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Multitronic vs 09G (Aisin): which gearbox is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 09G (Aisin) gearbox carries less risk than the Multitronic gearbox: 14/100 (low 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 09G (Aisin) gearbox has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Total gearbox failure at low mileage, documented in an isolated case».

Risk index

Multitronic

64

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

09G (Aisin)

14

Low risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

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

8 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 09G (Aisin) gearbox reliable?

The 09G is the Aisin (TF-60SN) 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox that the Volkswagen Group sold as the "Tiptronic" from 2003, in the Golf V/VI, Passat B6, Touran, Tiguan I and sister models from Seat, Škoda and Audi. It has a reputation for being tougher than the DSG and there are hardly any serious faults documented, although isolated cases of overheating or gearbox failure exist, and you should not rely on the "lifetime" oil.[4][5][6]

See the 2 of the 09G (Aisin) gearbox faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Multitronic and 09G (Aisin)
Multitronic09G (Aisin)
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 converterTorque converter automatic with planetary gearsets, 6-speed ("Tiptronic")
Production1999–2014[1][2][3]2003–2018[4][5]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)64High risk14Low risk
Documented faults32
Of high or critical severity21
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: Total gearbox failure at low mileage, documented in an isolated case
  2. Medium severity: Gearbox overheating under demanding use, documented in an isolated case
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]
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

09G (Aisin)

See the 10 models with the 09G (Aisin) gearbox

Other comparisons

With the Multitronic gearbox

With the 09G (Aisin) 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. Volkswagen Golf Mk5Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. List of Aisin transmissionsWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. VW Passat B6 – Bekannte Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 25 September 2022 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. Fiabilité Audi A3 (2003-2012), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Fiabilité Volkswagen Golf V (2003-2008), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French