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Audi Multitronic (01J/0AW)Urgency: Garage soon

Clutch slipping in the Multitronic gearbox: causes

In the Multitronic gearbox, 2 documented faults may be the cause: wear of the variator chain and cones and jerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch).[1]

What to do now

Garage soon

Avoid hard acceleration and ask for a clutch quote. If the gearbox is manual, ask about the dual-mass flywheel as well.

What it means

The engine revs up but the car does not accelerate in proportion, especially in higher gears or going uphill. It indicates a worn clutch or one contaminated with oil.

Slipping clutch: causes in all cars

7 sourcesHow we work

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.

  1. Source for the symptom[1]

  2. Source for the symptom[1]

Other common causes: slipping clutch

Besides the documented faults of the Multitronic, these are the most common causes on any car according to the sources.

  • Worn clutch disc[3][4][5]Common
  • Driving habits and heavy loads[3][5][6]Common
  • Damaged flywheel or dual-mass flywheel[4][5][6][7]Possible
  • Actuation faults (hydraulic or cable)[4][6]Uncommon
  • Deteriorated pressure plate[4][6]Uncommon

What to check first

  1. Note when it slips: in a high gear under hard acceleration, on a hill or with a load, and whether there is a burning smell or the pedal is stiffer or the bite point higher.[3][4][6]
  2. Check the fluid level and condition if the pedal is soft or stops halfway: RACE cites the slave cylinder seal as a cause and warns that the fluid is shared with the brakes.[4]
  3. Ask a garage for a diagnosis without dismantling anything, as Motor16 suggests, and have them check the condition of the flywheel when the gearbox is removed.[5][6]
  4. Ask for a detailed quote that separates the kit, dual-mass flywheel or engine work, labour and warranty; RACE reminds readers that the dual-mass flywheel is only replaced if it is damaged or out of specification.[5][7]
Complete guide: clutch slipping

Cars with the Multitronic gearbox

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it according to its years and versions.

Frequently asked questions

Slipping clutch in the Multitronic: what could it be?

In the Multitronic gearbox, 2 documented faults may be the cause: wear of the variator chain and cones and 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.

Slipping clutch in the Multitronic: is it serious?

Urgency: garage soon. Avoid hard acceleration and ask for a clutch quote. If the gearbox is manual, ask about the dual-mass flywheel as well. The most serious fault that causes it on this engine has critical severity.

Sources

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

  1. Typische Probleme & Haltbarkeit der MultitronicGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  2. Schaeffler: RepSet für Audi Multitronic Getriebeamz · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. ¿Cómo saber si el embrague patina?RACE · Motoring press · published 14 September 2022 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Problemas con el embrague: los síntomas y averías más habitualesRACE · Motoring press · published 21 November 2022 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
  5. ¿Merece la pena cambiar el embrague?RACE · Motoring press · published 17 March 2023 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
  6. El embrague de tu coche: la avería de 1.500 euros que se agrava en los atascos, detéctala a tiempoMotor16 · Motoring press · published 17 August 2026 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Qué es el volante bimasa y cómo funcionaRACE · Motoring press · published 16 September 2026 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in Spanish