Volkswagen Touareg Gearbox & Transmission Problems

Are you having problems with the transmission of your Volkswagen Touareg? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Volkswagen Touareg transmission issues & faults. We have answered all of the most frequently asked questions relating to problems with the Volkswagen Touareg transmission.

A VW dealership can carry out a test that will reveal whether there’s wear in the transmission’s clutch packs. Based on the result of this test, the question of whether the transmission is within tolerance or not should be pretty black and white. If you’re still not happy, have the vehicle independently inspected (your state motoring club is a good place to start) for a second opinion.

While you should not be fobbed off by the dealership, it’s true this type of transmission can take some acclimatisation on the part of the driver. We’re not saying you should have to learn how to drive again, but these dual-clutch transmissions can take a little technique if you’re to get the best from them. However, when a characteristic transitions into an actual problem, you need to be on top of it.

Ask Smithy Xtra Grinding noise in Touareg
Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 24 Aug 2010

It doesn’t sound like the ABS, it does sound more like the diff or something else in the driveline. I would get it checked by a VW specialist.

My 2022 Volkswagen Touareg has clunky gear shifts
Answered by David Morley · 30 Apr 2025

The dual-clutch transmission in your Touareg is a wet-clutch design and, therefore, much more robust than the dry-clutch version that caused VW so much angst when it was introduced many years ago. However, even the wet-clutch unit has been known to have its problems, and the symptoms you’ve described tend to point towards worn clutch packs or the electronics that control them.

Any time a dual-clutch transmission shudders or thumps, is cause to have it scanned to check the operation of these clutch packs. It’s also likely that a cold transmission will amplify these symptoms. A VW dealer can carry out this test and the results will give you a much better idea of what’s going on inside the transmission.

If it is a fault with the transmission, it should be covered by the new-car warranty. But make sure the dealer logs it with head office. That makes it a pre-existing condition so that, even if the warranty runs out, it’s still VW’s problem to fix as the problem first occurred during the warranty period.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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