How Much Does a DSG Gearbox Repair Cost?

DSG gearboxes offer the fuel efficiency of a manual gearbox, with the convenience of a traditional automatic gearbox. Volkswagen introduced the first DSG gearbox in a production car in 2003 and has since developed them to be even better and more reliable.

But, despite their improvements in reliability, DSG gearboxes can still be the cause of large repair bills, particularly on older or less well-maintained cars. In this article, we’ll discuss how much it typically costs to repair a DSG gearbox, and what issues to look out for.

How much does it cost to repair a DSG gearbox?

Due to their complexity, it can cost anywhere from £200 to £2,500+ to repair a DSG gearbox fault. In some cases, a simple service or software update can remedy the problem; in others, the gearbox or even the car is not worth the repair costs likely to be incurred.

Software issues, updates and adaptations can sometimes remedy a minor problem; this is likely to cost between £120 and £250, depending on the garage and time it takes to implement.

An oil and filter service will typically cost between £250 and £375. Wet clutch DSG gearboxes can present issues if the gearbox hasn’t been serviced regularly.

Gear selector repairs cost between £150 and £400; most automatic gearboxes use a selector sensor to detect what gear has been selected, and issues with this can cause a variety of issues.

Expect to pay between £800 and £1,200 for a clutch pack replacement in a dry clutch DSG gearbox, and £1,000 to £1,900 in a wet clutch gearbox.

If a mechatronic unit is faulty and needs to be replaced, a budget of in excess of £1,500. In some cases, replacing the gearbox with a refurbished unit, at between £1,500 and £4,000 might be a better option.

If you’re expecting a large repair bill, remember that Bumper offers interest-free finance for car repairs to help split the cost.

What is a DSG gearbox?

A Direct Shift Gearbox, or DSG for short, is a type of automatic gearbox used in many vehicles. It uses two separate electronically controlled clutches that allow extremely quick gear changes.

Because they do not use an inefficient torque converter like traditional auto gearboxes, they can achieve much better MPG figures, close to those of even manual cars. They also allow for extremely fast gear changes, making them a favourite for performance cars.

Common symptoms of DSG gearbox faults

The complex nature of DSG gearboxes means fixing any issues promptly is highly recommended, as they can sometimes develop into worse faults. These are some common DSG gearbox issues:

• Jerky gear changes, particularly from 1st to 2nd

• Gearbox not changing down correctly

• Gearbox not changing up correctly

• Limp home mode engaging

• Burning smells on acceleration

• Engine RPM increasing without speed increasing

Are DSG gearboxes reliable?

Despite the large list of common problems and many horror stories floating around, DSG gearboxes can be very reliable, with many cars reaching extremely high mileage.

Many cars that are known for their reliability, such as those made by Skoda, use DSG gearboxes, offering good MPG, fast shifting and most of all, convenience, for many, many miles.

If you are looking to buy a used car with a DSG gearbox, be sure to check for comprehensive service history, something that is always recommended, but especially important on a car with a DSG gearbox.

How to prevent DSG gearbox faults

Like all things relating to cars, the reliability of a DSG gearbox is intrinsically linked to regular maintenance. DSG gearbox oil, like all oil, degrades with time and usage. Not changing this or the filter to catch any debris or contaminants can lead to increased clutch wear.

If you own a car with a DSG gearbox, make sure to check the service intervals; they should be detailed in the vehicle's handbook, and have the items completed in advance of the mileage or date due.

Ensure the garage always uses the correct grade of oil and genuine parts when completing maintenance items. Automatic gearboxes are designed to use a particular viscosity and grade of oil; any deviation could cause running issues or long term reliability issues.

When buying a used car with a DSG gearbox, again, check the service records meticulously, especially if the car has higher mileage.

Repair your DSG gearbox with Bumper

If your DSG gearbox is exhibiting poor or jerky gear changes, warning messages, or unusual smells or sounds, it’s recommended to get it looked at as soon as possible. If you’re uneasy with a large repair bill, though, consider using Bumper’s car repair finance. Apply online and choose from 1000s of approved garages.