My Skoda Rapid TDI DSG failure: Dealer quotes Rs 95,000

I also have a 2018 Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, equipped with a DSG transmission.

BHPian vinaydatla recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I own a 2015 Skoda Rapid 1.5 TDI AT and a 2018 VW Polo GT TSI. Both are equipped with a DSG gearbox.

One week ago, my Skoda Rapid's gear lever refused to move out of "P". The glowplug indicator was flashing and the check engine light was ON.

I called Skoda Roadside assistance immediately and as the vehicle is not in neutral, I was asked to contact the nearest service centre and get the vehicle in "N" before requesting a tow truck.

As the service centre was closed for the day, I had to wait for the next day. The technician from the A.S.S has pushed the shift lock release flap for the gearbox (inside the gear lever console) and moved the gear lever to "N". I had requested a tow truck and paid the minimum charges for the towing service Rs.3304/- for within the city towing (It seems my RSA expired one week ago and Skoda has not reminded me of the renewal and I missed it too)

After one week of continuous follow-up, I get an update that Mechatronics has failed and the initial estimate of Rs.95,000/- has been provided. Will the mechatronics fail without any warning or issue?

What are my options? Please suggest.

The car has been serviced only at the A.S.S that too Mahavir Skoda dealerships.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

VW-Skoda owners: How much cheaper would an independent garage be in this case?

Pretty sad for the company to, first of all, sell a defective gearbox that is destined to fail, and then refuse to offer any kind of goodwill warranty. Now you know why VW-Skoda will always suffer limited success in India - such moves destroy an already damaged reputation. They are also taking advantage of our weak legal system; compare this to China where they were forced to recall and offer a 10-year warranty on DSG models!

Here's what BHPian itwasntme had to say on the matter:

Ask them for the diagnostic reports signifying the failure. Hold out quietly but firmly for a goodwill warranty stating there are no modifications, and that you have never serviced it outside Skoda.

Escalate to Zac Hollis on Twitter if necessary.

Here's what BHPian pta320 had to say on the matter:

It's a sad truth that VW makes weak transmissions and their DSG is the worst of the lot. They fail prematurely and can leave you stranded.

In your case, the P0914 kind of points towards this possibility.

I'd say the push for goodwill, get it repaired and get rid of the car. These German cars become a money pit as they get older.

Or outsource a salvaged transmission that works and get rid of the car. This may be cheaper but can be a real pain.

There should be a lawsuit filed against VAG for selling rubbish in India. Try to find some owners (you will find plenty) who have been victims of DSG transmission failure and work your way forward from there.

In 2022, transmission failure on a 5 to the 6-year-old car is simply unthinkable.

Here's what BHPian padmrajravi had to say on the matter:

This is really bad customer support from Skoda. This should be great publicity for them, right before the launch of Slavia. Don't these companies think about repeat customers? Will any sane person, his friends, or family who went through this DSG drama ever set foot in a Skoda showroom?

Sure there will be arguments that newer DSGs are better, but growing brands is about building trust. Such categorical denial of support is just insulting the people who trusted Skoda to put their money on them.

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