Volkswagen VW DSG dual-clutch transmission: years, specs & known problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

DSG is Volkswagen's dual-clutch automatic transmission, first offered on the 2003 Golf R32. In the US, EPA lists it as an automated manual (AM-S6 or AM-S7). For 2027 that means the 7-speed in the GTI, Golf R and Jetta GLI. Past users include TDI diesels, the Jetta Hybrid, Passat, CC, Beetle and Taos 4Motion.

Volkswagen says it launched the dual-clutch DSG in 2003 on the Golf R32 as an optional 6-speed. It shifts in hundredths of a second, and VW says it was up to 20% more economical than a torque-converter automatic. VW lists 6- and 7-speed DSG families rated for different torque loads, from 250 Nm (DQ200-7) to 550 Nm (DQ500-7).

From 2013, EPA's US fuel-economy listings label the DSG “Automatic (AM-S6)” or “Automatic (AM-S7)”, meaning a selectable automated manual. Older listings call the same cars' automatics “Automatic (S6)”. The 6-speed was common in the 2013–2019 lineup: TDI diesels, GTI, early Golf R, Beetle, CC, Eos, Passat V6 and Golf SportWagen/Alltrack 4Motion. The 7-speed appears from 2018 and is the only DSG left in the 2027 lineup, in the GTI, Golf R and Jetta GLI. The Jetta Hybrid used the DQ200 7-speed, which has two NHTSA recalls. Volkswagen's US sources we checked do not publish a DSG fluid-service interval, so follow the car's own maintenance schedule.

VW DSG dual-clutch transmission at a glance

Volkswagen DSG (direct-shift gearbox) dual-clutch automatic, 6- and 7-speed US applications: model years by version
VersionModel yearsDocumented problemsRecalls
6-speed DSG (US, 2009–2019)2009–201912
7-speed DQ200 DSG (Jetta Hybrid, 2013–2016)2013–201622
7-speed DSG (2018–present: GTI, Golf R, Jetta GLI)2018–present00

CarWhere lists 3 documented problems and 4 NHTSA recalls for the VW DSG dual-clutch transmission, each with a source.

6-speed DSG (US, 2009–2019)

The 6-speed DSG was Volkswagen's main US dual-clutch through the 2010s. EPA lists it as Automatic (AM-S6) in 2013–2019 models, from the TDI diesels and Beetle to the GTI, CC and Passat V6. NHTSA recalls also describe DSG gearboxes in 2009–2010 cars and 2012–2014 Passat TDIs.

6-speed DSG (US, 2009–2019) specifications

6-speed DSG (US, 2009–2019): design facts (2009–2019)
SpecificationValue
EPA transmission codeAutomatic (AM-S6), automated manual, selectable[1]
First DSG (VW)6-speed, offered on the 2003 Golf R32[2]
Last EPA AM-S6 listings2018 GTI and Jetta; 2019 Golf SportWagen 4Motion and Golf Alltrack[3]
EPA rating, 2018 GTI DSG24 city / 32 hwy / 27 combined mpg[4]

Which vehicles have the 6-speed DSG (US, 2009–2019)?

Models and model years offered with the 6-speed DSG (US, 2009–2019)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Jetta TDI, Golf TDI2013–2015EPA AM-S6
Golf SportWagen TDI2015
Passat TDI2012–20152012 per NHTSA 17V309; EPA AM-S6 2013–2015
Passat 3.6L V62013–2018
GTI2013–2018
Golf R2015–2017
Jetta 2.0L gasoline2013–2018
Beetle2013–2017Gas and TDI
Beetle Convertible2013–2016
CC2013–2017
Eos2013–2016
Golf SportWagen 4Motion and Golf Alltrack (1.8L)2017–2019

6-speed DSG (US, 2009–2019) problems and what to check

Sudden shift to neutral from a faulty temperature-sensor harness (recall 09V333) (2009–2010)

Moderate

On some 2009–2010 Volkswagen cars built September 2008 to August 2009, poorly crimped wires in the DSG temperature-sensor harness can falsely signal high gearbox oil temperature. The transmission then shifts abruptly to neutral, the selector indicator flashes and a “depress brake pedal” light comes on.[5]

Symptoms

  • Transmission suddenly shifts to neutral
  • Flashing gear-selector indicator
  • “Depress brake pedal” warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall look-up and confirm 09V333 shows as complete
  • Ask a VW dealer for the transmission control module software update record

Program: NHTSA safety recall 09V333: free transmission control module reprogramming

6-speed DSG (US, 2009–2019) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 6-speed DSG (US, 2009–2019) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
09V3332009-08-20Certain 2009–2010 Volkswagen passenger cars with DSG built Sept. 2008–Aug. 200916,000 vehiclesPoorly crimped wires on a gearbox temperature-sensor harness can falsely signal high oil temperature, making the DSG shift abruptly to neutral. Dealers reprogram the transmission control module free of charge. NHTSA's record does not state the gear count.
17V3092017-05-112012–2014 Passat with diesel engines and DSG84,262 vehiclesThe underbody heat shield may be too short to protect the right half-shaft grease boot; leaking grease on the exhaust or diesel particulate filter is a fire risk. Dealers replace the driveshaft heat shield free of charge.

7-speed DQ200 DSG (Jetta Hybrid, 2013–2016)

The 2013–2016 Jetta Hybrid paired its 1.4L turbo with the DQ200 7-speed DSG, which EPA lists as Automatic (AM-S7). VW rates the DQ200-7 for up to 250 Nm, the lowest of its DSG families. The gearbox has two NHTSA recalls, one for control-module corrosion and one for mechatronic-unit cracks.

7-speed DQ200 DSG (Jetta Hybrid, 2013–2016) specifications

7-speed DQ200 DSG (Jetta Hybrid, 2013–2016): design facts (2013–2016)
SpecificationValue
GearboxDQ200 7-speed DSG[6]
Torque capacity (VW)Up to 250 Nm (about 184 lb-ft) for the DQ200-7[2]
EPA transmission codeAutomatic (AM-S7), 2013–2016 Jetta Hybrid[7]

Which vehicles have the 7-speed DQ200 DSG (Jetta Hybrid, 2013–2016)?

Models and model years offered with the 7-speed DQ200 DSG (Jetta Hybrid, 2013–2016)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Jetta Hybrid2013–2016

7-speed DQ200 DSG (Jetta Hybrid, 2013–2016) problems and what to check

Gearbox control module corrosion (recall 13V568) (2013–2014)

Moderate

Additives in the original gearbox fluid can corrode the control module inside the DQ200. The deposits can cause a short and a stall-like loss of power. The remedy is a change to non-corrosive gearbox oil.[8]

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of power while driving
  • Transmission warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall look-up and confirm 13V568 is complete
  • Ask for the dealer record of the gearbox oil replacement

Program: NHTSA safety recall 13V568 (VW 34F6/4V): free gearbox oil replacement

Mechatronic unit cracks and clutch not engaging (recall 19V866) (2013–2015)

Moderate

Hairline cracks can develop in the DQ200's mechatronic unit, leaking oil internally and reducing pressure. The clutch may then fail to engage, causing a sudden loss of drive. Dealers install a repair kit and replace parts as needed.[6]

Symptoms

  • Car will not move off or loses drive
  • Transmission warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall look-up and confirm 19V866 is complete
  • Ask for the dealer record of the mechatronic repair kit

Program: NHTSA safety recall 19V866 (VW 34J6): free repair kit and parts

7-speed DQ200 DSG (Jetta Hybrid, 2013–2016) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 7-speed DQ200 DSG (Jetta Hybrid, 2013–2016) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
13V5682013-11-142013–2014 Jetta Hybrid built Oct. 2012–Oct. 2013 with the DQ200 DSG3,837 vehiclesAdditives in the gearbox fluid can corrode the control module inside the gearbox, causing a short and a stall-like loss of power. Dealers replace the gearbox oil with a non-corrosive version free of charge.
19V8662019-12-062013–2015 Jetta Hybrid with the DQ200 7-speed DSG2,167 vehiclesHairline cracks can form in the mechatronic unit, leaking oil internally and lowering pressure so the clutch may not engage. Dealers install a repair kit and replace parts as needed, free of charge.

7-speed DSG (2018–present: GTI, Golf R, Jetta GLI)

The 7-speed DSG replaced the 6-speed in Volkswagen's performance cars, and EPA lists it as Automatic (AM-S7). For 2027 it is the only DSG in the US lineup, in the Golf GTI, Golf R and Jetta GLI. The Taos 4Motion used it for 2022–2024, and EPA lists an 8-speed automatic for that model from 2025.

7-speed DSG (2018–present: GTI, Golf R, Jetta GLI) specifications

7-speed DSG (2018–present: GTI, Golf R, Jetta GLI): design facts (2018–present)
SpecificationValue
EPA transmission codeAutomatic (AM-S7); 2022 GTI, Golf R and Arteon listed as Automatic (AM7)[3]
2027 EPA listingsGolf GTI, Golf R and GLI, all Automatic (AM-S7)[9]
VW torque ratings for 7-speed DSGsDQ381-7 up to 420 Nm; DQ500-7 up to 550 Nm (VW does not tie these to specific US models in this release)[2]
2027 Jetta GLI (vw.com)Autobahn 2.0L TSI with 7-speed DSG, from $33,795 MSRP[10]
Golf GTI (vw.com)2026 GTI S 2.0L TSI with 7-speed DSG, from $34,590 MSRP[11]
Taos 4MotionEPA Automatic (AM-S7) for 2023–2024; Automatic (S8) from 2025[12]
Golf R (vw.com)EPA estimates quoted for the 2026 Golf R 2.0L with DSG automatic: 22 city / 31 hwy / 25 combined mpg[13]
EPA listing, 2027 Golf R2.0L turbo, Automatic (AM-S7)[14]
EPA listing, 2027 GLI2.0L turbo, Automatic (AM-S7)[15]
EPA listing, 2023 Taos 4Motion1.5L turbo, Automatic (AM-S7)[16]
2027 Taos 4MOTION (vw.com)Described with the 1.5L TSI and an 8-speed automatic[17]

Which vehicles have the 7-speed DSG (2018–present: GTI, Golf R, Jetta GLI)?

Models and model years offered with the 7-speed DSG (2018–present: GTI, Golf R, Jetta GLI)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Golf R2018–presentEPA has no Golf R listing for 2020–2021
GTI / Golf GTI2019–presentEPA has no 2022 AM-S7 listing (2022 is AM7)
Jetta GLI / GLI2019–present
Arteon2022–2024
Taos 4Motion2022–2024EPA lists 2022 as “Automatic 7-spd” and 2023–2024 as AM-S7

VW DSG dual-clutch transmission issues by model

The same transmission shows up on these known-issues pages, with model-specific details.

Related Volkswagen research

Confirm a car really has the VW DSG dual-clutch transmission.

The transmission a Volkswagen left the factory with is part of its build record. 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.

Volkswagen build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What is a VW DSG transmission?

DSG (direct-shift gearbox) is Volkswagen's dual-clutch automatic. It uses two clutches instead of a torque converter and, per VW, shifts in hundredths of a second. VW introduced it on the 2003 Golf R32, and EPA lists it as an automated manual (AM-S6 or AM-S7).

Which 2027 Volkswagens have a DSG?

EPA's 2027 listings show a 7-speed automated manual (AM-S7) in the Golf GTI, Golf R and GLI. The 2027 Jetta, Taos, Tiguan, Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are listed with 8-speed automatics (S8). The Taos 4Motion switched from the 7-speed DSG to an 8-speed automatic in EPA listings from 2025.

Did VW TDI diesels use a DSG?

Yes, as one of two options. EPA lists 2013–2015 TDI Jetta, Golf, Beetle and Passat automatics as Automatic (AM-S6), a 6-speed DSG, alongside a 6-speed manual. NHTSA recall 17V309 also describes 2012–2014 Passat diesels with DSG.

What DSG recalls should a used buyer check?

The main DSG campaigns are 09V333 (2009–2010 cars that can shift to neutral), 13V568 and 19V866 (Jetta Hybrid DQ200 control-module corrosion and mechatronic cracks) and 17V309 (2012–2014 Passat TDI DSG heat shield). Run the VIN at NHTSA's recall look-up to confirm each remedy is complete.

How much torque can a DSG handle?

It depends on the version. Volkswagen lists the DQ200-7 at up to 250 Nm, its 6-speed units (DQ260-6 and DQ400-6 in VW's release) at up to 400 Nm, the DQ381-7 at 420 Nm and the DQ500-7 at 550 Nm. The lighter-duty DQ200 went into the Jetta Hybrid.

Sources

Ratings are Volkswagen-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. EPA fuel economy: 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L diesel, Auto(AM-S6) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  2. 15 años de la transmisión DSG en Volkswagen (Dec. 6, 2018) — Volkswagen de México press release
  3. EPA fuel economy data, all model years (Volkswagen engine and transmission listings) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2018 Volkswagen GTI, Auto(AM-S6) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  5. Recall 09V333: Direct Shift Gearbox — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  6. Recall 19V866: Clutch Can Fail to Engage Causing a Loss of Power — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  7. EPA fuel economy: 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid, Auto(AM-S7) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  8. Recall 13V568: Gearbox Control Module Corrosion — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  9. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Volkswagen Golf GTI, Auto(AM-S7) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  10. 2027 Volkswagen Jetta GLI model page — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  11. Volkswagen Golf GTI model page — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  12. EPA fuel economy: 2025 Volkswagen Taos 4motion, Automatic (S8) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  13. Volkswagen Golf R model page — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  14. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Volkswagen Golf R, Auto(AM-S7) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  15. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Volkswagen GLI, Auto(AM-S7) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  16. EPA fuel economy: 2023 Volkswagen Taos 4motion, Auto(AM-S7) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  17. 2027 Volkswagen Taos model page — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)

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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.