Volkswagen engines and transmissions: TDI diesel and DSG
By CarWhere Research · Updated
Volkswagen's best-known US powertrains are the TDI turbodiesel and the DSG dual-clutch automatic. The 2.0L TDI powered 2009–2015 Jettas, Golfs, Beetles and Passats, and a 3.0L V6 TDI went in the 2009–2016 Touareg. The 7-speed DSG is still used in the 2027 GTI, Golf R and Jetta GLI.
These pages draw on EPA test and fuel-economy records, NHTSA recall filings and Volkswagen's own disclosures. For TDI cars we cover the EPA-approved emissions modification and how to confirm it was done. For DSG we show which models and years EPA lists with a dual-clutch and which recalls apply.
Diesel engines
| Engine | Model years | Peak output | Known problems | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VW TDI diesel (2.0L four and 3.0L V6)Volkswagen TDI turbodiesels sold in the US: 2.0L four-cylinder (2009–2015) and 3.0L V6 in the Touareg (2009–2016) | 2009–2014 · 2012–2014 · 2015 · 2009–2016 | 240 hp / — lb-ft | 4 | 4 |
- VW TDI diesel (2.0L four and 3.0L V6) years, specs and problems — VW TDI is Volkswagen's turbodiesel.
Transmissions
| Engine | Model years | Peak output | Known problems | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VW DSG dual-clutch transmissionVolkswagen DSG (direct-shift gearbox) dual-clutch automatic, 6- and 7-speed US applications | 2009–2019 · 2013–2016 · 2018–present | — | 3 | 4 |
- VW DSG dual-clutch transmission years, specs and problems — DSG is Volkswagen's dual-clutch automatic transmission, first offered on the 2003 Golf R32.
Know which engine and transmission a car was built with.
Volkswagen builds the same model with more than one engine, transmission and drivetrain. The CarWhere Volkswagen build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Frequently asked questions
Does Volkswagen still sell TDI diesels in the US?
No. EPA's last 2.0L TDI listings are 2015 models and the last 3.0L TDI listing is the 2016 Touareg. Both engines were covered by the EPA defeat-device case and the 2016 court settlements.
What was VW dieselgate?
In September 2015, EPA alleged that 2009–2015 2.0L TDI cars used software that switched full emissions controls on only during testing, letting NOx reach up to 40 times the standard on the road. The case covered about 590,000 2.0L and 3.0L diesels in the US.
Is a used VW TDI with the emissions fix worth considering?
A fixed car keeps an extended emissions warranty that VW says is fully transferable: up to 10 years/120,000 miles for 2009–2014 cars and 11 years/162,000 miles for 2015 cars, measured from the original in-service date. Confirm the fix with VW's VIN recall look-up.
Which current VWs use a DSG?
EPA lists a 7-speed DSG (Automatic AM-S7) only on the 2027 Golf GTI, Golf R and GLI. EPA lists the other 2027 gasoline models, including the Jetta, Taos, Tiguan and Atlas, with 8-speed automatics.
Is DSG the same as an automatic?
It drives like one, with no clutch pedal, but EPA classifies it as an automated manual (AM). It uses two clutches instead of a torque converter, which VW says makes it quicker-shifting and more economical.
Sources
Each engine page lists its own detailed sources. Key references across the guide:
- Learn About Volkswagen Violations — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Volkswagen Clean Air Act Civil Settlement — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Frequent Questions about Volkswagen Violations — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- EPA and CARB Approve Remedy to Reduce Excess NOx Emissions from “Generation 1” 2.0-Liter Diesel Vehicles (July 27, 2017) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- EPA and CARB Approve Remedy for Automatic Transmission “Generation 2” 2.0-Liter Diesel Vehicles (May 19, 2017) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- EPA and CARB Disapprove Proposed Emissions Modification for 2012–2014 Manual Transmission Diesel Passat (Sept. 7, 2017) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- EPA and CARB Approve Second Phase of Emissions Modifications for Model Year 2015 2.0 Liter Diesel Vehicles (April 18, 2018) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- EPA and CARB Approve Emissions Fixes for Audi, Porsche and VW Diesel 3.0 Liter SUVs (Oct. 20, 2017) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- EPA and CARB Approve Emissions Modification for Generation 1.1 SUV of the 3.0 Liter Subject Vehicles (May 18, 2018) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Emissions Modification for Generation 1.2 SUV of the 3.0 Liter Subject Vehicles (July 13, 2018) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
More Volkswagen tools
- Volkswagen research hub
- Volkswagen trim levels explained
- Volkswagen known issues by model
- Volkswagen history
- Free Volkswagen VIN decoder
- Volkswagen specs by model
- Volkswagen reliability
- How long do Volkswagen models last?
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. or Volkswagen AG. Volkswagen and the model names are trademarks of their owners.