Automatic gearbox Audi A6 C5: problems, symptoms and price

Problems with the automatic gearbox on the the Multitronic gearbox

From most to least important. Check the affected years and versions on each page.

- Critical severityFrequency: 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 severityFrequency: 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.
- Medium severityFrequency: 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.

Faults on the rest of the car

Documented on this model, from most to least important.

- High severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchJerks and slipping in the Tiptronic automatic gearboxAccording to owner reports on fiches-auto.fr, there are 19 cases of gearbox problems in the A6 C5, with jerks and slipping in the Tiptronic at around 200,000 km and repairs of more than 6,000 euros at Audi.Appears at around 200,000 km

Symptoms these faults cause

Parts for the Audi A6 C5 for faults with the automatic gearbox

The same search across several shops so you can compare prices. The part number varies with the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Variator chain repair kit (RepSet)
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Multitronic gearbox electronic control unit
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Tiptronic automatic gearbox
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the automatic gearbox does the Audi A6 C5 have?

In the Audi A6 C5 there are 4 documented faults with the automatic gearbox; the most important: wear of the variator chain and cones (Multitronic gearbox), control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode (Multitronic gearbox) and jerks and slipping in the Tiptronic automatic gearbox (rest of the car). Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and how to check for it.

Which engines of the Audi A6 C5 have faults with the automatic gearbox?

The documented faults affect the Multitronic, and 1 fault is to the rest of the car. Check the years and versions on each page: they do not always affect every unit.

Sources

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

Schaeffler: RepSet für Audi Multitronic Getriebeamz · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Typische Probleme & Haltbarkeit der MultitronicGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Audi A6 (1997-2004): pannes et problèmes (186 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French