Automatic Transmission Gear Indicator Problems of Audi A3

My 2015 Audi A3 1. 8t is experiencing the exact same failure symptoms and operational hazards as those described in Audi’s own warranty extension u49, which covers certain 2017 and 2018 Audi A3 and A3 cabriolet 2. 0 tfsi models. According to Audi’s bulletin, vehicles with faulty mechatronic units are eligible for replacement under an extended warranty due to safety concerns — sudden loss of drive, vehicle being stuck in neutral, and prnds flashing while in traffic. My vehicle is now exhibiting these identical symptoms: (1) sudden disengagement of all gears while driving when it tries to go to fourth gear. At this point, there is a (2) flashing prnds indicator and “reverse gear not available” message. (3) loss of ability to accelerate in moving traffic, requiring emergency maneuvers, and halting traffic. (4) temporary restoration of function after shutting off and restarting the engine, only for the problem to happen again. (5) check engine light. This is a serious safety hazard that puts both the driver and other road users at risk. The only reason my vehicle is excluded from the coverage appears to be its model year (2015), despite the fact that the mechatronic unit and failure mode are identical to the covered 2017–2018 vehicles. I believe Audi overlooked this issue in other year models and, as such, I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate why Audi is limiting this safety-related repair to only certain VIN ranges and model years, when vehicles just a couple of years older are exhibiting the exact same dangerous defect. A sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds is a serious risk that warrants broader manufacturer accountability. The company should fix this issue as soon as possible.

See all problems of the 2015 Audi A3 🔎.

The **mechatronic unit** (integrated into the s-tronic dual-clutch transmission) is the primary component that fails. This unit controls gear shifts, clutch engagement, and hydraulic pressure within the transmission. Common failure points include: - internal electronic control module (ecu) faults. - malfunctioning solenoids or pressure valves. - software glitches or calibration errors. **2. Safety risks** mechatronic failure poses significant safety risks: - **erratic gear shifts**: sudden jerks, delayed engagement, or refusal to shift gears could lead to loss of vehicle control, especially in traffic or during overtaking . - **limp mode**: the transmission may default to a single gear (e. G. , 3rd gear), severely limiting acceleration and braking responsiveness . - **complete gear loss**: loss of reverse or multiple forward gears increases collision risks during parking or low-speed maneuvers . --- **3. Confirmation by dealers/service centers** dealers and independent specialists can reproduce and confirm the issue through: - **diagnostic scans**: fault codes like "implausible gear ratio," "valve electrical faults," or "clutch adaptation limits" often indicate mechatronic failure . - **physical testing**: symptoms such as harsh shifting, rpm fluctuations, or transmission warnings (e. G. , flashing prnds lights) are observable during test drives . - Audi has issued **technical service bulletins (tsbs)** for related transmission issues, though the 2016 A3 e-tron’s mechatronic unit isn’t part of a formal recall.

See all problems of the 2016 Audi A3 🔎.

Driving 30 minutes into the highway, the vehicle decided to shift into neutral while the vehicle was in "d" drive and in motion. The "prnds" started flashing on my dash, while not letting me accelerate going 65mph. I had to quickly slowdown, and pull over to the emergency lane. The vehicle seems to have gone into "limp mode". After turning off the vehicle and turning it back on, it drove just fine. This happened once more 2 days ago. Seems like it could be the transmission control unit, however dealer cant determine the fault without a code. Scared to drive the vehicle now.

See all problems of the 2009 Audi A3 🔎.

When driving, prnds flashes and car goes into limp mode (loses power). Must stop car and turn off. After turning on again, will drive and will happen again.

See all problems of the 2006 Audi A3 🔎.

An interruption of motive power . The dash gear position indicator (prnds) flashing.

Reference NHTSA action number: pe09035, recall number: 09v333000 I had exactly the same type of issue occur on my 2006 Audi A3. This A3 has a 2. 0t engine and 6 speed dsg transmission. Today while driving in town on a very busy street, the vehicle suddenly and with no warning downshifted and then all prnds lights began to flash. I was stuck in heavy traffic and got into the center lane where I eventually make a left hand turn. It appeared to have only one forward gear (1st). I had to drive it home 20 miles away with no reverse at 15 mph and 3500 rpm. I have kept the car well maintained and it was only dealer maintained until recently. This type of failure is ridiculous. Had I been going faster, I would have likely had an accident. The downshift was abrupt and caused a violent jerking in the car. The car has not displayed any evidence of harder shifting over time. This is the same gearbox system as in the recalled later model years. The recall must be adjusted to include earlier models with the same system. This is a systemic defect. I have found this issue across numerous Audi owner forum websites covering wider model years than listed on this recall. I contacted Audi of America and they said that it is out of warrenty; too bad. The closest dealer is 150 miles away. I request NHTSA investigate.

Reference NHTSA action number: pe09035, recall number: 09v333000 I had exactly the same type of issue occur on my 2006 Audi A3. This A3 has a 2. 0t engine and 6 speed dsg transmission. Today while driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly and with no warning downshifted and then all prnds lights began to flash. I was able to navigate the car to the right shoulder. It appeared to have only one forward gear (3rd). I was able to drive it to a place for towing. Even reverse was not available. This transmission was recently serviced. I have kept the car well maintained and it was only dealer maintained until recently. This type of failure is ridiculous. Had the traffic not been light, I would have likely had an accident. The downshift was abrupt and caused a violent jerking in the car. The car has not displayed any evidence of harder shifting over time. This is the same gearbox system as in the recalled model years. The recall must be adjusted to include earlier models with the same system. This is a systemic defect. I have found this issue across numerous Audi owner forum websites covering wider model years than listed on this recall. I request NHTSA investigate.

Vehicle goes out of gears while driving on the freeway for about 20mins in hot weather, this was going about 70 mph. The "prnds" light flash for a quick second and back into gear again. I have various issues with harsh shifts up and down, especially in the lower gears. While slowing down to a stop the vehicle has a hot time going in to second gear and sometime first. It makes a very noticeable clunk sound when it does. From a stop, giving just a bit of gas and the car don't seem to move then it will surge until the speed comes up. While getting up to speed it will try to get into the highest gear as soon as possible, I would be in 6th gear while only going 35mph. There are some safety issues involved and that is why I'm taking the time to file.

My vehicle failed on three different occasions - failed to move on a stop sign - moved very weakly when taking a left turn while in the center turn lane. Cars were coming from the opposite direction and I barely missed having an accident. - vehicle went into neutral and completely failed to move while still in heavy traffic. When this happened "prnds" flashed on the dash. - I have the video of the problem when it happened. This problem is a very common problem and Audi has recalled many cars (2007 onwards), but my car wasn't recalled. The recall notice from Audi is in 2009 and my car was not in it. Why is that? how does Audi decide which cars to include in the recall? I think that process is completely flawed. I believe Audi cut corners and did not recall all the cars they should have. Just enough to calm people down as this problem was also shown on tv news. The problem was fixed by the dealer by changing the "mechatronics unit" of my car. This fix is exactly the same as they did for 2007 year models, so why was 2006 not included in the recall notice of Aug 2009. I believe that there are still many cars on the street that still has this dangerous problem, just waiting to happen. Nhtsa should use all its power to restart this investigation and make Audi work responsibly towards fixing this issue.

Audi dsg transmission safety issue - the"prnds" on my dash often starts flashing, and the transmission is now in a "limp" mode. I then have to put the car in neutral, turn the ignition off, start the car, and put it back in drive mode. I do all of this while either rolling down the road or the alternative is find a place to pull over. Audi recognizes this as a problem on dsg equipped vehicles just a few months newer than mine. I don't understand why they will not admit it is a safety issue on cars built with the same equipment just a little earlier. Please help me resolve this safety issue with Audi. They claim it needs a new transmission that will cost $4800 and can only be done at a dealer. This has been an ongoing problem for over 1. 5 years and has gotten much more frequent in the last half year.

I got a 2006 A3 (automatic) with 90k miles on it. We started experiencing transmission problems 2 weeks ago, basically while driving (at any speed) transmission would sporadically shift to neutral followed by a jolting/clunking noise, and then prnds lights would go off onthe dashboard. The same thing has happened 3-4 times within 1 week. The scary thing is that driving on highways, such I-95, my wife almost got rear ended by a 18-wheeler. This is a safety issue. Talked to Audi na complain line, and they mentioned there wasn't anything reported to them, there was no recall on this item, and no willings to help to cover the cost of replacing parts. I don't see this any different from the gas pedal issue that Toyota is addressing. Many complains or cases have been reported on Audi/vw forums.

Car had occasional leaks had taken in for fix. Fixed but still had occasional leaks. Going around corners at low speed, occasionally car would jerk when the gas was applied like it has hitting the wrong gear. Had blinking prnds light while on the freeway. Car started rough next day with engine icon flashing. Took car for service, Audi tech found loose bolts in transmission pan causing fluid loss and small metal particles in pan. Road test found "hard shift in reverse and 1st". Replaced transmission. Concerned that the transmission failure could occur while driving and cause harm to myself or others.

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I have an '07 Audi A3 2. 0tdi sportback wtih the dsg transmission. I don't know if I am qualified to fill up this form since my car is overseas (in the philippines). I just want to share my troubles with my Audi's dsg transmission. When I had about 18,000km in the clock, my dsg started to make some grinding noise and difficulty in shifting gears. I brought it to my garage to have my dsg inspected. The mechanics found out that the circlip holding the clutch pack of the dsg flew off. The fix was done by replacing the circlip of the clutch pack. The car then went fine. Fastforward to 2 nights ago (July 10th or about only 1,500km later), my dsg's instrument cluster started showing my the "flash of death" wherein the "prnd" lights kept on flashing accompanied by difficulty in changing gears! I am experiencing sudden lurching on first gear and the reverse gear totally doesnt engage anymore!!! I have my own diagnostic tool (vag-com fromross-tech) and it tells me this "pressure control valve 2 (n216): open or short to plus". I have done extensive research and my mechanics/garage and I have come to a conclusion that the problem is a failed mechatronics module on my Audi's dsg transmission.

I have a 2006 Audi A3 3. 2 w/ dsg. The car was driving fine until one day, complete disaster. What happens now is when you start up the car, drive any distance and come to a stop, the car will go neutral, the prnds will start to flash, and come to a jolting stop. The only way to get it going again, is to power off then start up again. There has been times when the car has gone neutral while driving and I'll have to come to a stop. This occurs 99% of the time. Being in the d. C. Area, there's lots of traffic so powering down and up again at each stop and go traffic isn't safe for me and others around. The car has been at the dealer for 5 weeks now b/c the replacement part (transmission control unit / mechatronic unit / dsg) is from germany and has to be "coded to your VIN". It also has to go through us customs before arriving at the dealer. Being out of warranty, this is going to be a costly repair for what seems to be a fault that many others are having.