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Multitronic vs CVT Xtronic: which gearbox is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the CVT Xtronic gearbox carries less risk than the Multitronic gearbox: 38/100 (moderate risk) versus 64/100 (high risk). The Multitronic gearbox has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Wear of the variator chain and cones»; the CVT Xtronic gearbox has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Oil leaks and internal wear that can force gearbox replacement».

Risk index

Multitronic

64

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

CVT Xtronic

38

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

10 sourcesHow we work

Is the Multitronic gearbox reliable?

The multitronic is the continuously variable (CVT) automatic gearbox that Audi fitted, with front-wheel drive only, between 1999 and 2014: first the 01J code and, from 2007, the 0AW. It was fitted to the A4 from the B6, the A6 and the A5. Its reliability is limited - Gebrauchtwagenberater calls it Audi's "black sheep": the 01J concentrates control unit failures, jerking when pulling away and chain wear; the 0AW is notably more reliable, although it does not eliminate them entirely.[1][2][3]

See the 3 of the Multitronic gearbox faults

Is the CVT Xtronic gearbox reliable?

The Xtronic gearbox (Jatco JF015E on the compact models and JF016E/JF017E on the mid-size SUVs) is one of the most-cited weak points in owner fault roundups for the Nissan Qashqai, X-Trail, Juke and Pulsar, and the Renault Koleos II: jerking, a slipping sensation and internal wear that in the most advanced cases forces replacement of components or the whole gearbox. Nissan recalled a batch of 2013-2014 Qashqai II over a risk of loss of traction.[4][5][6][7][8]

See the 3 of the CVT Xtronic gearbox faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Multitronic and CVT Xtronic
MultitronicCVT Xtronic
Technical data
TypeGearboxGearbox
Gearbox typeContinuously variable transmission (CVT) with a link chain running between cones, with an electronically controlled multi-plate start-off clutch instead of a torque converterContinuously variable transmission (CVT) with variable-diameter pulleys and a metal belt or chain driven by hydraulic pressure; depending on the model, Jatco builds it as the CVT7 (JF015E) or CVT8 (JF016E/JF017E).
Production1999–2014[1][2][3]since 2009[9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)64High risk38Moderate risk
Documented faults33
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Wear of the variator chain and cones
  2. High severity: Control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode
  3. Medium severity: Jerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch)
  1. High severity: Oil leaks and internal wear that can force gearbox replacement
  2. High severity: Limp mode and loss of traction due to rev fluctuations
  3. Medium severity: Jerking, vibrations and a slipping sensation under acceleration
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • Multitronic 01J (1999-2007)[1][3]
  • Multitronic 0AW (2007-2014)[3]
  • Jatco CVT7 JF015E (compact applications)[4][6][10]
  • Jatco CVT8 JF016E/JF017E (larger applications)[5][7]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

Multitronic

See the 8 models with the Multitronic gearbox

CVT Xtronic

See the 7 models with the CVT Xtronic gearbox

Other comparisons

With the Multitronic gearbox

With the CVT Xtronic gearbox

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Sources

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

  1. MultitronicWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. MultitronicWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Typische Probleme & Haltbarkeit der MultitronicGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Fiabilité Nissan Qashqai 2 (2014-2021) : pannes recensées par les propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité Nissan X-Trail 3 (2014-2022) : pannes recensées par les propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité Nissan Juke (2010-2019) : pannes recensées par les propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité Renault Koleos 2 (depuis 2017) : pannes recensées par les propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Nissan Qashqai II: Schwachstellen, Probleme und KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  9. JatcoWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Fiabilité Nissan Pulsar (2014-2019) : pannes recensées par les propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French