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Multitronic vs DSG6 DQ250: which gearbox is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the DSG6 DQ250 gearbox carries less risk than the Multitronic gearbox: 36/100 (moderate risk) versus 64/100 (high risk). The Multitronic gearbox has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Wear of the variator chain and cones»; the DSG6 DQ250 gearbox has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Mechatronic unit failure: solenoid valves and temperature sensor».

Risk index

Multitronic

64

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

DSG6 DQ250

36

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

8 sourcesHow we work

Is the Multitronic gearbox reliable?

The multitronic is the continuously variable (CVT) automatic gearbox that Audi fitted, with front-wheel drive only, between 1999 and 2014: first the 01J code and, from 2007, the 0AW. It was fitted to the A4 from the B6, the A6 and the A5. Its reliability is limited - Gebrauchtwagenberater calls it Audi's "black sheep": the 01J concentrates control unit failures, jerking when pulling away and chain wear; the 0AW is notably more reliable, although it does not eliminate them entirely.[1][2][3]

See the 3 of the Multitronic gearbox faults

Is the DSG6 DQ250 gearbox reliable?

The DSG6 DQ250 (02E) is the Volkswagen Group's six-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox: the first DSG to enter series production, in 2003, and the one that for more than a decade equipped the sporty versions of the Golf, Passat, Tiguan, Scirocco, Octavia RS, Leon Cupra/FR and Audi A3/TT. It has a reputation for being considerably more reliable than the dry-clutch DQ200, although it is not free of faults: the mechatronic unit, clutch and dual-mass flywheel are its most commonly cited weak points.[4][5][6]

See the 3 of the DSG6 DQ250 gearbox faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Multitronic and DSG6 DQ250
MultitronicDSG6 DQ250
Technical data
TypeGearboxGearbox
Gearbox typeContinuously variable transmission (CVT) with a link chain running between cones, with an electronically controlled multi-plate start-off clutch instead of a torque converterWet dual-clutch (oil bath), 6-speed
Production1999–2014[1][2][3]2003–2023[4][5][6][7]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)64High risk36Moderate risk
Documented faults33
Of high or critical severity21
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Wear of the variator chain and cones
  2. High severity: Control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode
  3. Medium severity: Jerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch)
  1. High severity: Mechatronic unit failure: solenoid valves and temperature sensor
  2. Medium severity: Wet clutch pack wear: slipping and vibrations
  3. Medium severity: Dual-mass flywheel wear on the engines paired with the DQ250
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €3,100Mechatronic unit failure: solenoid valves and temperature sensorPublished figure[8]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • Multitronic 01J (1999-2007)[1][3]
  • Multitronic 0AW (2007-2014)[3]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

Multitronic

See the 8 models with the Multitronic gearbox

DSG6 DQ250

See the 19 models with the DSG6 DQ250 gearbox

Other comparisons

With the Multitronic gearbox

With the DSG6 DQ250 gearbox

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. MultitronicWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. MultitronicWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Typische Probleme & Haltbarkeit der MultitronicGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Direct-shift gearboxWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. VW, Skoda & Seat DSG Probleme: alle 6 und 7-Gang DQ GetriebeCarwiki · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. DSG Gearboxes: Complete Guide to DQ200, DQ250, DQ381, DQ400e, DQ500, DL501 & DSG 6, 7 and 8 SpeedsSTR Performance · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. DirektschaltgetriebeWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Reparar DSG en España: Precios RealesTCA - Tu Cambio Automático · Technical documentation · published 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish