Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Volkswagen CC owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased this vehicle as a certified pre-owned in 4/2013 at which time it had 44423 miles on it. I have had all required maintenance, recalls and repairs performed at the dealership that I purchased from. Now after 3.5 years of owning the vehicle and only putting 31,577 miles on it, the car wouldn't engage when trying to park. When parallel parking, I put the car in reverse and it makes a noise like it is trying to go into reverse and if it won't engage the "r" starts flashing and the check engine light comes on. I have to place the vehicle in park (the "p" will then flash) and turn it off and turn it on and then it will work. Usually after driving the car 3 times or so the check engine light turns off and clears, but then a day or so later the same thing happens. This happened least 3 times a week. …
A heavy jerk and bag when the transmission shifts between 1st-3rd gears. Transmission disengages while moving but particularly in stop and go traffic. Vehicle needs to be completely shut down and restarted in order for the transmission to become fully operational again. There is also a hesitation or time lag when shifting from park to reverse before the transmission engages. The vehicle has an automatic dsg transmission. I am not the only owner of a 2010 CC that has been experiencing this problem. I contacted the vehicle manufacturer and I was told that the company's position was to do nothing. This vehicle has 2-3 other recalls on it as well. This is a mechanic issue that can occur at any moment and possess potential hazards when in motion in any driving condition (highway or street). …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen CC. While the vehicle was idling at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the contact stated that the rpms increased to 3,500; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the gear shifter felt as if the vehicle shifted into sport mode. The drive icon illuminated. While attempting to depress the accelerator pedal again, the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact had to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to mckinney Volkswagen dealer at [phone] located at 3600 s central expy, mckinney, tx 75070 where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the dealer stated that the engine could not be taken apart. …
Dsg transmission problems, I had the car for about 1 year and a half and suddenly after a long day of driving the car when I would get home to park the car and reverse it into the spot and it didn't engage instead I just heard a thump and then the check engine light turned on and I had the p,r,n,d,s flashing so everytime I would try to engage drive or reverse it felt like it was I'm neutral, I took the car to get looked at by a vw,porshe, Mercedes specialist and he said it was the mechatronic unit so I got that changed, it seemed like that had fixed the problem then it started to do the same thing, everytime after a long drive when I go to reverse it doesn't engage and does the same thing makes every gear feel like it's in neutral so I have to turn the car off then on and it works and engages reverse with no problem, got engine code p2711 which said unexpected / implausible mechanical …
Car has repeatedly had issues shifting into the proper gear. When attempting to shift into reverse, a loud clunking can be heard and the car suddenly switches to neutral without being able to engage any gears thereafter without the car first being restarted entirely. After researching and reaching out to vw of America, it seems many other owners of vws with the same transmission have had similar issues, some of which have been recalled previously by vw, including 2010 vw ccs similar to mine. Vw of American has failed to see my car should fall within the parameters of the already issued recall and has advised me to file a report here. I am concerned this issue will potentially cause a failure at highway speeds and could be life threatening. Thank you.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen CC. The contact stated that the vehicle was not operable and the shifter would not shift into the correct gear. Also, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred three or four times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clutch pack failed. Volkswagen of santa monica, ca (2440 santa monica blvd) was contacted, but refused to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and did not offer any assistance. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
I own a 2010 Volkswagen CC with a dsg transmission. While the vehicle is in park, it shifts independently from drive to neutral. It has happened several times, including while driving on the highway. The dealer failed to diagnose the problem and simply recommended I replace the transmission. At a cost of $5400. I escalated the issue with vw of America and they were no help . They agreed that they are unable to diagnose the case and that only remedy is a new transmission . . I think this is a vw dsg transmission coverup, just like tdi emmissions car has approximately 84,000 miles
Automatic transmission lurches/clunks when starting from a stopped position. This presents a safety issue as it can accelerate for a short period without the ability to stop the car. From internet research, this is a common a important safety issue with vw dsg transmissions. Literally 100s of complaints online. Please, please research this issue. Vw claims the car is "operating in spec" - anyone driving with me in the car is shocked and wonders what is wrong with the car. This happens all the time, but there are occasions when is goes away.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen CC. While driving 45 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated and a knocking noise was heard under the hood. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and was able to resume driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission fluid was low. In addition, when the gear shifter was in park, it shifted into reverse. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen CC. While the vehicle was in park, it moved independently. In addition, the gear would shift from drive to neutral independently. The contact had to restart the vehicle in order for it to function correctly. The failure recurred times five times. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Transmission complaints in other CC years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Volkswagen CC?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Volkswagen CC, 20% of the model year's 242 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Volkswagen CC transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2010 Volkswagen CC, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Volkswagen CC transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.