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02E

DSG6 DQ250 (02E, 2003-2023) gearbox: faults and reliability

Volkswagen Group DSG6 DQ250 (02E) version

With caution

It is a gearbox with a good general reputation for reliability, but it is worth checking the service history (in particular, whether the gearbox oil change has been carried out), making sure there are no fault codes stored in the mechatronic unit and taking a test drive from cold and when warm before buying.[1][2][3]

Years
2003–2023
Power
No data
Faults that affect it
3
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
20
in our database

17 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Unlike the DQ200 (with its documented switch from 0AM to 0CW), we have found no sources describing an equivalent factory code change for the DQ250: it remained 02E throughout its commercial life, with software, calibration and friction material revisions over the years, but without a clear, documented boundary between "generations" of the gearbox itself.[1][2][4]

Engine codes of this version: 02E.

Faults of the 02E gearbox

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsMechatronic unit failure: solenoid valves and temperature sensorYes, although less than on the dry-clutch DQ200: the DQ250 mechatronic unit can fail because of defective solenoid valves or an incorrect reading of the clutch temperature, with limp mode, harsh shifts or fault warnings on the dashboard. Volkswagen recalled vehicles in the US and Australia in 2009 for this reason.Repair (garage): €850–€3,100
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchWet clutch pack wear: slipping and vibrationsYes: although the oil bath makes it last longer than the dry clutch of the DQ200, the DQ250's wet clutch pack also wears with use, especially on cars driven hard. It warns you with vibrations or jerks when pulling away and in traffic jams, and with slipping when accelerating hard.Repair (garage): €450–€850
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalTransmissionDual-mass flywheel wear on the engines paired with the DQ250It is common wear on the turbo engines paired with the DQ250 (Golf GTI/R, Cupra, RS, S3, TT), not a defect exclusive to the gearbox: the dual-mass flywheel damps engine vibrations and, over the years, its springs and bearings wear, with a metallic noise at idle and vibrations as the first warnings.Repair (garage): €700–€1,300

Cars fitted with the 02E gearbox

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Audi

Seat

Škoda

Volkswagen

Frequently asked questions

Is the 02E gearbox reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. It is a gearbox with a good general reputation for reliability, but it is worth checking the service history (in particular, whether the gearbox oil change has been carried out), making sure there are no fault codes stored in the mechatronic unit and taking a test drive from cold and when warm before buying.[1][2][3]

What faults does the 02E gearbox have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: mechatronic unit failure: solenoid valves and temperature sensor (high severity), wet clutch pack wear: slipping and vibrations (medium severity) and dual-mass flywheel wear on the engines paired with the DQ250 (medium severity).

Which cars use the 02E gearbox?

Audi TT I (2003–2006), Volkswagen Golf V (2004–2008), Volkswagen Golf VI (2008–2012), Volkswagen Golf VII (2012–2020), Volkswagen Golf VII (2014–2016), Volkswagen Passat B6 (2005–2010), Volkswagen Passat B7 (2010–2014), Volkswagen Tiguan I (2007–2016), Volkswagen Scirocco III (2008–2017) and Škoda Octavia II (2005–2013), among 10 others.[1][2][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]

Are you buying a car with the 02E gearbox?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

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

  1. VW, Skoda & Seat DSG Probleme: alle 6 und 7-Gang DQ GetriebeCarwiki · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  2. DSG Gearboxes: Complete Guide to DQ200, DQ250, DQ381, DQ400e, DQ500, DL501 & DSG 6, 7 and 8 SpeedsSTR Performance · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
  3. Reparar DSG en España: Precios RealesTCA - Tu Cambio Automático · Technical documentation · published 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. DirektschaltgetriebeWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  5. Direct-shift gearboxWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Audi TTWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Volkswagen Golf Mk6Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Volkswagen Golf Mk7Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Volkswagen Passat (B7)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Volkswagen TiguanWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. Volkswagen SciroccoWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Škoda OctaviaWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  13. Seat LeonWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  14. Audi A3Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  15. VW Golf PlusWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  16. VW BeetleWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  17. VW Caddy (Typ 2K): tablas «Ottomotoren ab 2015» y «Dieselmotoren ab 2015» (Caddy IV, Typ SA)Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German