2008 Audi A3 transmission problems

Filed Feb 26, 2014 · Transmission · 83,000 miles · IN · crash

While driving at highway speeds the transmission shifts into neutral loosing the ability to power the vehicle almost causing a multi-vehicle crash. The dealer reports that it is the s-tronic transmission control box causing the issue. The incident has happened twice now with the second time with a near miss almost causing a crash. This control module failed in our vehicle at 34,000 miles (estimate) covered under warranty and now again at 83,000 miles. I have contacted audi and I am not receiving any assistance for an issue that is clearly a safety item - loosing power at highway speeds which could result in a serious accident with a fatality or injury. This vehicle should have been included in the recall to replace the module with a known good module. Instead, it appears that the first module replacement did not include whatever fix they had done. We are concerned for our safety in driving this vehicle since we transport our young children in it.

Filed May 15, 2011 · Transmission · 47,000 miles · MA

Dsg transmission harsh engagement and banging bucking when starting from stop or in reverse also when engaging form park. Will go into neutral and bang/lurch forward or back when it engages making it very difficult to park and pull out into traffic. Dealership could not repair until tsb for mechatronic released. New unit cured problem for aprox 15k miles now back and getting progressively worse. Dealership advised to "wait until it got bad" to bring it in sine they did not know what fix was. Brought back in at 47k miles and they re-adapted transmission and it got worse. Technical support told them to order another mechatronics (2nd replacement) as they did not know what else to do. Waiting on part now.

Filed Jan 18, 2011 · Transmission · 22,200 miles · NJ

When in traffic the car lurches forward without any input from driver. The car bucks back and forth, almost like the car is stalling. On a hill, if you take your foot of the brake, the car begins to roll backward - flooring the gas pedal causes the car to stop rolling backwards.

Filed Dec 2, 2010 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · CA

Since purchase as a cpo in early 2009, my 2008 audi a3 and its dsg transmission have exhibited irregular and dangerous shifting behavior. The transmission surges unpredictably at low speeds, particularly in 1st or reverse with brakes off and little/no gas. This low speed surging behavior is dangerous in stop-and-go traffic as the car often unpredictably jumps towards other vehicles. Also on several occasions the transmission has completely dropped out of gear and failed to re-engage for approximately 1-2 seconds. On one occasion, this pause occurred during a left hand turn across opposing traffic and nearly caused a collision. In summer 2010 audi replaced the mechatronic unit under warranty and reflashed the dsg. This fixed the issues for 1-2 months, however the problems have since reappeared. It's seems clear that this line of transmissions have persistent and possibly dangerous problems.

Filed Jul 22, 2010 · Transmission · 25,000 miles · NC

My 2008 audi a3 2.0t dsg (direct shift gearbox) has been having abrupt shifting and hesitation. The three main times issues occur are: 1.) moving from a stop, either in forward or reverse. With light throttle input, similar to in parking situations or slow moving stop/go traffic, the car/transmission feels like it's not engaged and then suddenly engages and lurches forward/backwards. This is when I feel the car is most likely to cause an accident. 2.) when slowing down to a stop (such as at a stop light/sign or for traffic), there is an abrupt thud which appears to be when the car is downshifting automatically into 2nd gear. This feels like it's doing damage to the car. 3.) when slowing down, followed by mild acceleration (such as when turning right/left onto a perpendicular street without requiring a stop), the car hesitates, then revs very high (appears to choose too low of a gear), immediately followed by going into the "right" gear. This is alarming to driver/passenger and is annoying and distracting. I brought it in to the local dealership and they said it is the mechatronics unit, however there's no recall for my car so they just gave me the car back and said "call back in a month, maybe then there will be a recall".

Filed Dec 26, 2009 · Transmission · 25,000 miles · UT

2008 audi a3 with 2.0 engine and 6-spd auto dsg gearbox. During summer of 2009 started having problem in which from a stop (red light, etc.), when letting off the brake and giving it gas it would hesitate for 1-2 seconds before finally jerking or lurching (somewhat violently) into gear. Sometimes it would jerk twice. Also the downshift from 2nd to 1st is somewhat rough. The problem is still present but not as bad, however it seemed there was a strong correlation between how hot it was outside and the symptoms being worse. Took it to cutrubus audi in layton, ut at end of summer, they said there was no problem, that how it was shifting was normal for the dsg. Just got a letter from audi of america that they are developing a way to diagnose faulty mechatronic units (which causes jerking) in late spring of 2010, but I don't want to wait that long to have this problem rectified. Will be trying a different dealer soon.

Filed Nov 9, 2009 · Transmission · 5,600 miles · FL

2008 audi a3 3.2 dsg: transmission would drop violently forcing a reduction in speed. Pressing the accelerator sometimes would not let the car accelerate...engine revolutions would not rise. Difficult to maintain a safe speed consistently. Taking two both dealerships in miami-dade county (the collection and prestige). The service eventually did nothing to the car. Audi would not honor any service without ECM logged errors. I saw a recall investigation on later model cars, but a continuing investigation on cars including my model year for the exact symptoms I have experienced. This has happened several times and without notice or the ability to recreate at will.

Filed Sep 8, 2009 · Transmission · 15,000 miles · TX

I have an audi a3 2008 2.0 model that was purchased new in 11/07. I started experiencing a hesitation with the transmission a few months ago. Basically, from a rolling start in 1st gear, there can be a jerky action with the car. I don't think this is turbo lag because I can hear the clutch trying to catch onto the gear. On top of that, when I slow the car down (I.e. 40 MPH to 0 MPH), I feel a jerk every time the transmission downshifts. To my passengers, they feel as if I am slamming on the brakes and then releasing the brakes sporadically. A few online posts tells me that this is possibly a defect with the mechatronics unit and that if not replaced as soon as possible, it could cause serious damage to the transmission.

Filed Sep 2, 2009 · Transmission · 7,000 miles · MN

From a stop, or slow speeds, transmission was lurching w/out an apparent pattern.

Filed Aug 5, 2009 · Transmission · 21,000 miles · WA

I have a 2008 audi a3 2.0t dsg. My problem is with the dsg. While sitting at a stoplight I will lift off the brake to go, the car will lurch forward and the transmission will disengage. I then must wait a few seconds for the transmission to re-engage. This can be a problem if there are people behind me. I have been nearly hit on a few occasions. This problem is random and the dealer service tech's have not been able to replicate it to their satisfaction. The car did not do this when I bought it brand new.