Audi A3 transmission failure problems

Filed Dec 9, 2025 · Transmission · 34,500 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH for a 50-mile trip, the message "Transmission Failure" displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The transmission then inadvertently switched from automatic to manual transmission mode and became stuck in second gear. Additionally, the vehicle jerked and decelerated to 35 MPH while driving. The contact activated the hazard lights before pulling over to the right shoulder to turn off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel very quickly. The contact was able to drive to the destination. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC: P173500 (Electrical Malfunction with the Position Sensor for Clutch 1 in the Transmission). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, but no cause for the failure was found. The contact then drove the vehicle for a long distance at high speeds and was able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who determined that the mechatronic hardware, DSG transmission cover, gasket, and fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 2058504/1 (Transmission malfunction, DTC P173500 and/or P173600 stored in the TCM). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the Technical Service Bulletin. The failure mileage was approximately 34,500.

Filed Jul 24, 2023 · Transmission · FL

This concerns a recall issued. Audi issued a recall/reimbursement for transmission failure. Mine failed. Car stopped in the middle of roadway. I had transmission repaired before recall was issued. I have attempeted reimbursement and am denied by audi due to my vehicle being a theft recovery. However they have performed multiple recalls on this vehicle since I have owned it with the theft recovery title. They also performed the transmission reprogram after I had it fixed at no charge. NHSTA itself states salvage/rebuilt title is no reason for not performing a recall except in exceptional circumstances when car is no longer drivable. I am asking for help in getting audi to honor the recall. Had I been on the highway I would have been smashed when the car shut down.

Filed Oct 12, 2022 · Fuel system, Transmission · CA

2017 Audi A3 Etron Sportsback- Engine light turned on at 50k, when scanned for errors no codes. Then around 55k miles started to stall when slowing down or at a full stop. The car must be turned off then immediately go into drive. Felt very dangerous when driving in high traffic areas and areas with many stop lights/signs. Car error say Transmission Malfunction first then says something about Limited Power. We had changed ATF and filter, still had issues. Then it started to not allow to go into reverse. Issues were intermittently happening then became more constant. Finally towed to Audi dealer they are not 100% but they say a new transmission is needed. After seeing complaints of similar situation I think this should be a recall on the transmission for these cars.

Filed Mar 12, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 47,000 miles · FL

2017 audi a3 sedan- with around 47,000 miles -stalled out in drive thru and at a red light intersection. Twice. Almost got in 2 accidents while driving once on the highway and once on a city road. Engine light on dash was blinking. Code reader initially was reading p0300, p0301 and p0302 .. Multiple cylinder misfires. Towed car to audi, and they did complete maintenance service. Ran codes and now all of the sudden it need a new transmission and the code is p0172 bank 1 system too rich. I noticed there was a recall for the the engine control unit (ecu) software and which can affect air / fuel mixture which makes me think that this recall was probably the cause, because po172 code can be due to the air/ fuel mixture getting too far from factory specs. My car has been at the dealership for 6 weeks, the transmission was finally replaced by audi but they are still saying that I need a new fuel canister (there was a recall for this in 2016, and my car was manufactured in 2016 but is a 2017 model) ? I have seen several other 2017 audi a3 sedan owner complaints having this issue with very similar problem on this website and other websites. I was under warranty until 1/25/2021, but I live 2 hours away and I was under quarantine so booked appointment locally (I think on 1/22/2021 with volkswagen but scheduling was a week out and on appointment date their entire service department was out because of covid outbreak by that time it was too late even though I have a time and date stamped video of the car having issues.

Filed May 3, 2017 · Transmission · 102,000 miles · CA

Full transmission failure.

Filed Jul 10, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 48,500 miles · IN

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.

Filed Jul 1, 2011 · Transmission · 89,000 miles · MO

Audi dsg transmission safety issue - the"prnds" on my dash often starts flashing, and the transmission is now in a "limp" mode. I then have to put the car in neutral, turn the ignition off, start the car, and put it back in drive mode. I do all of this while either rolling down the road or the alternative is find a place to pull over. Audi recognizes this as a problem on dsg equipped vehicles just a few months newer than mine. I don't understand why they will not admit it is a safety issue on cars built with the same equipment just a little earlier. Please help me resolve this safety issue with audi. They claim it needs a new transmission that will cost $4800 and can only be done at a dealer. This has been an ongoing problem for over 1.5 years and has gotten much more frequent in the last half year.

Filed Oct 26, 2010 · Transmission · 42,590 miles · CA

This is for a 2006 audi a3 2.0t with the fsi engine and the dsg transmission. Both my wife and I experience a few dangerous situations where the automatic transmission disengaged unexpectedly and we lost the ability to make the car move via the gas pedal. The car's lcd gear selector display then began to flash intermittently to indicate a transmission failure of some type. We did regain 1st gear after a few seconds as well but this put us at danger and is not acceptable for a family car with only 42590 miles on it. The problem then re-occurred within the next few days about 3 more times and even failed while driving into the dealership. I had to call a couple of dealerships to get a straight answer as well on whether this was covered under any kind of recall warranty as well as they were about to try and make me pay for this until I asked. The service for a failed dsg transmission is exorbitantly priced and also unacceptable for a car that only has 42590 miles on it and is driven as a family car strictly. Not to mention it has been routinely serviced under warranty and is not due to any neglect or abuse. The dealer did replace the failed mechatronic unit and even noted that the transmission fluids were all at the proper levels. The old part was not available for me to view and I did neglect to ask for it as that is usually my practice when getting parts replaced.

Filed Jul 24, 2009 · Transmission · 36,900 miles · CA

Car had occasional leaks had taken in for fix. Fixed but still had occasional leaks. Going around corners at low speed, occasionally car would jerk when the gas was applied like it has hitting the wrong gear. Had blinking prnds light while on the freeway. Car started rough next day with engine icon flashing. Took car for service, audi tech found loose bolts in transmission pan causing fluid loss and small metal particles in pan. Road test found "hard shift in reverse and 1st". Replaced transmission. Concerned that the transmission failure could occur while driving and cause harm to myself or others.

Filed Jul 13, 2006 · Transmission · 7,154 miles · CT

1) no problem leading up to transmission failure. 3 months and 7100 miles. 2) transmission failed mid-commute home from work...car still in shop, will take at lease a few weeks to fix due to lack of parts 3) nothing done...parts are on order.