Positive Feedback
* Smooth Shifting: Owners report that the transmission shifts smoothly and seamlessly, providing a comfortable ride.
* Fuel Economy: The Passat range’s Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission (DSG) delivers good fuel economy thanks to its efficient operation across a range of driving modes.
* Reliability: Owners claim that the DSG gearbox has proven its reliability over many years of use.
*Sport Mode: Select Passat models offer a Sport mode that improves transmission response for a more dynamic driving experience.
*Manual Shift Mode: Owners appreciate the ability to manually shift gears, which provides greater control over the vehicle.
Negative reviews
* Repair Costs: Automatic transmission repairs can be expensive, especially if replacement is required.
* Gearshifts are too slow: Some owners don’t like how long the transmission takes to downshift, causing delays when accelerating.
*Software Issues: Owners have reported software issues that have caused jerky or slow gear shifting.
*Mechatronics problem: The mechatronics, the electronic module that controls the transmission, can fail, resulting in costly repairs.
*Dry clutch problems: Some Passat models with a DSG dry clutch may experience clutch problems when driven aggressively or in extreme heat.
General conclusions
The Volkswagen Passat’s automatic transmission, especially the dual-clutch DSG, has received positive reviews for its smooth shifting, fuel economy and reliability. However, there are some concerns about repair costs, slow shifting in some situations and potential software and clutch issues. Overall, owners find the Passat’s automatic transmission to be a reliable and convenient option, but it’s important to consider potential maintenance costs and potential problems before making a purchasing decision.