Any VW DSG dry clutch owner here (1.2, 1.4, 1.8 TSI) ?

VW recall and changed mineral oil to all the dry clutch gearbox for car before 2013. Also remapped the gearbox settings for better and smooth gear change.

Based on my experience, gearbox juddering issue is very common and this can never be solved. I changed clutch twice in 2016 & 2020 current mileage is just about 80k, so if any of you having gearbox juddering issue in low gear (D1/1/S1 changing to G2) or (G2 to G3) happening more obvious on hill/slope road, you must need to replace your clutch.

Beside this issue, mechatronic is another fragile part but I never change it yet. The way that I drive is always slow, except highway road will rev fast sometimes. Couldn't understand why the clutch is so vulnerable maybe VW gearbox is a failure and this is a fact. Just to share this to let those who interested to buy VW please think twice unless you don't mind to send in workshop and paying extra to maintain the car.


It could be using D(auto) 7 speed driving in city (many stop and go) gear always switched to gear 7 at (70kmph) then down to gear 1, or gear 6(60kmph) down to gear 1. If driver using manual (+ -) more often would it be better (clutch more last longing) ? Anyone drive like this way ?


Any owner here from 2014 onwards (dry clutch)? wanna know if gearbox issue is still happening. I believe the clutch is used ...Still the same as old model.

This post has been edited by ComputerIdiot: Jan 14 2020, 10:59 AM

firstly, this is not just a vw issue.. any car that comes with a dual-clutch is already a huge red-flag (costly and prone to premature failure).

a "dry dual clutch" is the worst of the dual clutch variants.. what kills it?

driving "slow"... your clutch pack heats up unnecessary and breaks down over time.. never, never crawl(drive slowly) when using a dual clutch transmission car..

Thanks for sharing. So using D (auto) or Manual way (+-) myself maximum is just Gear 4 in city. Both driving way doesn't matter and are the same ? Meaning dry dual clutch is not design for city driving ? Many stop and go

nope .. i think is the VW clutch issue .. ALL DCT same like other transmission and slow or fast without problem .. everyone know VW dry DCT not so good especially in malaysia weather environment .. easily spoil if heat up ... so most of it turn up using WET DCT ..

In conclusion.... stay away dry clutch ... go for wet clutch if needed

This post has been edited by destee88: Jan 14 2020, 11:05 AM

i guessed you haven't heard about ford fiesta...
do share which car has a good dct.. especially a dry type

Anyone changed DSG oil for DQ200 gearbox?..
I have exceeded 120,000 mileage and was advised to change the oil..

So far only changed clutch pack once and no issue since 2012..

Just out of curiosity, if it's called dry clutch then why still have oil in it?

Dry clutch issue . Wet clutch on mine 0 problem after 9 year

The oil for Hydraulic (machatronic) functional

The clutch is Dry meaning only the clutch area... the rest is not dry you still need lubricant to lubricate the gear inside...

Wet clutch meaning the clutch is not Dry.... it is wet.....

problem after 9 year.... this kinda stuff only heard from a dual clutch transmission domain..
seriously, don't know why getrag is still in business (i guess, no life is loss from such failure.. ala takata)

It's okay..
I can accept that. Replacement half cut + refurbishment cost about 5k....I mean after 9 years, 350k km travel.....I am bound to run into issues..
Like any other gearbox....remember...after 350k...some car engine don't even last that long

so does that means wet clutch solve the problem? pondering the new B8 with wet clutch.

yes will solve the clutch issue only, not including gearbox/engine issues.
but the cost to maintain wet clutch is also a black hole..

looks like reliability is a major issue with vw. a bit disappointed.

You can change it because the oil is not expensive. If your warranty is over, try Vagtechnik. Because gear oil is not expensive... no harm.

Your lucky because your mileage 120k and just replaced clutch once only. My mileage about 80k already replace twice under warranty.


Now I am thinking to sell this car next year. Due to the dry clutch is a wear and tear part, I feel it need to be replaced every 40k. Mostly city drive,30% highway only.

Try to avoid VW , if wanna get a VW buy the wet clutch.

This post has been edited by ComputerIdiot: Jan 14 2020, 01:34 PM

which vw model you drive?

looks like you did a fantastic job maintaining it

Glad to know your car 9 years already still no major issue.

Can ask you smtg regarding consume engine oil ?

My VW normally follow schedule 15k or 1 year service.

Recently just travelled 5k+ the engine oil already light on....It's about 500ml engine oil is gone.

No leaking , exhaust pipe no white gas. VWSC says this is normal for turbo car. But I don't accept this. For me it will getting serious only.

This issue only happen recently, first year until 4th year the engine oil always enough until 15k km is travelled. What is the part that causing consume engine oil ? No leaking oil on floor, pipe is clean. This is because gasket or oil seal worn ?? What need to be replaced, I think most VW car got this common issue too.... after 5 years. Everything is okay just that after 5k distance more or less is travelled engine oil stick half is gone.

My one was manufacturer 2013 but gear box was changed to 2014 version due to gearbox failure in 2014. My time consider lucky becos they changed the whole gear box for me ( 2014 ) but after that they just repair .Bear in mind
VW car problem not only from gear but also other parts too and many of their service Center also are lebih Kurang attitude
Parts easy spoil are regardless tsi or non tsi
Such as aircond compressor and motor fan , absorber , air valve , mechatronic , radiator pump and hose .
VW will follow Suzuki fate
all 3s Center will close one by one

5000km engine oil top up is common if u Rev a lot and highway . If the engine oil drop every 1-2k km
Then good luck to u it may need to overhaul engine or turbo which is cost rm10k and above if both have problem

This post has been edited by danielisme: Jan 14 2020, 02:33 PM

2014 here, no issues with the gearbox. Pretty smooth 2nd to 3rd gear onwards.

But I put it in autohold all the time so that the clutch gets released in standstill and not overheat the gearbox

This post has been edited by Drian: Jan 14 2020, 02:34 PM

Thanks mate.... I have tried Vagtechnik for 2 years... thinking of changing workshop next month..
I also avoiding VW for my next purchase.. its not because of the gearbox but other stuff like speed sensor, ignition system, ignition cable, transformer, gasket leak suspension issue.. I am lucky DSG didnt give me issues but other stuff already kept me very busy.. also changing clutch pack after warranty is dxmn expensive..

Dry clutch or Wet clutch, I am avoiding conti cars all together..
They say life is too short to drive nice cars.. but i say life is too short and dont waste time visiting workshop.. lol...
Already owned a conti car in my life time, dream fulfilled, just move on and do other more important stuff..