DSG boxes! are they any good

[firestarter]

I'm looking at buying a 2014 rapid 1.2 tsi fitted with a DSG box, 20000 miles. Are these boxes REALLY any good in terms of reliability and longevity. Ive heard about them being very problematic especially the early ones. Also they can be hesitant if you want to exploit a gap in the traffic. Have the later boxes with these issues been fixed, I cant seem to find a definite answer. please advise.

 

Regards

[SurreyJohn]

The box fitted to 1.2tsi had a lot of trouble in 2012 as wrong oil was used (which fused some of the electronics)

 

Generally speaking they have been good since, in theory sealed for life, but some suggest a transmission oil change around the 5-6 years mark or 50-60k miles (unclear if necessary, but probably sensible if car does lots of city driving)

 

The hesitation thing seems to affect diesels, doesn't seem to be commented on when attached to 1.2tsi.  

 

I had a 2014 Fabia 1.2tsi DSG and never had any hesitation or problems with it (since changed for a Yeti, which has the 110 engine version), no problems with Yeti either.  

We also have a 2012 roomster with 1.2tsi DSG, that needed fixing (under warranty) about 2.5 years into life (but its well documented that 2012 versions had problems), not had any problems since fixing 3 years ago. 

So in my experience nothing to worry about.  

 

I think there was a recent press release that had now made 2 million DQ200 gearboxes, if they were still troublesome, I suspect would have been replaced years ago.

 

 

 

 

Edited 13 March, 2018 by SurreyJohn

[Ootohere]

^^^ What was The Fix it needed under warranty, was it just the Service Campaign '34F7', 

or was work required other than filling with Mineral Oil & a software update?

 

 

They are great boxes, with a petrol different than with a diesel. 

But there can be issues / faults / failings.

 

So lets get that right.,

A world wide recall in 2013 on the DQ200.  Only a Service Campaign in Europe. 2014, on the 2009-2013 product.

The Synthetic oil changed for mineral. & a software update. & in some regions a new MCU.  '34F7'.

http://skoda.co.nz/news/dsg-service-campaign 

Then in 2017 the Service campaign on some DQ200 from 2013-2015 that left the factory with Mineral Oil.

MCU's failing.  New Software, '34H5'.

 

Now from 2015 if you look DQ200's with some issues. Clutch Packs, Software updates required, still breaking news, 

just no word from Skoda / VW.

Look at the thread in the Fabia Mk3 section.    So maybe only a small number, but then after over 10 years should they not have got Snagging Faults Resolved.

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/293145-dsg-issues-or-even-real-problems/?page=3 

 

Be sure to have a valid warranty.  £1,750 or so for a MCU. 

Clutch packs needed, or a new DQ200, pick a price any price Skoda Main Dealers seem to.

 

 

ŠKODA produces 1.5 millionth DQ 200 dual-clutch transmission at Vrchlabí plant - ŠKODA Storyboard.mhtml

ŠKODA AUTO produces two-millionth DQ 200 dual-clutch transmission at Vrchlabí plant - ŠKODA Storyboard.mhtml

Edited 13 March, 2018 by AwaoffSki

[SurreyJohn]

19 hours ago, AwaoffSki said:

^^^ What was The Fix it needed under warranty, was it just the Service Campaign '34F7', 

or was work required other than filling with Mineral Oil & a software update?

 

 

They described it as a replacement dual clutch unit, was at dealers for 5 days (3 days of which were awaiting a specialised tool as they broke their only one extracting or reinserting a shaft or bearing).  I do remember the service guy said the workshop manager was moaning as it was stuck sitting on one of their ramps with no front wheels/drive shafts for 3-4 extra days which was causing problems for other planned jobs.  They did loan us a Fabia to cover though.

 

We did ask them to do any warranty work that needed to be done, so may have been service campaigns done at same time.

 

From memory the tell tale signs were a shudder changing from 2nd to 3rd (might have been 1-2 or 3-4) under acceleration as it was not disengaging one clutch in sync with the other.

 

My personal opinion is the DSG with petrol is excellent.  

 

Logically, with the 1.2 it is less likely to be strained than with higher loadings of 1.4, 1.5 or 1.6 engines, so should be less likely to fail.

 

 

Edited 14 March, 2018 by SurreyJohn

[Ootohere]

Thanks.

Actually seems to have just the same issues with 105-110ps petrols, a 1.2TSI still gets used hard by some or just used normally and still has the need for Clutch Packs, 

or did when they were suspect clutch packs.  So should be resolved, and yet now on 1.0 TSI or 1.2 TSI from 2015 on there can be failings.

[firestarter]

2014 registered in 2015 1.2 tsi 110 with 7 speed dry clutch DSG.

Been well informed that these boxes are great to drive and have had no issues. Any gear box manual or auto can fail if they are abused.

[Mikek3111]

Love mine, no issues at all. Have same engine too but in a Yeti, came from a temporary 1.8 Zafira and not really noticed any significant power drop from a 18-1.2. Only thing I would comment on is in D the gearbox is quite quick to get to 7th gear so if I’m using country lanes which I often do I use Sport mode instead which feels much better. 

[Ootohere]

firestarter,  who informed you they have no issues?   Do you trust these people to know and tell if there are any possible problems?

Did they say overblown on forums, people only go to complain,  not anything more unusual than Manuals or Autos can fail?

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/422718-rapid-recall-dsg 

Check and see if the car you are getting needed '34H5', or has had a new MCU or warranty work.

 

There are maybe few issues, but certainly not none.

Other wise there would not be Service Campaign '34H5' for some 2013-2015. 

& now on some Clutch Packs upgrades and Software coming 2014 on. 

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/439395-the-story-of-the-famous-gq200-clutch-slip/?page=6 

Edited 15 March, 2018 by AwaoffSki

[firestarter]

19 minutes ago, AwaoffSki said:

firestarter,  who informed you they have no issues?   Do you trust these people to know and tell if there are any possible problems?

Did they say overblown on forums, people only go to complain,  not anything more unusual than Manuals or Autos can fail?

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/422718-rapid-recall-dsg 

Check and see if the car you are getting needed '34H5', or has had a new MCU or warranty work.

 

There are maybe few issues, but certainly not none.

Other wise there would not be Service Campaign '34H5' for some 2013-2015. 

& now on some Clutch Packs upgrades and Software coming 2014 on. 

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/439395-the-story-of-the-famous-gq200-clutch-slip/?page=6 

ive spoken to vw and seat mechanics who have had many years working on these car and they said they haven't had any issues with this particular box. The earlier boxes yes but not the modern ones. Its like any car, if you abuse it will break in the end. But I understand the 7 speed is a robust unit especially fitted to a 1.2 . Ive bought one now so no going back. fingers crossed I have many years of happy motoring.

[Ootohere]

Not sure on this Modern one bit. 

Or where you think owners are abusing the Faulty Built DQ200's. with Component and Software failings. Some break before the end of the first year,

2009-2013, world wide recall and Service Campaign Europe.

2013-2015 Service Campaign. On some DQ200 '34H5'.

2015 to now there are DQ200 showing issues.  TPI's issued.

 

 

Well they are telling a lie or their name is Tommy or they are off work a lot.

?

They are not ARNOLD CLARK or PARK Technicians by any chance?

 

You can lead a horse to water but not make them drink.  If all is well it is well, but you are being mislead, and not by me.

 

Best ask was ''34H5' carried out on your DSG, or was it not needed, 

and ask why some need it and others do not.

Ask them about the issues now with some of the boxes from 2014/15 on.   I take it that will be just internet talk as well, no TPI's on that.

ŠKODA AUTO produces two-millionth DQ 200 dual-clutch transmission at Vrchlabí plant - ŠKODA Storyboard.mhtml

Edited 15 March, 2018 by AwaoffSki

[firestarter]

4 hours ago, AwaoffSki said:

Not sure on this Modern one bit. 

Or where you think owners are abusing the Faulty Built DQ200's. with Component and Software failings. Some break before the end of the first year,

2009-2013, world wide recall and Service Campaign Europe.

2013-2015 Service Campaign. On some DQ200 '34H5'.

2015 to now there are DQ200 showing issues.  TPI's issued.

 

 

Well they are telling a lie or their name is Tommy or they are off work a lot.

?

They are not ARNOLD CLARK or PARK Technicians by any chance?

 

You can lead a horse to water but not make them drink.  If all is well it is well, but you are being mislead, and not by me.

 

Best ask was ''34H5' carried out on your DSG, or was it not needed, 

and ask why some need it and others do not.

Ask them about the issues now with some of the boxes from 2014/15 on.   I take it that will be just internet talk as well, no TPI's on that.

ŠKODA AUTO produces two-millionth DQ 200 dual-clutch transmission at Vrchlabí plant - ŠKODA Storyboard.mhtml

The DQ200 box is not fitted to my car 2014/15 SEAT LEON 1.2 TSI 110. (I KNOW ITS NOT SKODA BUT I SOLD MY OCTY THE OTHER DAY) don't know what code but its a 7 speed dry clutch, also car is from AC. My info came from long serving Seat and VW mechanics.

[firestarter]

ive search the net but im struggling to find any issues regards the DSG that is fitted to my 2014/15 Seat Leon 1.2 tsi 110 7 speed. Nearly all issues seem to be related to VW cars. Anyway im just going to drive it, if it goes wrong it goes wrong.  

[Ootohere]

The DQ200 DSG is what is fitted to your car. I can guarantee that.

There are 28 versions of the DQ200. 

http://axleaddict.com/cars/DSG-Transmission-Variants 

 

Most are trouble free, if only 2% have issues then 98% do not.

Only reason more appear as affected in a VW's there are millions more of those in many more models,

than in a Skoda or SEAT which are low volume sellers globally, all DQ200 are in vehicles with engines with 180ps or less, max 250Nm.

(other than the 2015 VW Polo 1.8TSI is 192 ps with a DQ200 DSG the manual also 192 ps but 320 Nm.)

and calling them S-Tronic in an Audi fools nobody, either does saying VW when it means VW Group. 

By percentage with faults they VW's are no more than the Audi, SEAT or Skoda's. 

Edited 15 March, 2018 by AwaoffSki

[pastiche]

Our first dsg box went at 55k, this was on the 2.0 140 bhp and had pulled a caravan at 1325klg. Our present cr model has now done 96k with no problem. Might add this is also pulling a caravan

Edited 11 April, 2018 by pastiche

[Ootohere]

^^^ Is that a DQ200 7 Speed Twin Dry Clutch as the OP would have in a 1.2TSI Rapid, or do you have a wet clutch DSG that gets Oil Change Services?

[spaceaircon]

I've been advised by a mechanic fixing my water pump which went at 53000 on my Superb 170bhp TDI (GRRR) that I should ditch the car asap for well known DSG issues affecting these vehicles. I have a Feb 14 car (63 plate) and am not sure what to do... Do I take any residual value and trade in or do I blindly go ahead - the only silver lining to the pump was I got the cam belt changed at the same time and a new radiator due to misdiagnosis! Coupled with 4 new tyres my poor superb has been anything like its namesake this month.......

If I do take advice and that is to trade it in, do I avoid VWAG DSG vehicles from now on?

 

TIA

 

[Ootohere]

There are no well known issues with a 6 speed wet clutch DSG are there? 

Is it only well known to him, or is he mixing up his 7 Speed Twin Dry Clutch DQ200 DSG's?

 

?

Has your DSG had the oil changed at 40,000 miles?  If not do not let him do it, get someone with the gear and more than their own idea.

Edited 28 June, 2018 by Offski

[spaceaircon]

I don’t know if mines 6 and wet or 7 and dry. How do I know? It did have an oil change though

Edited 29 June, 2018 by spaceaircon

[Ootohere]

 It has only 6 forward gears does it not, so is a 6 speed wet clutch DSG. 

 (VW Group Engines with more than 192 ps or over 250 Nm torque do not get DQ200 7 speed twin dry clutch DSG's.)

http://skoda.co.uk/finance-and-offers/service-and-maintenance/simply-fixed 

DSG Oil change In Maintenance,

Main Dealer cost £179 or maybe less, some maybe want more.

Edited 29 June, 2018 by Offski

[hwr1983]

4 hours ago, spaceaircon said:

I don’t know if mines 6 and wet or 7 and dry. How do I know? It did have an oil change though

 

If its a Superb 170 TDi it would be a 6-speed Wet as @Offski states.

 

I had a Mk2 Superb 140 DSG for 3 years, and 45000 miles, and never once had a problem with the DSG gearbox.  Make sure the car is properly serviced and has its oil changed at proper intervals (every 40k) and all should be well!  I think your mechanic is trying to get out of doing the maintenance on the gearbox by saying theyre crap and that you should change...?

[NicRobinson]

As for long term reliability of the DQ250 6 speed:  My 55 plate Octy is still driving like new.  When I bought it it was v low miles (10 years/40k miles) and I had the gearbox oil changed immediately.  Now on 100k and with another oil change at 80k it's still working perfectly.  I know the 7 speed DQ200 has had many issues but a well maintained 250 seems pretty bomb-proof.