Problems with the automatic gearbox on Seat: affected models and engines

In 3 models from Seat there are 5 documented faults with the automatic gearbox. The most important: wear of the variator chain and cones, control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode and jerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch).

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Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the Seat models it appears in.

- Critical severityFrequency: CommonMultitronicWear of the variator chain and conesYes: the variator uses a chain of more than 1,000 links between two pairs of cones that wears with mileage, especially if the oil is not changed regularly. Gebrauchtwagenberater ties the gearbox's reputation to "numerous total failures"; Schaeffler/LuK sells a kit to repair the chain.
In Exeo
- High severityFrequency: CommonMultitronicControl unit (TCU) failure and limp modeYes: the multitronic control unit, especially in the 01J code (up to 2007), is one of its best-documented weak points. Overheating with oil seeping into the control unit causes fault warnings and limp mode and, if ignored, can end up damaging the gearbox itself.
In Exeo
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonMultitronicJerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch)Yes: with no torque converter, the multitronic pulls away using an electronic multi-plate clutch that can jerk or vibrate, especially when cold, if its plates are worn or the oil no longer has the right properties. It is one of the most cited fault symptoms of this gearbox.
In Exeo
- High severityFrequency: Rare09G (Aisin)Total gearbox failure at low mileage, documented in an isolated caseA testimony from an Audi A3 8P 2.0 FSI with a Tiptronic gearbox says it became unusable at 100,000 km, with an expensive repair. It is the only total failure documented in this entry: there is no sign that it is a widespread problem, but it is worth checking carefully that it works properly before buying.
In Altea and León II
- Medium severityFrequency: Rare09G (Aisin)Gearbox overheating under demanding use, documented in an isolated caseThere is one documented testimony of a Golf V 2.0 FSI whose automatic gearbox overheated at 49,500 km. It is an isolated case - we have found no similar testimonies for this gearbox in the other cars in this entry - but it is worth bearing in mind if you do a lot of driving in heat, heavy traffic or towing.
In Altea and León II

By Seat model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Engines and gearboxes involved

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the automatic gearbox do Seat cars have?

Which Seat models have the most problems with the automatic gearbox?

Seat Exeo (3 faults), Seat Altea (2 faults) and Seat León II (2 faults).

Which Seat engines have faults with the automatic gearbox?

Multitronic (3 faults) and 09G (Aisin) (2 faults).