Can Audi A1 DSG gearboxes suffer hydraulic explosion?

My friend has a 2014 Audi A1 Sportback s 1.4 auto has covered 40,000. Has been serviced as per service schedule but not at an Audi dealer.

Recently she lost all drive, engine fine but when selecting a gear nothing would happen except a light flashing on the dashboard. Her mechanic has said it has suffered a 'Hydraulic explosion' in the gear box and has said they are prone to it, common fault.

I've never heard of a 'hydraulic explosion' before and don't seem to be able to find much about it on google. Have you heard of this, is this a common fault and is this something that should of had a recall to resolve?

Asked on 26 July 2023 by Andrew Vibert

Answered by David Ross
The term 'hydraulic explosion' is not one usually used to describe the faults in DSG gearboxes, but based on this it is likely that the gearbox in your friend's Audi has suffered a high pressure leak within the mechatronic unit which has caused the loss of drive. Unfortunately it is a known fault, and Volkswagen have since upgraded the relevant parts to avoid this happening in the future, but have not issued a recall for affected vehicles.

There are a number of specialists that deal with these known DSG gearbox faults and can offer repairs that are generally cheaper than main dealer prices. You can find a suitable specialist near you using the Honest John Good Garage Guide here: good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/
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