DSG: Problems, Questions, Likes and Dislikes

[AdamD]

Are the issues with the 7-speed gearboxes or across the board? I've got a GTI and they are equipped with a 6-speed. The lower end Golf models, Polos, Tiguans run the 7-speed gearbox.

What issues are you referring to?

The current issues in the press related to overseas recalls in China and Japan are all focused on the DQ200 - the dry-clutch 7-speed low-torque DSG found in Polos and Golfs. The clutch pack problems are limited to the DQ200 only.

There have been mechatronic failures and occasional false neutrals in the DQ250 6-speed wet clutch DSG, as found in Golf GTIs and Rs, as well as many other VWs, although these failures are significantly less common these days than they used to be.

The Tiguans equipped with a 7-speed DSG do not use the DQ200 dry-clutch, but the newer DQ500 high-torque 7-speed wet clutch DSG. This one isn't perfect either, but like the DQ250 (at least those built more recently - say in the last 3-5 years), is less prone to issues.