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0AW

Multitronic 0AW (2007-2014) gearbox: faults and reliability

Audi Multitronic (01J/0AW) version

With caution

It notably improves on the 01J's reliability, above all in the control unit, but none of the sources consulted says it completely eliminates chain wear or jerking when pulling away; apply the same checks as for the 01J before buying.[1]

Years
2007–2014
Power
No data
Faults that affect it
3
2 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
6
in our database

6 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Arrives in 2007 with a redesigned control unit and more torque capacity: up to about 400 Nm according to English Wikipedia (German Wikipedia gives a progression from 300 Nm in 2002 to 400 Nm in 2006, with a reduction to 380 Nm in 2007, without specifying which code each figure applies to). Gebrauchtwagenberater describes it as notably more reliable than the 01J.[1][2][3]

Engine codes of this version: 0AW.

Faults of the 0AW gearbox

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1Critical 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.
  2. 2High 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.
  3. 3Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonClutchJerking 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.

Cars fitted with the 0AW gearbox

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Audi

Seat

Frequently asked questions

Is the 0AW gearbox reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. It notably improves on the 01J's reliability, above all in the control unit, but none of the sources consulted says it completely eliminates chain wear or jerking when pulling away; apply the same checks as for the 01J before buying.[1]

What faults does the 0AW gearbox have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: wear of the variator chain and cones (critical severity), control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode (high severity) and jerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch) (medium severity).

Which cars use the 0AW gearbox?

Audi A4 B7 (2004–2007), Audi A4 B8 (2007–2011), Audi A6 C6 (2004–2011), Audi A6 C7 (2011–2014), Audi A5 I (2007–2014) and Seat Exeo (2008–2013).[1][2][4][5][6]

Are you buying a car with the 0AW gearbox?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

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

  1. 1.Typische Probleme & Haltbarkeit der MultitronicGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  2. 2.MultitronicWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  3. 3.MultitronicWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. 4.Audi A4Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. 5.Schaeffler: RepSet für Audi Multitronic Getriebeamz · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. 6.Audi A6Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish