Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On four separate occasions, vehicle spontaneously shifted into neutral. This occurred on both highway and city streets, both while in motion and while braking (downshifting). The lever selector position flashed on the dashboard and the "depress brake" indicator light came on. Vehicle required shifting to park and turning engine on/off (sometimes several times) before becoming drive-able again. Repair facility reports transmission temperature fault, as described in the following recall for other Volkswagen/Audi vehicles with the same dsg transmission: NHTSA campaign id 09V333000 Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between September 2008 and August 2009. The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the direct shift gearbox (dsg) May have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped. …
I am experiencing the well known symptoms of a failing mechatronic unit in the Volkswagen dsg gearbox. There was a recall from previous complaints regarding this issue. Symptoms are lurching/harsh engagement when starting from a stop. Jerky/ almost bouncy reversing. Harsh/clunky shifts between gears. Loss of drive operation at freeway speeds. This can be dangerous in many situations. My recall was completed through Volkswagen at roughly 55,000 miles. I started to notice the symptoms arise again at approximately 103,000 miles. This is literally just after the vw "extended" warranty on the dsg gearbox and replaced mechatronics unit expired. (10 year/100,000 miles) I find it very odd that the first mechatronics unit lasted just 50,000 miles and it seems as if the 2nd has failed in nearly the exact same time frame. …
Car: 2004 Volkswagen golf R32 whinning noise coming from the rear differential. Alot of Volkswagen R32 owners are starting to hear a whine from the rear differential, usually on deceleration or lifting off of the gas pedal. We communicate with each other through a vw enthusiast forum. The majority of us who encounter this noise have checked and changed our rear differential fluids and have found that our fluid is low from the factory!! The capacity of our rear differentials is 1 liter, per specifications. Most of us have found when draining the differential, that only 1 cup drains out, some even have found that the differential is not filled at all!! After filling with new and proper fluid the whine still is heard. Please send something out! I would hate to see some one get injured due to a failed rear differential on the vehicle. …
I purchased the car in nov 2006 and since then had numerous problems with the car, right form the start. Tire pressure light was on for 10 months, unable to fix, remote garage opener not working properly, remote control doesn't open the car, back door doesn't open at all, one of the studs underneath broke on freeway going to las vegas, engine light on, car overheating.
NHTSA investigations
Vehicle stall/loss motive power
The subject vehicles are equipped with direct shift gearbox (dsg) transmissions, which feature a 6-speed automatic gearbox with two wet running clutches (dual clutch) in which the clutch mechanism and gear changes are electrohydraulically operated by a mechatronic control unit.the dsg mechatronic controller includes extensive self diagnostic functions and strategies to ensure safe operation and prevent…
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen R32 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (82) model years. Transmission complaints make up 71% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Volkswagen R32 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Volkswagen R32 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volkswagen R32 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 16,000 miles; 89% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (60 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (6).
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.