VW Amarok Transmission Nightmare: What's the Real Fix

I had a very similar issue with my 2017 VW Tiguan automatic. Based on some experience working with automatic transmissions, these symptoms strongly point to torque converter problems, which I also faced. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I experienced, slipping gears, rough shifting, and warning lights. The engine surge during gear changes was particularly concerning. My automatic gearbox started showing these classic signs of a failing lock-up clutch within the torque converter. After diagnosis, my workshop confirmed the torque converter was defective and needed replacement. The total repair came to 2120€, including labor and parts. Theyaged to replace just the converter without a complete transmission rebuild, which saved significant cost compared to a full overhaul. However, before suggesting specific solutions, it would help to know: Current mileage on your Amarok, When did the symptoms first appear, Does the clutch problem occur more in specific gears, Have you noticed any transmission fluid leaks, Are there any unusual sounds when shifting This information would help determine if your issue is identical to what I experienced or if there might be other factors involved. The workshop will need to perform a thorough diagnostic to rule out other potential causes, but based on the symptoms, it sounds very similar to my torque converter failure.

Thanks for the detailed information about transmission repair solutions. In my case, the symptoms started quite suddenly after my last service just 2 weeks ago at 41400km. The automatic transmission issues are most noticeable when shifting from first to second gear. The torque converter seems to be struggling particularly during cold starts. I have already checked and there are no visible transmission fluid leaks. That 2120€ repair cost sounds more reasonable than the 3500€ quote I received. Did your workshop mention if skipping regular transmission fluid changes could have contributed to the torque converter failure? I want to avoid similar automatic gearbox problems in the future.

Thanks for the additional details about your transmission problems. My Tiguan had about 52000km when the torque converter issues started, so yours failing at 41400km is definitely premature, especially right after a service. The cold start symptoms and first-to-second gear problems mirror my experience exactly. My automatic gearbox issues also showed up most prominently during those initial shifts. The transmission repair specialist confirmed that irregular fluid maintenance was not the cause in my case, the torque converter lock-up clutch had a manufacturing defect. After my converter failure was fixed, I made sure to follow a strict transmission fluid change schedule every 60000km. The workshop also installed an upgraded torque converter that was apparently more durable than the original unit. Since the repair, my transmission has performed flawlessly for the past 18 months. Given the similarities in our cases and the fact your issues appeared right after service, I would strongly recommend: 1. Get a second opinion from a transmission specialist 2. Request a detailed inspection of the recent service work 3. Check if your vehicle might still be under powertrain warranty 4. Consider filing a service complaint if the timing is suspicious The engine surge and shifting problems you describe are textbook symptoms of a faulty converter, but the sudden onset after service is concerning and worth investigating further.

I appreciate everyone sharing their transmission repair experiences. After reading the responses and getting more information about torque converter problems, I decided to seek a second opinion from a dedicated transmission specialist. The new workshop performed a detailed diagnostic and confirmed the automatic transmission issues are indeed related to the lock-up clutch in the torque converter. They quoted 2300€ for the repair, including a upgraded converter unit, which is much more reasonable than the initial 3500€ estimate. Interestingly, they also found evidence that some transmission components may have been improperly handled during my recent service, potentially contributing to the sudden converter failure. I am now pursuing this with the original service center while proceeding with the repairs at the specialist workshop. The automatic gearbox specialist also provided a detailed maintenance schedule to prevent future transmission problems. They recommended fluid changes every 50000km rather than waiting for 60000km, which seems like good preventive maintenance considering the repair costs involved. Will update once the repair is complete to confirm if this fixes the shifting and converter fault symptoms completely.