VW/Audi DQ381 7-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transaxle (Gen 3) · VW / Audi / Porsche · Expert rebuild service since 1987. Lifetime warranty. Free diagnostic.
2017–present VW Golf GTI (mk7.5+), 2017–present VW Golf R (all FWD), 2017–present Audi A3 2.0T (select), 2019–present VW Tiguan 2.0T FWD, 2017–present Audi Q2/Q3
| Configuration | 7-speed wet dual-clutch transaxle (3rd-generation DSG, higher torque) |
|---|---|
| Gear Ratios | 1st 3.46:1 · 2nd 2.05:1 · 3rd 1.40:1 · 4th 1.03:1 · 5th 0.82:1 · 6th 0.65:1 · 7th 0.52:1 · Rev 2.76:1 |
| Fluid Type | VW/Audi G 060 162 A2 DSG fluid |
| Fluid Capacity | 6.5 qts total (wet dual sump) |
DQ381 shudder at low speeds is addressed by multiple VW TSBs — typically software updates and fluid replacement resolve it in most cases.
Symptoms: Shudder at 5–25 mph, DTC P0810, judder in parking lots and city traffic — check TSBs first
Early DQ381 units had calibration issues that cause harsh or hesitant shifts. Software updates are mandatory before mechanical diagnosis.
Symptoms: Harsh shifts, abrupt downshifts under light braking, hesitation when selecting Drive
If shudder persists through multiple fluid changes, the clutch disc surfaces have glazed and require physical replacement.
Symptoms: Persistent shudder after fluid and software update, DTC P0810 recurring
DQ381 rebuild replaces both clutch packs, mechatronic unit if faulty, and all seals. Latest VW TCM calibration applied. G 060 162 A2 fluid used in both sumps.
VW G 060 162 A2 DSG fluid every 40,000 miles. Check for VW TSBs and apply all software updates before any mechanical diagnosis on the DQ381.
The DQ381 is VW/Audi's third-generation 7-speed wet dual-clutch DSG transaxle, introduced in 2017 with the Golf mk7.5. It replaces the DQ250 in many applications.
Yes — low-speed shudder is a known DQ381 issue. Check for VW TSBs first; software updates and a fluid change resolve most cases.
A full rebuild ranges $2,300–$3,000 at Chicago Transmission.
VW G 060 162 A2 — different from the G 052 182 A2 used in the older DQ250.
The DQ381 is a 7-speed (DQ250 is 6-speed), handles higher torque, and uses different (G 060 162 A2) fluid. Internal design is substantially different.
Free diagnostic, written estimate, lifetime warranty. Chicago's DQ381 (0GC/0CK) rebuild specialists since 1987.
