Is it risky to buy a new car with a DSG gearbox?

We like the Cupra Formentor VZ2 which has the VWG DSG twin clutch gearbox. Plenty of articles online about clutch pack fails and mechatronic issues, which seem to require the complete gearbox replaced, huge costs. Can you update on reliability please? Will be mainly used around local area, 3k miles per year.

Asked on 1 December 2025 by didyoupostthattoamuse

Answered by David Ross
You can read our in-depth guide to DSG transmissions here - www.honestjohn.co.uk/advice/owning-advice/dsg-gear.../ - but the majority of issues affected earlier DSG units and in particular the DQ200 which uses dry as opposed to wet clutches and is used on lower-power vehicles, so we would expect the Formentor's DSG to be much more reliable, particularly with your low annual mileage.
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