Volkswagen Group Australia has issued a recall for up to 80,000 vehicles over dangerous DSG gearbox failures.
An issue with the pressure accumulator could cause loss of hydraulic pressure in the automatic gearbox system, leaving it essentially stuck in neutral. The recall lists this issue as a major safety concern, stating that it could “increase the likelihood of an accident affecting the occupants of the vehicle and other road users.”
Volkswagen Australia executive Jason Bradshaw said, ‘While we know 23,000 vehicles may have this incorrectly manufactured component, we cannot be certain of identifying these by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) alone. We want to physically examine them and those [additional vehicles] with a potentially faulty component can have it replaced. Customers will be contacted in the coming weeks and invited to bring their cars in for inspection or undergo repair work free of charge. “
This isn’t the first time VW has recalled vehicles over issues with their DSG gearboxes. In 2013 VW recalled huge numbers of vehicles fitted with their 7-speed dual-clutch gearboxes (DQ200). It was found that the synthetic gearbox oil could cause malfunctions in the gearbox in hot climates.
Does this affect UK cars?
We checked for recalls on our very own 2015 Skoda Octavia on the .Gov check recall pages. At present, it’s not listed.
We’ve also reached out to the UK VW Press office but we’re yet to hear back. We’ll also get in contact with our friendly local Skoda dealership (Wings Skoda Peterborough) to see if there is any news for my DSG equipped Octavia. We’ll be certain to keep you posted.
See below for the full text from the recall.
What are the defects?
Due to a production fault, over time a crack in the transmissions pressure accumulator can occur.
What are the hazards?
If the pressure accumulator cracks, oil and pressure is lost in the hydraulic system of the gearbox. As a result, the transmission of engine power via the gearbox is interrupted. The experience of this symptom would be comparable to depressing the clutch in a vehicle fitted with a manual transmission. This could increase the likelihood of an accident affecting the occupants of the vehicle and other road users.
What should consumers do?
Volkswagen will contact affected consumers to organise repairs of affected vehicles, free of charge.
Owners of affected vehicles can also contact the Volkswagen Recall Campaign Hotline on 1800 504 076 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am-8pm AEST) or visit https://au.volkswagen.com.au/find-dealer/ to arrange a repair.
[ad]
It’s not even been a month since we published an article with failing DSG gearboxes in VW group cars, This news isn’t what we wanted to see, especially with the impending doom of our DSG gear selection switch.
For more information check out the two recall notices on the Product Safety Australia Website
- Volkswagen Group Australia — Volkswagen Golf MY2009-2015, Jetta MY2009-2015, Beetle MY2013-2015, Passat MY2010-2015, Polo MY2010-2015 & Caddy MY2011-2015
- Volkswagen Group Australia Pty Ltd t/as Skoda Australia — Skoda Fabia MY2013-2015, Octavia MY2009-2015, Rapid MY2014-2015, Roomster MY2013-2014, Superb MY2009-2015 & Yeti MY2013-2015
Let’s hear from you
Has your car been recalled by VW Australia? Have you got any technical information on the failure? Let us know in the comments below or get in touch via our contact page
Sept 2012 Seat Altea XL 2.0 tdi DSG. My DSG failed at 19,286 miles in June 2015 I was on the Motorway lucky for me near a lay-by as it was a smart motorway with no hard shoulder. It just lost drive (went into neutral).
Very dangerous to lose drive on a fast moving motorway in traffic, I put on the hazard warning lights to warn drivers that I had a problem then free-wheeled into the lay-by. I was very lucky. Seat breakdown came out quite quick when I relayed info to controller via orange phone in lay-by. i was told to get behind the barrier and he closed inside lane. Car went back to my Seat dealership were I had a loan car for a week while they fitted a new DSG to my car. Nothing was said as to why it had failed by the dealership. I have had no trouble since now on 60,000 miles just had oil & filter changed in DSG box and everything is fine now so it seems. But my did I have a lucky escape.
Still no comment from VW UK. They accept there is a fault in Australia , but not UK.
I had the same problem Dec 2019 and car lost power. I was lucky and could move to a safe place.
Fault code: PF17BF (06079) Hydraulic Pump. Play Protection.
VW want c2k to replace the mechatronic unit.
UK companies have reported thousand of repairs.
Shame on VW UK, again.
Our Skoda Octavia with a DSG gearbox, failed without warning ater less than 28000 miles. VW is denying any problem. They say that any problem would have been evident within 6 months. Shame on VW. They know that They have had problems worldwide but deny any problems in the UK. What can we do?
Same issue!
Hi also having problems with a 2017 1.6 passat with DSG . needs new mechatronics and only done 57000.
whats best course of action or is it futile?
December 2022
Hello, I’d appreciate any advice please. I am in the UK. My GOLF MATCH TSI BLUEMO- TION TECHNOLOGY DSG 2015, 43,000 miles has total loss of gear control. I bought it new and am aghast, VW garage has said they need to replace megatronic, gear box and faulty clutch pack. The total cost of this exceeds £12000. What should I do, has anyone had succeeded in getting recourse from VW? Where could I write to complain?
Thank you