lilianwilson1
VW Jetta Hybrid Torque Converter Failure & Repair Costs
4 comment(s)
lilianwilson1 (Author)
Thanks for the detailed reply. My car has 42141km on the odometer and just had its annual service last month. The symptoms started appearing gradually over the past 2 weeks. The grinding noise is most noticeable between 40-60km/h and the automatic gearbox seems especially rough when downshifting. I have only used official VW service centers for maintenance and all transmission fluid changes were done according to schedule. No previous transmission repairs were needed before this issue. From what you describe about your repair experience, it sounds like I might be facing a similar torque converter fault. The quoted repair costs seem reasonable considering the work involved. The most concerning part is the lock-up clutch issue appearing so soon despite regular maintenance and relatively low mileage. Planning to take it to the shop next week for a complete diagnosis.
davidscholz1
Thanks for providing those additional details about your Jetta. Having gone through this with my Passat, the symptoms at similar speeds and especially during downshifting strongly suggest a converter fault matching my experience. The transmission repair in my case was necessary despite regular maintenance, just like your situation. My converter failure occurred at 51000km, so the mileage pattern seems consistent with these models developing lock-up clutch problems relatively early. The gradual onset of symptoms mirrors how my transmission issues developed. Within about three weeks of first noticing the grinding noise, my transmission was showing clear signs of converter failure. Getting it addressed quickly helped prevent additional transmission damage. One thing I learned through my repair, the transmission fluid changes alone wont prevent converter clutch problems when theres an underlying mechanical issue. The 2000-3000€ estimate reflects the extensive labor needed to properly fix the torque converter. After the transmission repair was completed, my Passat returned to shifting as smoothly as new. Keep us updated on what the diagnosis reveals next week. The early intervention should help minimize any risk of more extensive transmission damage.
lilianwilson1 (Author)
Based on all the information shared, I really appreciate the detailed feedback about your similar experience with the Passat. The matching symptoms and repair details give me a much clearer picture of what to expect. The automatic gearbox problems you experienced do sound identical to what my Jetta is showing. Your mention of getting it fixed quickly to prevent additional transmission damage makes a lot of sense. The torque converter lock-up clutch seems to be a common failure point in these models, even with proper maintenance. Knowing your transmission repair cost came in at 2120€ helps validate the estimates I received. The fact that your car has been trouble-free since the fix is encouraging. Given how the grinding noise and rough shifting match your experience so closely, I feel more confident moving forward with the repair next week. The 3-day repair timeline helps me plan better. Really hoping my lock-up clutch issue can be resolved as successfully as yours was. Will update the forum once I get the official diagnosis and complete the transmission repair.
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davidscholz1
Having faced nearly identical transmission issues with my 2015 VW Passat Hybrid, I can share some relevant experience with transmission repair. The symptoms you describe match what I encountered, rough shifting, grinding noises, and warning lights indicating converter failure. After initial diagnosis, my mechanic confirmed the automatic transmission torque converter was failing. The transmission repair required complete converter replacement due to internal wear causing clutch problem. The total repair cost came to 2120€, which included parts, labor, and transmission fluid change. The repair process took about 3 days, but completely resolved the transmission issues. No problems since the fix, and the shifting is smooth again. The grinding noise disappeared completely after the repair. To provide more specific guidance on your situation, could you share: Current mileage on your Jetta, When did these symptoms first appear, Have you had any previous transmission work done, Does the engine surge occur at specific speeds, What transmission fluid maintenance history exists These details would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced with my Passat and whether similar repairs might be needed. The cost estimate you received appears to be in line with what I paid, considering the extensive labor required for torque converter replacement.