Skoda dsg gearbox reliability

bouicca21

I've been told that skoda and vw are very reliable, and have been contemplating buying a used fabia. I've always driven a manual but fancy an automatic. Test drove a new (not new as in the new model though) one and really liked it.

But there is stuff on the net about the reliability of the dsg in 2012 and 2013 models and a recall that does not apply to the UK. Anyone have any experience of this gearbox? Does the potential problem mean it is actually better to buy an older one?

worried_jim

I always thought that it was the older ones that were the problem as they used a dry clutch, now they have changed it to a wet clutch and the dsg boxes are much better. (I may have the dry/wet the wrong way round, but they have definitely moved from one to the other).

carter91

A quick search on the Briskoda website will give you lots of info / opinions from Skoda owners.

I believe worried jim is correct. I also think that the earlier dry DSG units were more problematic.

bigjl

Yup early ones were a bit unreliable.

missile

The DSG goes by different names, but design is similar in all VAG vehicles. The oil lubrication is shared with the gearbox and mechatronic unit. In earlier boxes this caused issues and replacement of the mechatronic unit is circa £2500.


In later units a filter was fitted. In a post 2012 Skoda you should not have this issue.