2012 S4, how bad are the DSG problems really?

[index1489]

I'm considering picking up a 2012 S4 Prestige with Ti Pack, @ 29k miles with CPO, already drove the car, love it.

Coming from the BMW world which has treated me well, the only real serious issue I've read with the B8's is the Mech unit failures mostly on 10/11's, how wide spread is this issue?

Last thing I want is to have a VERY close relationship with my dealer.

[Jones2012s4]

As far as B8s go, 2012 is the best year for DSG issues, meaning there are minimum reports. Most reports seem to come from 2010-2011 model years.

I have 55,000 miles on my car and lots of usage and abuse, solid as a rock still.

[MVR 155]

To echo what Jones2012s4 stated....... The 2012 should be a pretty safe bet as the majority of reported problems come from the 10/11 cars. I can only recall seeing a couple of posts here about anybody with a 2012 having issues. The CPO should also provide some added piece of mind for you.

[mr shickadance]

i think the DSG issues are a little bit over rated in that you will see a lot of posts about people complaining about parts breaking, but no one posts "hey everything is OK, nothing is wrong" mainly because no one thinks or finds that interesting at all.

that said, seems like the 2010s have the issues, problems were largely solved by 2011 and since then people have been generally happy with the most recent software update from audi regarding the stop and go herky-jerkiness of the car.

Putting it another way, I would not stay away from the DSG from fear of it failing. I would stay away from the DSG if you really just wanted a 6 speed. Both transmissions are really good on this car.

[chaos2984]

Honestly like Mr. said, things get a little over rated on here. The only time there forms are right is when audi or any car maker establishes a recall or special policy related to that concern. Like the water pump and the t-stat. But I don't think the DSG failures are that high. Thinking what about 200 over 3 years and with what they sold probably 3000K DSG cars over 3 years the ratio to failure isn't really that high. But yes they changed some things in the 12's and then when 13's came they changed them completely and now almost 0 issues with them. Buy it and don't look back you will love the DSG I do.

[TexasDfwS4]

That's 6.666666666666667%

[index1489]

Honestly like Mr. said, things get a little over rated on here. The only time there forms are right is when audi or any car maker establishes a recall or special policy related to that concern. Like the water pump and the t-stat. But I don't think the DSG failures are that high. Thinking what about 200 over 3 years and with what they sold probably 3000K DSG cars over 3 years the ratio to failure isn't really that high. But yes they changed some things in the 12's and then when 13's came they changed them completely and now almost 0 issues with them. Buy it and don't look back you will love the DSG I do.

Thanks, the problem isn't really too much of my concern because of the 3.5 years of warranty left on the car, I just wanted to make sure there was at least some sort of solution I.E the replacement units were improved/software.


Similar to the BMW HPFP issue, look how many revisions and time it took before they came out with a replacement part that actually fixed the problem.

Thanks again guys.

[chaos2984]

looks like the main fix is the mechatronics replacement. But seems like hardly anyone with 12's and up have issues

[shadycrew31]

My DSG bucks in reverse, when the fluid is cold, and I get some hard downshifts when going from 1 to 2 at a light.

Outside of that its fine, I may just need a fluid flush and filter change, but its below 60* outside which means I do no car work.

[BLACKS4-10]

Mine is a '10 and had the Mechatronics unit replaced last year(warranty.thank god) at about 30,000K.Had a really hard 2-1 shift in hot weather after a while in stop and go traffic.Shifts beautifully now **knock on wood**

[mrmomo313]

The dsg certainly has its quirks and requires a bit of finesse to drive smoothly. It all becomes second nature once you get some seat time with the car. 12's are pretty solid. I think what all people need to realize is you're buying a used performance sedan, budget 5k for random repairs because you never know what could fail or how the previous owner treated the car. Face it, these cars get beat on pretty hard which is why id personally never buy a used one (maybe if it had really really low miles and never been launched). Its a great car with a pretty reliable track record. My car is 5 years old now and i've only had to shell out about 1400 in repairs which is not bad at all (mech unit repair). There was some warranty work done early on (water pump at 6k miles) but that was a design flaw from the factory and won't affect you with a 2012. I still believe the 2010 mech unit issues are something audi should have covered for anyone affected but thats another discussion.. Go for it!

[mr shickadance]

Thanks, the problem isn't really too much of my concern because of the 3.5 years of warranty left on the car, I just wanted to make sure there was at least some sort of solution I.E the replacement units were improved/software.


Similar to the BMW HPFP issue, look how many revisions and time it took before they came out with a replacement part that actually fixed the problem.

Thanks again guys.

at least the BMW guys saw a solution, the b7 a4 guys are blowing holes in their cam followers to this day!

[index1489]

at least the BMW guys saw a solution, the b7 a4 guys are blowing holes in their cam followers to this day!

Yea I'm really glad I passed on the B7 S4 a few years ago, even though it was a one owner 25th edition traded in at a ford dealer with no miles for a solid price.

[Pworld]

Never had one single DSG S tronic issue with my 2012 and had 40k on the clock when i sold it. Hell i never had any mechanical issues period. no diff issues, no water pump issues, Nada.