Audi Multitronic (01J/0AW)Automatic gearbox (torque converter and CVT)
Wear of the variator chain and cones on the Multitronic
Why this rating?
Critical severity: It can destroy the engine or gearbox, or affects safety.
Frequency common: Gebrauchtwagenberater describes the multitronic's reliability reputation as tied to "numerous total failures", and Schaeffler/LuK sells a specific repair kit for the variator chain, which suggests a spare-part demand that is not anecdotal; we have no figure confirming that it affects most units, so we rate it "frequent".[2][3]
Symptoms
- Rattling or metallic noise from the gearbox area, especially when cold or when accelerating.[2]Gearbox noise: other faults that cause it · Monitor
- Jerking or vibration when accelerating progressively and extreme rev fluctuations, typical of variator wear.[2]CVT jerking: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- The engine revs rise without the car accelerating in proportion, a sign that the variator is slipping.[2]Slipping clutch: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Rattling or metallic noise from the gearbox area, especially when cold or when accelerating.[2]Noise when accelerating: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
The variator transmits power through a chain of more than 1,000 links running in an oil bath between two pairs of cones; with mileage, the chain itself and the surface of the cones wear and lose grip precision.[1]
Infrequent oil changes accelerate this wear: Gebrauchtwagenberater points to a change every 50,000 km as key to the variator's durability, a shorter interval than the one Audi specified (55,000 and 115,000 km, according to English Wikipedia).[2][4]
If it is not repaired: If the wear progresses far enough, the chain can end up slipping constantly or breaking, which leaves the car without drive; Gebrauchtwagenberater ties the multitronic's reputation to "numerous total failures" of the gearbox.[2]
Affected cars and years
This is mechanical wear tied to the design of the variator itself, present in both codes (01J and 0AW); the sources consulted do not identify one generation as more affected than the other on this point.[3]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Multitronic 01J (1999-2007) | 1999–2007 | 01J |
| Multitronic 0AW (2007-2014) | 2007–2014 | 0AW |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Audi
- Audi A4 B62000–2004
- Audi A4 B72004–2007
- Audi A4 B82007–2011
- Audi A6 C51999–2004
- Audi A6 C62004–2011
- Audi A6 C72011–2014
- Audi A5 I2007–2014
Seat
- Seat Exeo2008–2013
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the variator chain (and, if damaged, the cones) using a repair kit, or a complete gearbox replacement if the wear is already total.[3]
We have not found published rates in Spain for this repair. Schaeffler/LuK sells a repair kit (RepSet) with the chain and its slide guide, but the source consulted does not include its price.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Start from cold and listen for metallic noises or rattling from the gearbox area, and check whether the car shudders or vibrates when accelerating gently.
- Ask about the gearbox oil change history: an irregular or unknown interval is a warning sign on a high-mileage multitronic.[2]
- If possible, take it to a multitronic specialist workshop before buying: they can assess the condition of the chain and the variator with the car on the lift.
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Variator chain repair kit (RepSet)[3]
Repairs wear of the variator link chain and its slide guide without replacing the whole gearbox; sold by Schaeffler/LuK, the original chain manufacturer.
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
How to prevent it
- Change the gearbox oil regularly, around every 50,000 km, instead of assuming it needs no maintenance: Gebrauchtwagenberater points to this interval as key to the variator's durability.[2]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Why does the multitronic gearbox chain wear?
The variator uses a chain of more than 1,000 links working in an oil bath between two pairs of cones; with mileage, and especially if the oil is not changed regularly, the chain and cones lose precision and can end up slipping.[1][2]
Is there a kit to repair just the chain, without changing the whole gearbox?
Yes: Schaeffler/LuK, the original chain manufacturer, sells a repair kit (RepSet) with the chain and its slide guide.[3]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other Multitronic faults
- 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.
More faults with the automatic gearbox on other engines and cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Common2.0 CDI (OM640)Costly failure of the Autotronic (CVT) automatic gearboxYes: the Autotronic continuously variable gearbox, optional on the 180 CDI and 200 CDI, is the problem cited most by owners of the 140 hp version (24 of 114 testimonies) and a fault hotspot according to the ADAC up to 2006. A German source recommends avoiding it and choosing the manual gearbox.
- High severityFrequency: Common7G-Tronic / 9G-TronicConductor plate and speed sensor failure (limp mode)Yes: one of the most cited weak points of the 7G-Tronic (722.9) is the internal conductor plate, which integrates the turbine, output and intermediate-shaft speed sensors; if it fails it can trigger a limp mode with delayed shifts or harsh jerks, although it does not always require replacing the whole gearbox.
- High severityFrequency: CommonZF 6HPValve body and mechatronic failure: erratic shifts or a locked-up gearboxYes, and it can be serious: there are documented failures of the ZF 6HP valve body or mechatronic unit on BMW, Audi and Land Rover models from around 90,000-100,000 km, with cases that go as far as preventing a gear from engaging (including reverse) and dealer quotes of €6,000 to €10,000.Repair: €6,000–€10,000Appears at around 90,000 km
- High severityFrequency: CommonAudi A6 C6Wear and failures of the Multitronic automatic gearbox on front-wheel-drive versionsYes: on front-wheel-drive versions with the Multitronic (CVT) gearbox, gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents jerking when pulling away that can progress to complete failure, especially on older cars; fiches-auto.fr adds selector lock-ups and torque converter breakages. The quattro versions, with the Tiptronic gearbox, do not share this problem.Repair (garage): €1,000Appears at around 120,000 km
- High severityFrequency: CommonMINI Cooper R50Faults in the CVT automatic gearbox, the manual gearbox and the clutchAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the Mini R50 accumulates 22 gearbox mentions and 32 clutch mentions, and the CVT automatic variant is described as fragile and 'to be avoided'. Wikipedia confirms that the CVT and the manual gearboxes were fitted depending on the year.
- High severityFrequency: CommonRenault AustralErratic behaviour of the E-Tech hybrid automatic gearboxOn the 200 hp E-Tech hybrid Austral built from 3 October 2022 to 25 June 2024, the gearbox input shaft seal can wear out early and allow oil to leak towards the electric motor. Renault covers the repair (seal or complete gearbox) in France even after the two-year warranty has expired, but it is not a recall.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Getriebetechnologien: multitronicAudi · Manufacturer · published 2011 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Typische Probleme & Haltbarkeit der MultitronicGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- Schaeffler: RepSet für Audi Multitronic Getriebeamz · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- MultitronicWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026