Audi Multitronic (01J/0AW)Urgency: Garage soon
Judder when pulling away or at low speed (automatic gearbox) in the Multitronic gearbox: causes
In the Multitronic gearbox, 1 documented fault may be the cause: jerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch).[1]
What to do now
Garage soon
Ask for the gearbox codes to be read and the clutch wear to be checked. Adapting the parameters can improve things if wear is still low.
What it means
Typical of dual-clutch gearboxes: when pulling away, manoeuvring or in traffic jams, the car jerks, slips or makes metallic noises. It is usually caused by clutch wear or by faults in the control unit (mechatronic unit).
Gearbox faults that cause it
From most to least important. Under each fault, how the symptom shows up. Check the affected years and versions on each page.
Other common causes: judder when pulling away
Besides the documented faults of the Multitronic, these are the most common causes on any car according to the sources.
- Worn gearbox clutch[2][3][4]Common
- Mechatronic unit with solenoids, leaks or loss of pressure[2][4][5]Common
- Degraded or unserviced oil[2][3][4][6]Common
- Out-of-date control unit software[3][4]Possible
- Sensors, wiring, actuators or selector forks[2]Possible
- Deteriorated dual-mass flywheel[4][7]Uncommon
What to check first
- Note when it happens: pulling away from a standstill, in traffic jams, when parking or on a hill, and whether there is a metallic noise, a smell of oil or slipping.[2][4]
- Ask for the gearbox fault codes to be read (with equipment compatible with the brand) before anything is taken apart; the symptoms alone don't identify the component.[2][4]
- Check the condition and level of the gearbox oil and when it was last changed; Totalrenting lists the oil change as the cheapest maintenance item (€50-150 on a VW, around €190 on the León).[3][4]
- Ask at the official dealer whether there is a software update for the mechatronic unit or an open campaign for your model (Totalrenting mentions a Seat campaign on an internal part of the DQ381).[3][4]
Cars with the Multitronic gearbox
Open yours to see only the faults that affect it according to its years and versions.
Frequently asked questions
Judder when pulling away in the Multitronic: what could it be?
In the Multitronic gearbox, 1 documented fault may be the cause: jerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch). Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the cause and how to check for it.
Judder when pulling away in the Multitronic: is it serious?
Urgency: garage soon. Ask for the gearbox codes to be read and the clutch wear to be checked. Adapting the parameters can improve things if wear is still low. The most serious fault that causes it on this engine has medium severity.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Typische Probleme & Haltbarkeit der MultitronicGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Caja de cambios de doble embrague (DCT)RACE · Motoring press · published 17 September 2026 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Problemas con el cambio DSG de VolkswagenTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Problemas con la caja de cambios del Seat León Mk4Totalrenting · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Adiós a las reparaciones caras de la DSG, Valeo arruina a los talleres independientes y hace de oro a VolkswagenMotor.es · Motoring press · published 10 October 2025 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Problemas y mantenimiento de la caja de cambios automáticaRACE · Motoring press · published 10 September 2020 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Volante bimasa: qué es y cómo funcionaRACE · Motoring press · published 16 September 2026 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish