2008 Audi A3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 30%of 43 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Audi A3, 30% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2008 Audi A3 2.0t dsg (direct shift gearbox) has been having abrupt shifting and hesitation. The three main times issues occur are: 1.) moving from a stop, either in forward or reverse. With light throttle input, similar to in parking situations or slow moving stop/go traffic, the car/transmission feels like it's not engaged and then suddenly engages and lurches forward/backwards. This is when I feel the car is most likely to cause an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10344657, filed 2010-07, 25,000 miles“I have an Audi A3 2008 with dsg transmission. I drove it on vacation from columbus ohio to nh about a 15 hr drive. When I was in stop and go traffic the RPM's would dip as I would apply the break causing the car to nearly stall. Every time this happened I had to react quickly as to make sure not to hit the person in front of me. When I would let off the break the car would surge forward causing me to abruptly have to hit the break. …”
NHTSA complaint #10278353, filed 2009-07, 19,000 miles“I have a 2008 Audi A3 2.0t dsg. My problem is with the dsg. While sitting at a stoplight I will lift off the brake to go, the car will lurch forward and the transmission will disengage. I then must wait a few seconds for the transmission to re-engage. This can be a problem if there are people behind me. I have been nearly hit on a few occasions. This problem is random and the dealer service tech's have not been able to replicate it to their satisfaction. The car did not do this when I bought it brand new.”
NHTSA complaint #10279453, filed 2009-08, 21,000 miles“I have an Audi A3 2008 2.0 model that was purchased new in 11/07. I started experiencing a hesitation with the transmission a few months ago. Basically, from a rolling start in 1st gear, there can be a jerky action with the car. I don't think this is turbo lag because I can hear the clutch trying to catch onto the gear. On top of that, when I slow the car down (I.e. 40 MPH to 0 MPH), I feel a jerk every time the transmission downshifts. To my passengers, they feel as if I am slamming on the brakes and then releasing the brakes sporadically. …”
NHTSA complaint #10283325, filed 2009-09, 15,000 miles“2008 Audi A3 3.2 dsg: transmission would drop violently forcing a reduction in speed. Pressing the accelerator sometimes would not let the car accelerate...engine revolutions would not rise. Difficult to maintain a safe speed consistently. Taking two both dealerships in miami-dade county (the collection and prestige). The service eventually did nothing to the car. Audi would not honor any service without ECM logged errors. I saw a recall investigation on later model cars, but a continuing investigation on cars including my model year for the exact symptoms I have experienced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10291525, filed 2009-11, 5,600 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10177406Jul 13, 2020This informational bulletin states to not replace parts for the beveling groove as it is normal.
- 10118424Feb 14, 2017This informational bulletin contains information regarding creaking and squeaking noises from the front axle when driving at low temperatures on rough roads.
- 10118423Feb 7, 2017This informational bulletin contains information regarding creaking and squeaking noises from the front axle when driving at low temperatures on rough roads.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 14% |
| 2022 | 2 | 22% |
| 2020 | 2 | 13% |
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2018 | 4 | 12% |
| 2017 | 6 | 14% |
| 2016 | 6 | 7% |
| 2015 | 5 | 5% |
| 2013 | 2 | 10% |
| 2011 | 3 | 7% |
| 2010 | 11 | 22% |
| 2009 | 15 | 32% |
| 2008 | 13 | 30% |
| 2007 | 16 | 31% |
| 2006 | 37 | 30% |
| 2004 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2008 Audi A3
24 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Audi A3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology