The Official Mk6 Golf DSG Clutch / Shudder / Squeal Issues Thread

[zoomda]

I would call 12kw a lot more power (although weight difference will have a bigger impact). Get Stage 1 for the Golf and they'll be more evenly matched.

Very true, particularly as the golf is a wagon I'm quite keen on Stage 1 but will wait until they are on special again.

[Tom Sawyer]

Has anyone had their clutches replaced outside of 3 year warranty yet?
Mine has expired but clutches were replaced only 11 months ago and are shuddering again. I understand that there is supposed to be a 2 year warranty on parts but will I have to pay for labour?

Currently going through this with VWAus & Chatswood Classic VW.
My ex bought a 2009 Golf TSi 118 from them in Feb this year with a couple of months warranty left on it. As it was coming up to it's service she noticed a problem which I'd describe as a clutch slipping when going from 1st to 2nd gear. Got the dealer to check this out who confirmed the renowned clutch shim problem and the clutch packs needed replacing. Unfortunately by this time the warranty had expired by 7 weeks or so. She did purchase an extended warranty when she bought the car but this only covers $2k of repairs per 12 months (she was never offered a VW factory extended warranty!), so thought I try and VWA to cover the cost of $2800 as an act of good will due to the fact that the warranty had only just expired. They just said ......NO. So I went back to Chatswood to get a copy of the full service history to see if there was any previous history of the fault. They would not let me see the history due to privacy of the previous owner (!), and despite the fact her details are in the car logbook, but said they would approach VWA themselves to try and get a goodwill repair as it had got a full service history with them. Suspicious I thought....maybe there was something in the history??? Anyway, Chatswood wanted the car back in to run some tests again and see if it fell within VWA's parameters for a warranty repair. Progress I thought................
Over this weekend the car lost all drive just after her leaving home. Nothing in any gear. Engine would not rev above idle. Could start the car with the gear selector in any position. Managed to get the car towed to Chatswood thanks to the extended warranty where it is now sat awaiting a diagnosis. Not too impressed as she has had to rent a car at her own expense as no loan cars available for 2 weeks (not really their fault I guess).
So now awaiting a diagnosis to see where this is going to go, but either way I think this is going to end up as an argument between me on her behalf and VWA, and possibly a big $$$$$$ bill!!

[Tom Sawyer]

Just had the diagnosis back.......confirmed as the mechatronic unit, on top of the clutch packs initial fault. Total bill for both jobs is $6600!!. Part of this is covered by the extended warranty, VWA are putting a 1/3 in, so ex is left with the balance of $2500. Not overly impressed as components of this supposed quality should not just give up the ghost after 3 years and VWA not accept full liability for what is now known to be a design fault causing poor reliability.
On the plus side, at least the parts will be covered by some kind of parts warranty for a couple of years.
Lets see how long these last........

[Ryan_R]

Is it worth checking with another dealer as well? I've heard Chatswood mentioned on these forums a few times but I can't remember if the comments were positive or negative. Maybe have a search.

When I had issues with mine I travelled to a dealer further away from my local one which was a pain, but received way better service.


Have another plug, Burwin :p

[Tom Sawyer]

Is it worth checking with another dealer as well? I've heard Chatswood mentioned on these forums a few times but I can't remember if the comments were positive or negative. Maybe have a search.

When I had issues with mine I travelled to a dealer further away from my local one which was a pain, but received way better service.


Have another plug, Burwin :p

Would prefer to use one closer to home, however, the extended warranty is a dealer one so have to use them, and at the the moment the car is not driveable, so would require a tow.
Haven't been overly impressed with Chatswood, but after I got in touch with the service manager, he has been very helpful and progressed things as best he could against VWA.

[cktsi]

I am sure someone in this thread said that vw sutherland were the best in dealing with the shudder issue.

[blackmagic gti]

WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH....... 2010 118 tsi just 2 years old 20,000 km new gearbox at 8000km now onto 3rd clutch pack last one installed only 6 weeks ago, now have clutch shudder again no 7th gear driving in sport mode sometimes no 6th as well, even driving at speed of 120kph stayes in 5th or 6th, this car is driven sedately most of the time,what do others think as to what is a fair go? have also just had clutch pack in other car polo dsg 77 tsi also 20,000 km replaced, have just about had enough of VW, this is my 3rd VW.

[Ryan_R]

3rd clutch pack but no replacement mechatronics doesn't sound like the best way to fix the issue.

[cktsi]

WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH....... 2010 118 tsi just 2 years old 20,000 km new gearbox at 8000km now onto 3rd clutch pack last one installed only 6 weeks ago, now have clutch shudder again no 7th gear driving in sport mode sometimes no 6th as well, even driving at speed of 120kph stayes in 5th or 6th, this car is driven sedately most of the time,what do others think as to what is a fair go? have also just had clutch pack in other car polo dsg 77 tsi also 20,000 km replaced, have just about had enough of VW, this is my 3rd VW.

I would be writing into VW australia stating that as a loyal repeat customer this is totally unacceptable treatment. I will be writing when i sell my car to indicate my poor treatment. Might use that as leverage to get into the Golf R a bit cheaper (if that's the path i want to go down)

[zoomda]

Had the clutch pack done and wow what a difference. I now realise how bad the issue was. The acceleration improvement is noticeable now that the clutch isn't slipping.

God I hope it is all ok from here on in as the horror stories on here scare me. Once out of warranty a $6000 bill would be unfathomable.