MG / SAIC 1.5 VTi-TECH atmosférico and 1.5 T-GDI turbo (familia SGE)Automatic gearbox (torque converter and CVT)
Jerky or harsh automatic gearbox shifts when cold or at low speed (MG HS) on the 1.5 VTi-TECH / T-GDI
Some MG HS cars with the 1.5 T-GDI engine jerk when changing gear from cold or when driving slowly, because of the gearbox software calibration; it is fixed with a reprogramming at the dealer and, in severe cases, by replacing a component.[1]
Why this rating?
Low severity: A nuisance or wear. It does not immobilise the car or damage other parts.
Frequency occasional: The only source documenting this fault is an Autopista.es guide on the MG HS PHEV; we have found no further articles or independent testimonials that would let us say how many cars are affected, so we treat it as occasional rather than systemic.[1]
Symptoms
- Jerks or shudders when changing gear, more noticeable with a cold engine or when driving slowly.[1]Jerking: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
According to Autopista.es, the usual origin is the gearbox software calibration, not a mechanical failure of the gearbox itself.[1]
If it is not repaired: No progressive mechanical damage is described: it is mainly a drivability comfort problem which, in the most severe cases reported, has required replacing a gearbox component.[1]
Affected cars and years
The source does not specify the year or the exact generation of the affected gearbox; it refers generally to the MG HS and HS PHEV with the automatic dual-clutch gearbox.[1]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 T-GDI turbo 162 hp (GS61H, 2018-2024) | 2018–2024 | GS61H |
| 1.5 T-GDI turbo 170 hp (15FDE / 15FKE, from 2024) | since 2024 | 15FDE15FKE |
Models fitted with the affected versions
MG
- MG HSsince 2019
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Diagnosis and reprogramming of the automatic gearbox software at an official dealer.[1]
There are no public cost figures. The usual fix (a software update) is generally covered by the warranty; replacing components in severe cases has no documented price.
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
- On the test drive, try the car with the engine still cold and driving slowly in town to see whether the gearbox jerks.
- Ask the dealer whether the car has received any automatic gearbox software update.
How to prevent it
- Take the car in for any software updates offered by MG's official network.[1]
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
Do the MG HS automatic gearbox jerks damage the gearbox in the long term?
According to the only source documenting the problem, it is not a progressive mechanical failure but a software calibration issue; there are no published cases of serious gearbox failure resulting from this symptom.[1]
Which generation of the 1.5 T-GDI engine has this jerking problem?
The source documenting it does not distinguish between generations and speaks generally of the MG HS and HS PHEV with the dual-clutch gearbox, so there is no data to rule it out on the second-generation engine, in production since 2024.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.5 VTi-TECH / T-GDI faults
More faults with the automatic gearbox on other engines and cars
- 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.
- Critical severityFrequency: Common2.0 CDI (OM640)Costly failure of the Autotronic (CVT) automatic gearboxYes: the Autotronic continuously variable gearbox, optional on the 180 CDI and 200 CDI, is the problem cited most by owners of the 140 hp version (24 of 114 testimonies) and a fault hotspot according to the ADAC up to 2006. A German source recommends avoiding it and choosing the manual gearbox.
- 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.
- High severityFrequency: CommonAudi A6 C6Wear and failures of the Multitronic automatic gearbox on front-wheel-drive versionsYes: on front-wheel-drive versions with the Multitronic (CVT) gearbox, gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents jerking when pulling away that can progress to complete failure, especially on older cars; fiches-auto.fr adds selector lock-ups and torque converter breakages. The quattro versions, with the Tiptronic gearbox, do not share this problem.Repair (garage): €1,000Appears at around 120,000 km
- High severityFrequency: CommonMINI Cooper R50Faults in the CVT automatic gearbox, the manual gearbox and the clutchAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the Mini R50 accumulates 22 gearbox mentions and 32 clutch mentions, and the CVT automatic variant is described as fragile and 'to be avoided'. Wikipedia confirms that the CVT and the manual gearboxes were fitted depending on the year.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalFiat 500XGearbox faults: internal failures in the automatic and jerky gear changesSeveral reports collected by fiches-auto.fr describe everything from a total failure of the automatic gearbox - a replacement quote of around €11,000 and no reverse gear - to jerky gear changes and noises, on both the manual and automatic gearboxes.Repair: €11,000Appears at around 75,000 km
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- MG HS PHEV: guía definitiva de problemas y soluciones del SUV, el híbrido enchufable más vendidoAutopista.es · Motoring press · published 10 November 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- MG HSWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- MG HSWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German