What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Which Volkswagen DSG gearboxes are reliable?

My daughter wants an automatic Volkswagen Golf about six years old. Which models have the wet clutch gearbox?

Asked on 5 September 2019 by Colin palmer

Answered by Honest John
Avoid the DQ200 7-speed dry clutch DSG. The DQ250 6-speed wet clutch, DQ381 7-speed wet clutch and DQ500 7-speed wet clutch are all relatively okay. Small engines (under 2.0 litres) all have the dry clutch DSG to avoid. 2.0 litre petrol or diesel engines have the DQ250, DQ381 or DQ500. The wet clutches all require a change of transmission fluid and filter every three years or 38,000 miles whichever come first, costing £200-£300 a time.
Similar questions
I have the latest version of the Volkswagen seven-speed DSG gearbox. Is it a good idea to select neutral when stopped for any length of time in traffic holdups and traffic lights? I understand moving parts...
I am thinking about buying a 2019 Skoda Octavia vRS Challenge 2.0 TSI 245 DSG. Is this a seven-speed wet box or some other type of automatic gearbox?
Are there any reliable DSG transmissions used in Volkswagens? If so, which makes and models use them?