmed that the auto does need replacing you would have some ammunition to approach VW with, but without that you don't have much of a claim. I am also guessing that the car has done 120,000 km or so, which would reduce any claim you might make further. I would doubt that you would get far with VW on this.