DSG gearboxes can be unreliable. It is simply not possible to make a DSG gearbox as reliable as a conventional automatic transmission with a torque converter. The slipping clutch mechanisms, for example, have a limited lifespan.

The mechanical efficiency of a DSG gearbox is a little worse when compared to a conventional manual transmission, especially on wet-clutch variants. This is due in part to the electronics and hydraulic systems of a DSG gearbox.

To have a long lifespan and to work efficiently, expensive specialist transmission filters and fluids or lubricants that have dedicated additives are required. These need regularly changing, to avoid costly DSG gearbox repairs, every 40,000 miles. Replacing the oil and filter in DSG gearbox’s is one of our most requested vehicle repair operations at Sycamore autos in Aldershot.

Compared to ordinary automatic or manual transmissions DSG gearboxes are relatively expensive to manufacture, and therefore increase new vehicle purchase prices. If you select a gear that the DSG gearbox had not anticipated you need it can lead to a relatively lengthy shift time of around 1100 ms.

DSG gearbox design is closely linked to the vehicle model. Therefore the torque handling capability of the DSG gearbox put a limit on after-market engine tuning modifications. Although having said that, later DSG variants have been fitted to more powerful cars, such as the 300 BHP VW R36 and the 272 BHP Audi TTS.

A DSG gearbox is a lot heavier than a comparable Getrag conventional manual transmission 75 kg vs. 47.5 kg ,thus affecting fuel economy. Although other aspects of the DSG gearbox balance that out. Vehicles with older DSG gearboxes often have 15% worse fuel economy than one with a manual gearbox. However, the newer second generation 7-speed DSG gearbox gets better fuel economy than the manual transmission.