Why do Volkswagens have a bad reputation?
Automatic transmission problems plagued some older Volkswagen models from the 2000s. The Passat and Jetta from this era developed reputations for failures. These often involved valve body issues or simply wear from high mileage. A failed automatic drivetrain can cost $4,000 or more to replace. Replacing an automatic transmission can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000, or more, depending on the vehicle’s make and model. However, that doesn’t include the transmission installation costs and other incidentals.
Is Volkswagen known for transmission issues?
Some Volkswagen drivers may experience erratic shifting, where the vehicle unexpectedly shifts gears or surges forward without warning. This is particularly common in VW models equipped with a dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG). The DSG gearbox used in automatic Volkswagen models can be problematic, with jerky gear changes and hesitation. Often, this is caused by a lack of maintenance – the fluid needs changing every 40,000 miles to keep it working smoothly.