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Gearboxes
VAG group cars use several different dual-clutch gearboxes under the same DSG or S tronic name. They share a principle, but they do not share weak points. The small dry-clutch DQ200 fails differently from the wet-clutch DQ250, DQ381 and DQ500.
Start with the identification guide if you are not sure which box your car has. Then read the page for that gearbox. Each one lists the faults owners and workshops see most, what they cost to fix in broad terms, and what you can check before spending money.
DSG problems: what actually goes wrong and what does notA straight overview of DSG gearbox problems on VW, Audi, SEAT and Skoda: which faults are common, which gearboxes they hit and what to check first.Which DSG do you have? How to identify your gearboxHow to find out whether your VW, Audi, SEAT or Skoda has a DQ200, DQ250, DQ381, DQ500 or DL501 gearbox, using the sticker, the engine and the part number.Dry clutch vs wet clutch DSG: what is the difference?The DQ200 uses dry clutches and the DQ250, DQ381 and DQ500 use wet clutches. See how that changes maintenance, heat, torque limits and typical faults.DQ200 mechatronic failure: symptoms, codes and repair optionsMechatronic faults are the best-known DQ200 problem. See the symptoms, the fault codes that point to it, what to check first and the repair choices.DQ250 (02E) common problems and how to avoid themThe 6-speed wet-clutch DQ250 is found in GTI, diesel, Passat and Tiguan models. See the faults owners report, the oil interval and what to check first.DQ381 (0GC) DSG: known issues and what to look forThe 7-speed wet-clutch DQ381 is used in newer Golf, Passat, Tiguan and Arteon models. See reported hesitation and software complaints and the oil interval.How a DSG gearbox works: two clutches, two shafts, no pauseA plain explanation of how a dual-clutch gearbox changes gear without a pause, what the mechatronic unit does and why DSG faults look different from a manual.DSG or torque-converter automatic: how they differ in daily useA DSG and a torque-converter automatic feel alike but work differently. See how they compare on smoothness, efficiency, maintenance and typical faults.DQ200 vs DQ250 vs DQ381: the three most common DSG gearboxes comparedA side-by-side comparison of the DQ200, DQ250 and DQ381: gears, clutch type, torque, where each is fitted, typical faults and oil intervals.DQ500 (0BH, 0BT) DSG: what to know about the high-torque wet-clutch boxThe 7-speed wet-clutch DQ500 handles around 600 Nm. See where it is fitted, the complaints reported, the role of heat and oil, and what to check on a used car.