Audi Multitronic (01J/0AW)ClutchAutomatic gearbox (torque converter and CVT)
Jerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch) on the Multitronic
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency common: Both English Wikipedia and Gebrauchtwagenberater list jerking or hesitation on acceleration among the typical, recurring symptoms of the gearbox, in both codes; without a figure quantifying what proportion of units suffer from it, we classify it as "frequent".[2][3]
Symptoms
- Shudders or jerks when setting off, especially with the gearbox oil still cold.[3]Judder when pulling away: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- The engine revs rise without the car accelerating in proportion if the start-off clutch is worn.[3]Slipping clutch: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
The multitronic does not use a torque converter to pull away, but an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch; if its plates are worn or the oil has lost its friction properties, the engagement can feel jerky instead of smooth, especially with the oil still cold.[1][2]
Gebrauchtwagenberater lists jerking when pulling away among the typical fault symptoms of the gearbox, along with extreme rev fluctuations and clutch slip.[3]
If it is not repaired: In most cases it is a driving-comfort issue that is sometimes cured by a software update or an oil change; if the clutch wear is already advanced, it can end up requiring replacement of the plate pack.[3]
Affected cars and years
This is a trait tied to the design of the start-off clutch itself, present in both codes; the sources consulted document more cases in the older 01J units.[2][3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Multitronic 01J (1999-2007) | 1999–2007 | 01J |
| Multitronic 0AW (2007-2014) | 2007–2014 | 0AW |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Audi
- Audi A4 B62000–2004
- Audi A4 B72004–2007
- Audi A4 B82007–2011
- Audi A6 C51999–2004
- Audi A6 C62004–2011
- Audi A6 C72011–2014
- Audi A5 I2007–2014
Seat
- Seat Exeo2008–2013
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Diagnosis and, depending on the case, a software update, a gearbox oil change or replacement of the plate pack of the multi-plate start-off clutch.[3]
We have not found cost figures in Spain specific to this adjustment or repair.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Start from cold and test at low speed, in a car park or while manoeuvring, to feel for any jerks or vibrations when setting off.[3]
- Ask whether the car has had any gearbox software update or a recent oil change.
- Repeat the test with the engine warm: if the jerks only appear when cold and disappear when warm, it is more consistent with an adjustment issue than with advanced clutch wear.
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Multi-plate start-off clutch plate kit
Replaces the plates of the electronic start-off clutch when the wear can no longer be solved with an adaptation or an oil change.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
How to prevent it
- Stick to the gearbox oil change intervals: Audi specifies changes at 55,000 and 115,000 km, although jerking has been documented even in gearboxes whose oil was changed on time.[2]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Why does the multitronic gearbox jerk when pulling away from cold?
The multitronic has no torque converter: it uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to pull away, and that clutch can jerk or vibrate, especially when cold, if its plates are worn or the oil no longer has the right properties.[1][2][3]
Does jerking when pulling away mean a serious fault?
Not always: it is sometimes cured by a software update or an oil change; if it persists and gets worse, it can indeed signal advanced wear of the start-off clutch.[3]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other Multitronic faults
- Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonTransmissionWear 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.
- High severityCommonFrequency: CommonElectronicsControl 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.
More faults with the clutch on other engines and cars
- High severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentPowerShiftJuddering, hesitation and slipping of the dry clutch (DPS6)Yes: the dry-clutch DPS6 judders, hesitates when pulling away and slips in a very large number of cars. Ford revised the clutch and software at least six times without fully solving it, and in the US a 2020 court settlement covered close to 600,000 Ford Fiesta and Focus cars.
- High severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentPowerShiftClutch pressure plate breakage (2018 and 2019 recalls on the Focus and C-MAX)Ford recalled the Focus III and C-MAX II with the Powershift gearbox over the risk of the clutch pressure plate breaking, in two successive campaigns (2018 and 2019) covering vehicles built between August 2012 and May 2018.
- High severityCommonFrequency: CommonPowerShiftAccelerated wear of the wet clutch in the 6DCT450The 6DCT450, with its oil-bath wet clutch, tends to wear its clutches sooner than expected if the oil is not changed every 50,000-60,000 km; it affects the automatic diesel versions of the Mondeo, Kuga, S-MAX, Galaxy and some Focus models.Repair (garage): €1,800–€2,800
- High severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentFord C-Max IIClutch pressure plate breakage in the PowerShift automatic gearboxThe PowerShift automatic gearbox, a dry dual-clutch unit with no torque converter, had two successive Ford campaigns on the C-MAX II for the risk of the clutch pressure plate breaking, which between them cover vehicles built from 2012 to 2018. Owners also document numerous clutch replacements out of warranty, some before 100,000 km.
- High severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentFord Fiesta VIIJudder and clutch slip in the Powershift (DPS6) automatic gearboxThe Powershift (DPS6) automatic gearbox, a dry dual-clutch unit, has attracted many complaints of judder when pulling away, hesitation and clutch slip. Ford revised the clutch and software several times, and in 2020 a US court settlement also covered the Fiesta (2011-2016) alongside the Focus. In Spain it was sold with the 1.0 EcoBoost engine.
- High severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentFord Focus IIIJudder and clutch slip in the PowerShift automatic gearboxThe PowerShift automatic gearbox (DPS6), a dry dual-clutch unit with no torque converter, has piled up numerous complaints of judder when pulling away, vibration and clutch slip. Ford applied several clutch and software revisions, and in the US it reached a court settlement covering around 600,000 Focus and Fiesta owners.
Have you had this fault? Your case helps other owners know when it appears and how much it costs. Report your fault in 2 minutes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- 1.Getriebetechnologien: multitronicAudi · Manufacturer · published 2011 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- 2.MultitronicWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- 3.Typische Probleme & Haltbarkeit der MultitronicGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German