This 2010 audi a3 tdi equipped with an s tronic direct-shift gearbox will randomly shift into neutral or limp mode and it is not possible to proceed with normal vehicle operation after this occurs without first placing the vehicle in park, turning off the ignition and then restarting the vehicle. These symptoms are indicative of a known defect for this models power train and there are numerous testimonies on the web from audi and vw owners whose 2009/2010 vehicles are exhibiting the same symptoms, yet who are being told that the audi recall #'s 37e3/s7 & 37e5/j7 (the federal safety agency campaign #09v333000) do not apply to their vehicles due to their having been built outside the build date parameters of the recall. It is obvious from the numerous complaints from audi and vw owners that the defective transmission temperature sensor harnesses were installed in vehicles outside of the recall parameters and audi and vw are not willing to authorize dealers to reprogram the transmission control module of these vehicles with updated software to correct the problem. I even inquired as to what my cost would be to have this updated software installed (even though it is provided free for audi and vw vehicles within the build date parameters) because it is a safety issue and was told that the reprogramming does not apply to my vehicle, though it exhibits exactly the symptoms described in the recall.
2010 Audi A3 transmission problems
11 complaints (22% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 38,753.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 22%
- typical mileage
- 38,753
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Audi A3 transmission problems in other years
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- 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. With insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to neutral. If this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash. In addition, the "depress brake pedal" indicator light will be illuminated, alerting the driver to apply the brakes.
- Risk
- The abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge. The recall began on october 20, 2009. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987.
Recall number 09V333000 · Recall details
Related 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 system/component damage in the event of component failures or harsh operating conditions.the basic hierarchy of fault modes includes some that only result in the storage of a diagnostic trouble code (dtc) and cause no loss of function, some that store a dtc and reduce vehicle operation to a limp home mode, and some that store a dtc and cause an interruption of motive power (I.e., open clutch).the driver is alerted to the latter two modes by the dash gear position indicator (prnds) flashing. One of the conditions that results in interruption of motive power is excess gearbox temperature.the system initially responds to increased gearbox temperature by ramping down engine torque.if the temperature keeps rising the mechatronic unit responds by opening the clutch.in a defect information report submitted to the federal safety agency on august 20, 2009, volkswagen described a potential defect in the wiring harnesses of the dsg gearbox temperature sensors used in approximately 16,000 model year (my) 2009 and 2010 volkswagen (eos, jetta and gti) and audi (a3 and tt/tt roadster) vehicles equipped with dsg transmissions and built from september 2008 through august 2009 (the federal safety agency recall no. 09v‑333, volkswagen recall no. 37e3/s7 and audi recall no 37e4/j7). Volkswagen provided this description of the defect, the wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the dsg may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped by the connector supplier during a limited production period.with insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to neutral.if this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash.in addition, the depress brake pedal indicator light will be illuminated, alerting the driver to apply the brakes.in heavy traffic, the abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.volkswagen estimated that less than one percent of the recalled vehicles may contain the defect condition. Odi identified 40 complaints that appear to be related to the temperature sensor defect condition described by volkswagen.volkswagen received 139 complaints related to the condition, with 7 involving vehicles reported to odi, resulting a 172 total complaints to odi and volkswagen.all of these complaints involve the my 2009 an 2010 vehicles subject to recall 09v‑333. Odi also identified complaints of harsh/jerky shifting in some volkswagen vehicles with dsg.volkswagen attributed this condition, which typically occurs at very low speeds, to excessive wear in the bushings of the two solenoid valves in the mechatronic unit that control clutch operation.volkswagen does not believe that the this condition is a safety defect because the changes in shift quality develop gradually over time, do not cause a loss of motive power and have not resulted in any fatalities, injuries or serious crashes (there were three reported property damage incidents resulting in minor body damage in very low speed, parking maneuvers).volkswagen addressed this problem in the field with a customer service program that includes the replacement of potentially affected mechatronic units as well
PE09035
What 2010 Audi A3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I have an audi a3 manufactured in 2009 presenting severe issues with the ABS control module. Audi has a recall for several audi and vw models manufactured the same year, recall number 16v913000. Audi of america was notified however declined responsibility allegedly because my vehicle was not in the specified VIN range. Although my vehicle is presenting the same symptoms as those on the recall audi is unwilling to accept responsibility. The experience was very unnerving as the car suddenly stopped while driving and suddenly accelerated. Fortunately the cars following behind were able to stop on time avoiding a serious accident. Aside from losing control of the vehicle, the steering loses position and the speedometer stops working. Furthermore the part needed for the repair has been superseded, this is very suspicious as to why there will be a new part number to replace the original if allegedly there's no problems with mine...?
At slow speeds & when stopped with vehicle in gear (drive or revers) the transmission jerks, clunks, feels like it's engaging and disengaging. It is dangerous - especially when stopped or parking as the vehicle will suddenly lunge forward or backward depending on the gear you are in. Unfortunately it has only resulted in damage to my own vehicle - not to another vehicle or person.
Full transmission failure.
Automobile was traveling on bqe in new york city at about 50 MPH when the automatic transmission shifted into neutral and refused to shift into gear. All forward power was lost. The driver rolled the car onto the right lane as there was not a shoulder. The driver stopped the car and turned it off. Then turned the car on and was able to gain power and drive. The audi repair service center indicated a faulty mechatronic or dsg unit, which matches the recall 09v‑333. Audi insists this particular vehicle was not part of the recall listed above.
Going 55 mile an hour, rear turbo seal goes out, sucks engine oil out of crankcase. I coast to a stop. Load on a trailer. Haul to a audi dealer. Still under warranty they replace engine. Now they say transmission is not repairable. Now I have to pay for new transmission. Drive train was still under warranty. Never buy another audi again. Audi has had the car for 2 months still don't have the car back.
This complaint relates to a tdi version of the audi a3. While driving my kids to school, the car stopped dead and would not restart. On inspection by an audi dealer it was determined that the high pressure fuel pump had failed. The pump failure caused metal particles from the pump itself to circulate in the fuel system doing catastrophic damage to the fuel system and power train. As of this date, the car has been in the shop for repair longer than two weeks with no estimated date of completion. We experienced a similar catastrophic fuel pump failure with our audi q7 tdi in june of 2012 which required a new engine, fuel system and other parts (see odi # 10480946). According to the dealer, the reason for the delay in repairing the a3 relates to the large number of cars with similar fuel system failures which has caused a scarcity of parts. We have been told by the dealer that this same problem is happening to tdi vehicles from both volkswagen and audi. I am no engineer, but widespread fuel system failures seem potentially dangerous to drivers and their passengers. This problem deserves an investigation.
The car has an automatic transmission that downshifts on its own from automatic (d) to m1 (the lowest manual gear). When this happens the car immediately slows and the engine rpms increase toward the red line. It happens about every 250 miles or so, usually when I am going about 20-25 miles an hour in city driving. The last time it happened, I was holding a cup of coffee and it spilled over my lap. I am worried that it could happen when another car is following closely and result in a rear end collision. There would be no warning of the slow down to the other driver since the brake lights would not go on.
There is an intermittent problem of applying gas and not moving; the engine revs, but does not move forward. This has happened from a full stop or almost a full stop, when trying to turn across oncoming traffic and while crossing a busy intersection. Almost had two accidents in one day. Audi dealership says that if they cannot duplicate the situation, they cannot do anything. I left my car for their service manager to drive indefinitely. It is an extremely dangerous intermittent problem. This is a 2010, 2.0t.
2010 audi a3 tdi has intermittent acceleration pausing problems. The lack of power has been experienced from a dead stop and while merging into freeway traffic. The problem is rare, but has been a safety concern when it has happened.
Questions about the 2010 Audi A3 transmission
Does the 2010 Audi A3 have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the transmission of the 2010 Audi A3, 22% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2010 Audi A3 transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 38,753 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2010 Audi A3 transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 09V333000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Audi A3 have bad transmission?
The Audi A3 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2006 (37 complaints), 2007 (16 complaints) and 2009 (15 complaints).
Other 2010 Audi A3 problems
Fuel system 19Airbags 13Engine 6Brakes 2Electrical 2Tires 2Body 1Lights 1Seats 1
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