S3 s-tronic gearbox failure

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ivicyrusivi

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Sorry if this turns into a rant, but....

Soooo my 14 plate (18month old) Audi s3 (hatch) with under 10k miles on the clock has had its s-tronic gearbox fail two weeks ago. Sucks bigggggg time!

Luckily Audi have sorted me out a loan s3 saloon... Tho this one also has an issue with its gearbox. The gear stick is completely loose and had a new feature - it slides up and down, and the only thing keeping it in is the leather gator *sigh*.

Now the VERY annoying bit... The dealer told me it would take 5-7 days to get a new gearbox in... Now two weeks later the estimated delivery time for it is 4th December. According to the dealer Audi don't just have spare parts like this ready?? - arghhhhhhh!

To make matters worse my council (Westminster) will only issue a temporary parking permit for 14 days (per car I believe). OH AND GUESS WHAT.... Audi car replacement services a now telling me that they would not be willing to replace the car every two weeks, so I may be left car-less

Anyone else had issues with their s-tronic gearbox? Or silly part delivery times?

It's actually the second time it's been recovered, first time was for over heating and loosing coolant, which looks to be a not so uncommon thing on here.

P.s -To be fair on the dealer, they've been keeping me updated regularly... But doesn't change the fact that my poor car is stuck unusable for a month :( and i may be left without a courtesy car!
 
What!! It's under warranty and they will only give you a courtesy car for two weeks, even if the repair takes longer. That seems pretty bad service.
 
RichardT said:
What!! It's under warranty and they will only give you a courtesy car for two weeks, even if the repair takes longer. That seems pretty bad service.
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Well not quite, I can keep this one, they just won't help me out and swap it... So won't be able to park it, which I guess isn't their fault. My only hope is that they have to swap the car due to the gearstick on this one.

Wouldn't be in this pickle if they could actually get a replacement gearbox in a reasonable timeframe
 
ivicyrusivi said:
Sorry if this turns into a rant, but....

Soooo my 14 plate (18month old) Audi s3 (hatch) with under 10k miles on the clock has had its s-tronic gearbox fail two weeks ago. Sucks bigggggg time!

Luckily Audi have sorted me out a loan s3 saloon... Tho this one also has an issue with its gearbox. The gear stick is completely loose and had a new feature - it slides up and down, and the only thing keeping it in is the leather gator *sigh*.
Click to expand...

Lol, dealership has a sense of humour!

They don't usually stock the gearbox as they are expensive and would imagine not a commonly used part, as for any costs and inconvenience I would make Audi UK and the dealership fully aware the standard expected of their brand has clearly not been achieved and should be compensated accordingly. They better make sure you have the same or a better model courtesy car, I told them while they were (ruining) fixing my car the 3rd time that I've had enough and simply want what I paid for; an S3!

GL!
 
ivicyrusivi said:
OH AND GUESS WHAT.... Audi car replacement services a now telling me that they would not be willing to replace the car every two weeks, so I may be left car-less
Click to expand...
That's what I understood - still don't really follow, but it doesn't matter.
 
Feel your pain, as when my turbo / HP Fuel Pump / Injectors all failed last year, it turned into a bit of a marathon over 3 weeks.

I did though have a hire car supplied from Audi Assist (as the dealer didn't have one at the time) - my understanding is that Audi Assist will only "finance" the hire car (mine came from Europcar) they supply for a short period (can't remember the time span now), after that the dealer has to either supply a loan car or cover the hire car costs, as repairs are supposed to be completed within the (short) time frame. Mine didn't have a loan car they could supply, so I kept the hire car.

I can understand them not necessarily keeping a spare gearbox, but regards the car, I'd go back and have a word with the dealer. Either way if the car is under warranty, my understanding is that once they have supplied a loan car you keep that until yours is returned if you are in any doubt phone Audi Assist for advice
 
Certainly wouldn't expect dealers to keep a spare s-tronic gearbox in stock. But you would expect Audi to have stock in the UK that can be accessed in a couple of days?
 
My mate has just had his 520d GT returned after being with BMW for 7 weeks. Suspension part on back order. He had a courtesy car for the duration, replaced every two weeks by the dealer. I'd be kicking up merry hell if they didn't keep me mobile. As above, your dealer should be providing you with an near as identical car as yours for the full duration of the repair. Having the s-tronic box myself I hope I'm never in your position.
When you say the gearstick came lose, did sort of pop out when you were moving it or did it just go bang?
 
RichardT said:
Certainly wouldn't expect dealers to keep a spare s-tronic gearbox in stock. But you would expect Audi to have stock in the UK that can be accessed in a couple of days?
Click to expand...


Normally, whole gearboxes have to come direct from VW in Kassel.
 
All manufacturers have to have spare replacement parts to cover the car for 10 years. It's not like your car is not in production anymore anyway!

We have certain parts in work that are sequenced for each individual car, sometimes they get damaged whilst being fitted, we get on the phone and can get a replacement within minutes.
 
chrise said:
What happened when it failed out of interest?
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Was driving along in 3rd gear at the time and it popped up a warning saying gearbox malfunction, no reverse gear. Then about 30 seconds later after I pulled round the corner it dumped me into 1st and wouldn't let me change gear. Turned it off and on again, seemed to be ok, then did the same about a minute later. Luckily was close to home, so trundled back in first gear.... Until last turn where the gearbox just sized.... Managed to get it going again after a couple of restarts so I could clear the junction :)

The next day when being recovered was interesting... Popped it into neutral to be pulled onto flatbed... As it went passed me I noticed the reverse light on... Climbed up on the flatbed and the R indicator on the gearbox was on despite the lever being in neutral - very weird

Scottyg said:
When you say the gearstick came lose, did sort of pop out when you were moving it or did it just go bang?
Click to expand...

As for the courtesy... The gearstick (manual trans) just lifts up and down, so basically has movement in XYZ axis :)... As if maybe a bolt has come loose. Not really an issue if you are cautious, but a couple of times changing into second became an interesting experience :) - I'd rather not risk having it get worse tbh

Should be hearing back from Audi replacement today hopefully.

Oh and I know the dealership wouldn't have a spare, but you'd think they'd have em in Germany or somewhere with Audi/vw :(
 
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ivicyrusivi said:
Was driving along in 3rd gear at the time and it popped up a warning saying gearbox malfunction, no reverse gear. Then about 30 seconds later after I pulled round the corner it dumped me into 1st and wouldn't let me change gear. Turned it off and on again, seemed to be ok, then did the same about a minute later. Luckily was close to home, so trundled back in first gear.... Until last turn where the gearbox just sized.... Managed to get it going again after a couple of restarts so I could clear the junction :)

The next day when being recovered was interesting... Popped it into neutral to be pulled onto flatbed... As it went passed me I noticed the reverse light on... Climbed up on the flatbed and the R indicator on the gearbox was on despite the lever being in neutral - very weird



As for the courtesy... The gearstick (manual trans) just lifts up and down, so basically has movement in XYZ axis :)... As if maybe a bolt has come loose. Not really an issue if you are cautious, but a couple of times changing into second became an interesting experience :) - I'd rather not risk having it get worse tbh

Should be hearing back from Audi replacement today hopefully.

Oh and I know the dealership wouldn't have a spare, but you'd think they'd have em in Germany or somewhere with Audi/vw :(
Click to expand...
Exactly the same thing happened to me 5 weeks into ownership. Same lead up to the failure, full gearbox replaced under warranty and no issues since. There is a thread here somewhere when it happened.
 
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I picked up a new S3 on 21'st of October. Within 24 hours the srart /stop system failed, something to do with battery monitoring device. I've been waiting a month for a replacement part to get it fixed. For the first 3 weeks Audi couldn't even give me an ETA. Luckily the car is still driveable, but it's not very good advertising for Audi when everyone is asking how the new car is and I tell them it's been broken for 30 of the 31 days I've owned it.

I can understand why the dealers don't carry spares, but there wasn't a replacement anywhere in the UK. Even if it has to come from Germany, it shouldn't take a month, espescially when you consider that, because my car was brand new, they requested the part urgently!
 
Gearbox malfunction, no reverse gear. Had this over the weekend. Just been told new gearbox required. This doesn't fill me with confidence for long term ownership of my S3
 
Spare parts should ideally have a 100% availability. Major manufacturers do measure parts availability numbers. It is possible in this day and age to get a part to anywhere in the world within 24 hours, certainly no longer than 48 hours.

There must be a reason for non availability, could be a production issue, scheduling issue or an unexpected high demand. Bit what ever it is it's unacceptable.
 
Yep!

Had this error pop up on Sunday night when I was driving home from visiting family:
Image
Only had 1st and 3rd gear.

Went to Audi on Monday morning who said they'd do some checks.
Confirmed on Monday afternoon that I need a new gearbox (covered under warranty, as car is 18 months old)
The box is on backorder with Audi in Germany, and they initially said it will be three weeks.
They called yesterday though to say that it should be with them on the 4th December.

Apparently it's an 11 hour job to fit the gearbox once it arrives.
 
That's 3 cars all 18 months old, all awaiting a new gearbox just on this forum. Oh dear !
 
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Quite a few failures in the R forum too.

I've said this before, and I'll say it again, based on history, I'm extremely reluctant to own a DSG equipped car outside of the warranty period.
 
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This together with potential turbo failure will probably mean I'll be saying goodbye to my S3 at the end of the warranty. I thought this car was going to be a keeper.
 
It wouldn't be so bad if Audi offered an extended warranty for the parts they replace. They include replacement parts in the original 3 year warranty no matter when the part is replaced. Theoretically you could have a gearbox replacement at 2 years 11 months. If there is a failure with the part at 3 years you would get no cover at all. Seems pretty poor. I think replacement parts should have a 3 year warranty from date of install.
 
I have had a few cars with DSG boxes, and not had a single issue up until now.
It hasn't put me off at all, but I do change my car between three and four years.

I am not sure I would buy a second hand car with DSG that's out of warranty.


To be fair, Poole Audi have so far been absolutely brilliant - do big kudos to them!
 
I'm slowly gravitating towards the new Focus RS, at least on paper it appears set up to be driven hard.
 
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If you offer to pay even £50 of the bill you'll get a full years warranty on the part. Choose to let the warranty take full care of it and it's within that time frame only.
 
Just glad I opted for the 5 year warrantee tbh!

Bit disconcerting :(
 
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Sooooo... Part arrived earlier then expected, however after missing extra parts they said the car would be ready on Thursday (last week), but would like to test drive it and for me to possibly pick up on Friday.

I was away Friday, so said I'd email them on Monday (today) to arrange collection.

Emailed today and was told - "Your car failed 1 overnight test and was recovered back into us on Friday, there was an issue with one of the parts that was replaced , this part was replaced again over the weekend and the car will be tested overnight this evening , all going to pans the car will be ready tomorrow . Apologies for the delays in getting this repair completed ."

When I asked what part failed - "1 part of the gearbox , a cover"

So there's me thinking ahh ok should be an easy fix. Until...

"Not great news, we have refitted your gearbox and now there is no drive at all , a Technical email is being sent for guidance with is , this is our procedure that we follow for Audi UK"

Arghhhhhhh! So frustrated!

I ended up just putting up with the curtesy car as they said I'd have to call Audi assist to get it looked at before deciding - so waste of time... But looks like I'll be keeping it for longer - not acceptable so will now have to waste my time and try get a replacement.

Side note... It's amazing just how much you miss your options when your given a bog standard s3 - a had quite a high spec in my baby :( and this one doesn't even have sat Nav :(
 
I got 2 replacement S-Tronic gearboxes when I had my TT and waited 3 weeks for both of them to come direct from Germany, pretty normal for them to come direct from the factory I believe.
Didn't put me off though, I bought an S-Tronic S3 and my next car will be an S-Tronic too but I wouldn't want to own one out of warranty.
 
Let's hope two is the magic number then.... Apparently they're on their second new replacement gearbox on my car, and have a master tech on the case. No idea when it's going to be ready :(
 
How much would it cost to replace outside of warranty,if I decided to keep the car for more than 3 yrs
 
Tristan2 said:
How much would it cost to replace outside of warranty,if I decided to keep the car for more than 3 yrs
Click to expand...
Mates s-tronic failed on his A5 six months out of warranty earlier in the year and Audi wanted £4,500 (Inc labour) for a new unit. There was some good will on that also as it failed 6 months outside of warranty so don't know what the true cost was....

I had to have a sit down when he told me the cost....
 
After reading this I'm glad mine is on a PCP and covered for the full 3 years. It's not a nice thought otherwise. If I was keeping it longer I would pay the small amount extra for peace of mind of driving for the full 5 years.
 
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Pulp84 said:
Mates s-tronic failed on his A5 six months out of warranty earlier in the year and Audi wanted £4,500 (Inc labour) for a new unit. There was some good will on that also as it failed 6 months outside of warranty so don't know what the true cost was....

I had to have a sit down when he told me the cost....
Click to expand...

Holy Moly.
Makes an extended warranty absolutely essential after 3 years imo.
 
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I'm glad I didn't go stronic, I prefer a manual any way. When I had my TTS there were loads of stronic failures on that forum too....
 
Sad story to follow so far. One would expect better from a German top quality brand. Hope it ends up well soon!
 
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