Audi Multitronic and S Tronic - How reliable?

[Leo_]

Old thread, but also wondering on the reliability of the multitronic. Am looking at a 2015 A4 multitronic and that is my main concern. Any updated info on this?

A lot of people might say their VAG gearboxes have not given any issues, but often times it has without their knowledge. Hear me out.

One of my mates drives an Audi A3 with S-tronic. I asked has the gearbox given any issues? His reply, not even the slightest. Best gearbox ever! Out of curiosity, being a car-nerd, I checked his logbook. In there it did mention that the mechatronic unit was replaced at 55k km.

So Audi was outstanding for picking up the issue without him even telling them there was a problem. And it was all done under maintenance plan.

Now out of plan, phone up your local dealer and ask them the cost with labour to replace a mechatronic unit. It’s an eye watering six-figure cost. Also speak to any independent VAG mechanic and they will tell you how unreliable these DSG/CVT boxes are.

If you really must drive a VAG vehicle, you can take a punt on an older one. But just make sure you have an extended Audi or VW Motorplan or warranty.

 

[sand_man]

I had one of the first multitronics on the market, 2003 A4 2.4 multitronic. Gearbox was an absolute nightmare! Cost me bombs to repair over the years I had the car!!

My late uncle also had one and the gearbox needed replacing at 20 000km.

They vastly improved since then but I would steer well away from multitronics...

 

[longboy]

Audi is just another VW with the mud scraped out of it. Don't bother with it - go get yourself a proper vehicle like a BMW X5 or if you're wealthy enough, a Merc S series.

 

[ands45]

A lot of people might say their VAG gearboxes have not given any issues, but often times it has without their knowledge. Hear me out.

One of my mates drives an Audi A3 with S-tronic. I asked has the gearbox given any issues? His reply, not even the slightest. Best gearbox ever! Out of curiosity, being a car-nerd, I checked his logbook. In there it did mention that the mechatronic unit was replaced at 55k km.

So Audi was outstanding for picking up the issue without him even telling them there was a problem. And it was all done under maintenance plan.

Now out of plan, phone up your local dealer and ask them the cost with labour to replace a mechatronic unit. It’s an eye watering three-figure cost. Also speak to any independent VAG mechanic and they will tell you how unreliable these DSG/CVT boxes are.

If you really must drive a VAG vehicle, you can take a punt on an older one. But just make sure you have an extended Audi or VW Motorplan or warranty.

Thanks for the info, I know the cost to replace is crazy that's what worries me. I would prefer a straight manual box but unfortunately there aren't any of those. If I did go ahead it would be from Audi with the 2 year warranty.

 

[ChrisThomas]

I have a thread on this forum somewhere that details the nightmare I had in 2017 on a 4 year old Audi A1 S Tronic. Never again. My brother in law had a brand new A3 with the same gearbox and his was clunky and shuddery on pull away from brand new.

 

[Neuk_]

My Golf R had the DSG box and never gave any issues in the 3 years and 9 months I owned it, neither has my fiancés 6 year old Q3 with DSG gearbox or her sister's 6 year old Tiguan with the same gearbox. I have heard many stories of them giving issues though, mainly Mechatronic units needing to be replaced but also know some who are putting the 500+ hp through them in RS3's. It's no doubt a risk, one of the reasons I went for my Touareg that has a torque converter gearbox.

 

[LordX]

I've got a 2012 A5 2.0tdi multitronic with 140 000km, had the CVT serviced twice (every 60 000km) and have had no issues with it what so ever. I've got no complaints about it, either than the fact that it's a CVT.
However I wouldn't buy it again if given the opportunity, not because its bad but knowing how much it would cost to replace it (R60 000) with a brand new one, makes it undesirable.