Automatic gearbox fault warning: which faults cause it?

The most important among the documented faults: costly failure of the Autotronic (CVT) automatic gearbox, in the 2.0 CDI (OM640); mechatronic unit failure: pressure accumulator, pump and cracked housing, in the DSG7 DQ200; control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode, in the Multitronic; jerking, hesitation and mechatronic faults at low speed, in the 7DCT; conductor plate and speed sensor failure (limp mode), in the 7G-Tronic / 9G-Tronic; multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage), in the E-Tech Híbrido; valve body and mechatronic failure: erratic shifts or a locked-up gearbox, in the ZF 6HP; mechatronic unit failure: solenoid valves and temperature sensor, in the DSG6 DQ250.

Gearbox and clutchUrgency: Garage soon

Automatic gearbox fault warning: causes and the faults that trigger it

25 documented faults cause it in 16 engines. The most important:

Critical severity: Costly failure of the Autotronic (CVT) automatic gearbox · 2.0 CDI (OM640)
High severity: Mechatronic unit failure: pressure accumulator, pump and cracked housing · DSG7 DQ200
High severity: Control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode · Multitronic

What it means

On automatic and dual-clutch gearboxes, the warning can show up as a dedicated warning light, as a flashing gear indicator or as a message on the dashboard. It is often accompanied by a limp mode with only a few gears available.

General explanation from MotorFiable. How it shows up in each engine, with sources, is in the list of faults.

What to do now

Garage soon

Stop the car somewhere safe. Sometimes the warning disappears when you switch off and on again, but the fault stays logged: have it diagnosed before it gets worse.

Reviewed on 5 October 202639 sources How we work

Faults that cause it

Specific engine and gearbox faults, from most to least important (severity × frequency). Below each title, how the symptom shows up in that fault.

- Critical severityCommonFrequency: Common2.0 CDI (OM640)Costly failure of the Autotronic (CVT) automatic gearboxGearbox fault warning when the Autotronic's speed sensors or control unit fail.
Source for the symptom in the 2.0 CDI (OM640)^[1]
- High severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentDSG7 DQ200Mechatronic unit failure: pressure accumulator, pump and cracked housingThe gear indicator in the instrument cluster flashes and a gearbox fault warning appears.Repair (garage): €600–€2,200
Source for the symptom in the DSG7 DQ200^[2][3]
- High severityCommonFrequency: CommonMultitronicControl unit (TCU) failure and limp modeThe gear indicator (P-R-N-D-S) on the instrument cluster flashes and a gearbox fault warning appears.
Source for the symptom in the Multitronic^[4]
- High severityCommonFrequency: Common7DCTJerking, hesitation and mechatronic faults at low speedGearbox fault warning on the dashboard when the control unit detects that an actuator or position sensor no longer validates engagement accurately.
Source for the symptom in the 7DCT^[5]
- High severityCommonFrequency: Common7G-Tronic / 9G-TronicConductor plate and speed sensor failure (limp mode)A gearbox fault warning on the instrument cluster, associated with the speed sensor codes.
Source for the symptom in the 7G-Tronic / 9G-Tronic^[6]
- High severityCommonFrequency: CommonE-Tech HíbridoMulti-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)A warning on the instrument panel about the risk of gearbox breakage.
Source for the symptom in the E-Tech Híbrido^[7]
- High severityCommonFrequency: CommonZF 6HPValve body and mechatronic failure: erratic shifts or a locked-up gearboxA gearbox fault warning light on the dashboard that does not always go out when the control unit is reset.Repair: €6,000–€10,000Appears at around 90,000 km
Source for the symptom in the ZF 6HP^[8]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalDSG6 DQ250Mechatronic unit failure: solenoid valves and temperature sensorA gearbox fault warning on the dashboard, sometimes together with the gear indicator flashing.Repair (garage): €850–€3,100
Source for the symptom in the DSG6 DQ250^[9]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalEAT6/EAT8Valve body failure leading to immobilisation or gearbox replacementA gearbox warning light on the dashboard that does not go away despite restarting or reprogramming the control unit.Repair: €2,000–€9,000
Source for the symptom in the EAT6/EAT8^[10]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalEDCEDC gearbox overheating and safety neutralGearbox fault warning on the dashboard when the control unit detects the anomaly.Repair (garage): €2,100
Source for the symptom in the EDC^[11]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalEDCControl electronics fault: "check gearbox" warning and loss of gearsGearbox fault warning on the dashboard ("check gearbox" or equivalent).
Source for the symptom in the EDC^[11][12]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalDualogicActuator or hydraulic pressure fault: the gearbox drops into neutral on its own or refuses gearsA gearbox fault warning on the dashboard when the control unit detects that the actuator is not confirming the engaged gear.
Source for the symptom in the Dualogic^[13]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional7G-DCTIncorrect oil level in the 7G-DCT: December 2020 campaignA gearbox fault warning on the dashboard when the oil level drops enough to affect its operation.Repair: €0
Source for the symptom in the 7G-DCT^[14]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional7G-DCTMechatronics or control unit failure: limp mode and loss of gearsA gearbox fault warning on the dashboard, sometimes with the engine warning light also coming on repeatedly for no clear reason.
Source for the symptom in the 7G-DCT^[15]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCVT XtronicOil leaks and internal wear that can force gearbox replacementA gearbox fault warning on the instrument panel when internal wear advances.
Source for the symptom in the CVT Xtronic^[16]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCVT XtronicLimp mode and loss of traction due to rev fluctuationsA gearbox fault warning on the instrument panel when safe mode is triggered.
Source for the symptom in the CVT Xtronic^[16]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalDSG7 DQ381/DQ500Mechatronic unit and oil pump failureGearbox fault warning light on the dashboard.Repair (garage): €1,300–€2,200
Source for the symptom in the DSG7 DQ381/DQ500^[17]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalZF 8HPMechatronic failure as the gearbox ages (sometimes with reverse)Gearbox fault warning on the dashboard that does not always go away when the control unit is restarted.Repair: €1,400–€3,500
Source for the symptom in the ZF 8HP^[18]
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonDSG7 DQ200Reverse and 6th gear selector fork bearing failureGearbox warning light in the instrument cluster when the control unit detects that the selector is not moving normally.
Source for the symptom in the DSG7 DQ200^[19]
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonEAT6/EAT8Jerking and hesitation when changing gear, especially when coldA warning on the dashboard when the control unit detects a pressure or a signal out of range.Repair (garage): €1,000–€2,000
Source for the symptom in the EAT6/EAT8^[20]
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonZF 6HPJerking and harsh shifts from converter wear and ageing oilGearbox warning light on when the control unit detects an out-of-range signal, even though the gearbox appears to "keep working".Repair (garage): €150–€400Appears at around 80,000 km
Source for the symptom in the ZF 6HP^[8]
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonZF 8HPJerking and hesitation when changing gear, sometimes needing reprogrammingWarning on the instrument panel when the control unit detects a signal or pressure out of range.
Source for the symptom in the ZF 8HP^[18]
- Critical severityRareFrequency: Rare7DCTTotal failure or sudden gearbox lock-up, sometimes at low mileageSerious gearbox fault warning on the dashboard when total dual-clutch failure occurs.
Source for the symptom in the 7DCT^[21]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.0/1.2/1.4 EcotecSlow shifts and clutch actuator wear on the Easytronic gearboxWarning on the dashboard if the control unit that manages the clutch actuator detects a fault.
Source for the symptom in the 1.0/1.2/1.4 Ecotec^[22]
- High severityRareFrequency: RareEDCOil leak from the EDC output shaft sealGearbox fault warning when the oil level drops enough to affect its operation.
Source for the symptom in the EDC^[11]

Faults elsewhere in the car that cause it

Suspension, brake, electronics and other faults on specific cars, from most to least important.

- High severityCommonFrequency: CommonAudi A6 C6Wear and failures of the Multitronic automatic gearbox on front-wheel-drive versionsThe gear selector can become locked in the park (P) position.Repair (garage): €1,000Appears at around 120,000 km
Source for the symptom in the Audi A6 C6^[8]
- High severityCommonFrequency: CommonPeugeot 3008 IIIFailures of the e-DCS6 dual-clutch gearbox of the 48V hybrid (Hybrid 136)The fault can set the fault codes P1749 or P28EA and light the gearbox warning light, according to fiches-auto.fr.
Source for the symptom in the Peugeot 3008 III^[23]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 1 F20Leaks and electronic faults in the ZF8 Steptronic automatic gearboxAn electronic fault in the automatic gearbox at around 35,000 km, according to fiches-auto.fr.
Source for the symptom in the BMW Serie 1 F20^[24]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHyundai Santa Fe IVDual-clutch gearbox entering fail-safe mode due to erroneous error warnings, leaving the car without driveThe origin is erroneous error warnings from the dual-clutch gearbox; the alert does not detail which warning the driver sees on the instrument cluster.
Source for the symptom in the Hyundai Santa Fe IV^[25]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalLand Rover Range Rover IIIAutomatic gearbox failure: jerking, slipping and limp modeJerking on changing gear, slipping, going into limp mode or refusing gears.
Source for the symptom in the Land Rover Range Rover III^[26]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase E W210Oil leak from the automatic gearbox electrical connectorHarsh or irregular gear changes, or a gearbox warning light, once the oil has reached the wiring and the control unit.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz Clase E W210^[27][28]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz CLK C209CLK automatic gearbox faults: limp mode, hesitant shifts and torque converterGearbox that goes into limp mode, shifts that hesitate or are delayed.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz CLK C209^[29]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMitsubishi Outlander IIIBadly machined transfer case oil seal, with oil loss and loss of drivePoor gear changes and a warning light on the dashboard; the oil level in the transfer case rises and the fluid may escape through the breather onto the road (DVSA R/2014/072).
Source for the symptom in the Mitsubishi Outlander III^[30]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Captur IEDC automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox faultsThe "check gearbox" warning appears on the dashboard, intermittently in some cases.Repair: €1,000–€5,600
Source for the symptom in the Renault Captur I^[31][32]
- High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Laguna IIIAutomatic gearbox failures at low mileageGearbox fault warning on the instrument cluster.Appears at around 27,000 km
Source for the symptom in the Renault Laguna III^[33]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase E W211Coolant leaks and electronic lock-ups in the 5G-Tronic and 7G-Tronic automatic gearboxesOn the 7G-Tronic gearbox, the gear locks up because of an electronic fault in the control unit, with a warning on the instrument panel.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz Clase E W211^[34]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo XC60 IINoise and limp mode in the automatic gearbox from wear of the all-wheel-drive driveshaftsWhen it detects an anomaly, the automatic gearbox may go into a limp mode or abruptly reduce speed, with the gearbox warning light on.
Source for the symptom in the Volvo XC60 II^[35]
- High severityRareFrequency: RareHonda Jazz IIActuator failure on the Honda Jazz II's i-SHIFT automated gearboxThe automated gearbox stops changing gear and, in one case, repair was declared impossible at 120,000 km.
Source for the symptom in the Honda Jazz II^[36][37]
- High severityRareFrequency: RareLand Rover Range Rover Sport IAutomatic gearbox failure: jerking, slipping and refusing gearsJerking, slipping, the gearbox refuses gears or locks up.
Source for the symptom in the Land Rover Range Rover Sport I^[38]
- High severityRareFrequency: RareMazda CX-5 IIErratic behaviour or occasional failure of the automatic gearboxThe automatic gearbox may react in ways that do not match what the accelerator is asking for, or even break, in isolated cases.Appears at around 30,000 km
Source for the symptom in the Mazda CX-5 II^[39]

Which cars it appears in

These faults affect 16 engines. We have documented 164 models from 21 makes with some of the affected versions: open yours to see all its faults.

Engines

Cars with the affected versions

Citroën

Dacia

DS

DS DS 7 CrossbackEngine: EAT6/EAT8Years: 2017–2022

Fiat

Hyundai

Jaguar

Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2Engine: ZF 8HPYears: 2014–2021

Kia

Lancia

Lancia Ypsilon IIIEngine: DualogicYears: 2011–2024

Land Rover

Mercedes-Benz

See all Mercedes-Benz models

Nissan

Opel

See all Opel models

Peugeot

Renault

See all Renault models

Seat

See all Seat models

Škoda

See all Škoda models

Volkswagen

See all Volkswagen models

Gearbox warning: causes in your car

93 cars have several documented faults that cause this symptom. Choose yours to see only those that affect it, by engine and by year.

Alfa Romeo 1

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Audi 8

BMW 16

Citroën 2

Dacia 1

Dacia Duster II

DS 1

DS DS 7 Crossback

Hyundai 5

Jaguar 2

Jeep 1

Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2

Kia 5

Land Rover 3

Mercedes-Benz 8

Nissan 5

Opel 1

Opel Grandland I

Peugeot 6

Renault 9

Seat 5

Škoda 6

Volkswagen 8

Gearbox warning by brand

Fault codes that may go with it

If you have an OBD reader, the code stored by the control unit helps you work out which system is failing.

P0700Transmission control system fault (MIL request)

Other symptoms: gearbox and clutch

All symptoms

Has this happened to you? Tell us which fault it was, at how many kilometres and how much you paid: it helps other owners know what to expect. Report your fault.

Sources

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

1.Mercedes A-Klasse (W169) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
2.DSG7 DQ200: Guía Técnica Definitiva (P17BF, Mecatrónica y Soluciones)STR Performance · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
3.Safety Recall 34F6/4V - 7-Speed DSG Auto Transmission w/Tiptronic (DQ-200 Direct-Shift Gearbox), 2013-2014 MY Volkswagen Jetta HybridVolkswagen of America / NHTSA (recall 13V-568) · Official body · published 2013 · consulted 26 September 2026
4.MultitronicWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
5.Tous les problèmes sur Hyundai i30 2017-2024Fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
6.Mercedes 7G-Tronic: Typische Probleme und HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
7.Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
8.Fiabilité Audi A6 (2004-2010), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
9.VW, Skoda & Seat DSG Probleme: alle 6 und 7-Gang DQ GetriebeCarwiki · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
10.Fiabilité Peugeot 2008 2 (2020), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
11.Fiabilité de la boîte EDC : problèmes en série ?fiches-auto.fr · Technical documentation · published February 2020 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
12.Boîte EDC 6 : que les vitesses impaires qui passentL'argus.fr (forum) · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
13.Fiabilité et pannes de la Fiat 500Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
14.Mercedes A-Klasse W177 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published April 2023 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
15.Fiabilité Mercedes CLA (2013-2019) - pannesFiches-auto.fr · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
16.Fiabilité Nissan Qashqai 2 (2014-2021) : pannes recensées par les propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
17.Probleme & Schwachstellen beim DSGGebrauchtwagenberater · Technical documentation · published March 2023 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
18.Fiabilité Audi A6 (2011-2018), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
19.7 Speed DSG Gearbox Problems | Mechatronic Faults | DSG Clutch PackEco Torque · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
20.Fiabilité Peugeot 508 2 (2018), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
21.Tous les problèmes sur Hyundai Tucson 2015-2021Fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
22.Opel Meriva (2003-2009) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
23.Fiabilité de l'hybride e-DCS6 de Stellantis : l'inquiétude grandit ?Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published 10 April 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
24.Fiabilité BMW Série 1 (2011-2019)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
25.Hyundai Santa Fé (2020 – 2022): Gearbox Safety Modecar-recalls.eu · Other source · published 31 May 2024 · consulted 5 October 2026
26.Land Rover Range Rover (2002-2012): 138 testimonios de fiabilidadfiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
27.Mercedes-Benz W 210Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
28.Mercedes-Benz W210Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
29.Mercedes CLK (2002-2009): testimonios de averíasfiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
30.DVSA – base de llamadas a revisiónDVSA (Reino Unido) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
31.Fallos Caja Cambios - Reclamaciones y opiniones RENAULT ESPAÑAOCU · Consumer association · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
32.Revise caja de cambios (Automática)Club Foro Renault Captur (solocaptur.com) · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
33.Fiabilité Renault Laguna 3 : tous les problèmes et vices révélésfiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
34.Fiabilité Mercedes Classe E : pannes et avis (W211, 2002-2008)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
35.Fiabilité Volvo XC60 (2017) : tous les problèmes recensésfiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
36.Tous les problèmes sur Honda Jazz 2 2008-2015 (112 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
37.Honda Fit (second generation)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
38.Land Rover Range Rover Sport (2005-2013): 65 testimonios de fiabilidadfiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
39.Fiabilité Mazda CX-5 II (2017-) : pannes et problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French