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0AM

DSG7 DQ200 0AM (2008-2013) gearbox: faults and reliability

Volkswagen Group DSG7 DQ200 (0AM/0CW) version

With caution

This is the generation with the most documented mechatronic and clutch problems, and the one that accounts for the service actions acknowledged by the manufacturer; it is only advisable if you verify the service history, if the 2013 oil campaign has already been carried out and if there are no fault codes stored in the gearbox control unit.[1][2][3][4]

Years
2008–2013
Power
No data
Faults that affect it
3
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
20
in our database

12 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

First generation of the DQ200, first fitted to the sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf and the fifth-generation Polo from 2008, replacing the wet multi-plate clutches of the DQ250 with two single-plate dry clutches; it needs only 1.7 litres of gearbox oil compared with the more than 6 litres of a wet DSG. This is the generation associated with the biggest documented mechatronic problems and with the manufacturer's service actions of 2013.[1][2][3][5][6]

Engine codes of this version: 0AM.

Faults of the 0AM gearbox

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

  1. 1High severityFrequency: Very frequentElectronicsMechatronic unit failure: pressure accumulator, pump and cracked housingYes: the mechatronic unit is the DQ200's most cited weak point. Its pressure accumulator and hydraulic pump can fail because of a housing design defect, with fault warnings, limp mode or loss of drive; Volkswagen has acknowledged the problem with service actions and software updates.Repair (garage): €600–€2,200
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchPremature dry clutch wear and judder when drivingYes: the DQ200's dry clutch wears out sooner than a wet one, especially in stop-start urban traffic. It warns of its condition with judder or jerking when pulling away, slipping when accelerating and, in advanced cases, a burning smell; specialists put its service life at between 120,000 and 180,000 km depending on use.Repair (garage): €500–€1,100Appears at around 120,000 km
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionReverse and 6th gear selector fork bearing failureYes, mainly on 0AM units: the bearing that guides the reverse and 6th gear selector fork can wear and leave the fork unsupported, so that the car stops engaging those gears or loses reverse, with fault warnings in the instrument cluster.

Cars fitted with the 0AM 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 0AM gearbox reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. This is the generation with the most documented mechatronic and clutch problems, and the one that accounts for the service actions acknowledged by the manufacturer; it is only advisable if you verify the service history, if the 2013 oil campaign has already been carried out and if there are no fault codes stored in the gearbox control unit.[1][2][3][4]

What faults does the 0AM gearbox have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: mechatronic unit failure: pressure accumulator, pump and cracked housing (high severity), premature dry clutch wear and judder when driving (medium severity) and reverse and 6th gear selector fork bearing failure (medium severity).

Which cars use the 0AM gearbox?

Volkswagen Polo V (2009–2017), Volkswagen Golf VI (2008–2012), Volkswagen Golf VII (2012–2020), Volkswagen Passat B7 (2010–2014), Volkswagen Touran I (2008–2015), Volkswagen Caddy III (2008–2020), Audi A1 I (2010–2018), Audi A3 II (2008–2012), Audi A3 III (2012–2020) and Seat Ibiza IV (2008–2017), among 10 others.[1][2][3][5][7][8][9][10]

Are you buying a car with the 0AM 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. DSG7 DQ200: Guía Técnica Definitiva (P17BF, Mecatrónica y Soluciones)STR Performance · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Doppelkupplungsgetriebe: DQ200 - Das große Problem des VW-KonzernsHandelsblatt · General press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  3. Probleme mit VW-DSG: Kein offizieller Rückruf von VolkswagenAuto Bild · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  4. 7 Speed DSG Gearbox Problems | Mechatronic Faults | DSG Clutch PackEco Torque · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  5. Direct-shift gearboxWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  6. Safety Recall 34F6/4V - 7-Speed DSG Auto Transmission w/Tiptronic (DQ-200 Direct-Shift Gearbox), 2013-2014 MY Volkswagen Jetta HybridVolkswagen of America / NHTSA (recall 13V-568) · Official body · published 2013 · consulted 26 September 2026
  7. VW, Skoda & Seat DSG Probleme: alle 6 und 7-Gang DQ GetriebeCarwiki · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  8. Fallo en la mecatrónica de la caja DSG: Ojo a estos modelosGT Autos · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. La caja DSG de 7 velocidades al detalleMotorpasión · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  10. DSG Gearboxes: Complete Guide to DQ200, DQ250, DQ381, DQ400e, DQ500, DL501 & DSG 6, 7 and 8 SpeedsSTR Performance · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  11. VW Golf PlusWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  12. VW BeetleWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German