The 7-speed robotic transmission VW DQ381 or DSG 7 0GC has been produced at a factory in China since 2017 and is installed on almost all modern models of the concern with a transverse engine. This gearbox with a pair of wet clutches exists in a version for front-wheel drive 7A and all-wheel drive 7F.
DSG-7 family: DQ200, DQ381, DQ500, DL382, DL501.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2017 |
| Type | robotic transmission |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Type of drive | front / all wheel |
| Engine volume, l | up to 2.0 |
| Torque output, Nm | up to 420 |
| Recommended oil | VAG G 055 529 A2 |
| Oil capacity, liter | 6.9 |
| Partial replacement, liter | 4.5 – 5.5 |
| Maintenance | every 60 000 km |
| Gearbox lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 87.5 (4WD – 103.5) |
In 2017, the 6-speed DQ250 was replaced by a new 7-speed transmission. This is a typical dual-clutch robotic transmission with two wet clutches and a single oil circuit, designed for front- and all-wheel-drive vehicles with a transversely mounted unit. Among the new features, it is worth noting the addition of a second, electrically driven oil pump, which protects the transmission components from overheating at low engine speeds, such as in traffic jams.
Gear ratios Volkswagen DQ381
Using the example of a VW Taos 2021 with a 1.4 TSI engine:
| Main | 4.813/3.667 |
| 1st | 3.190 |
| 2nd | 2.750 |
| 3rd | 1.897 |
| 4th | 1.040 |
| 5th | 0.793 |
| 6th | 0.860 |
| 7th | 0.661 |
| Reverse | 2.900 |
Using
The transmission was installed on:
- Audi A1 2 (GB) in 2020 – 2026;
- Audi A3 3 (8V) in 2017 – 2020;
- Audi A3 4 (8Y) in 2020 – …;
- Audi S3 4 (8Y) in 2020 – …;
- Audi Q2 1 (GA) in 2017 – …;
- Audi Q3 2 (F3) in 2018 – …;
- Audi Q3 2 Sportback (F3) in 2019 – …;
- Audi TT 3 (8S) in 2018 – 2023;
- Audi TTS 3 (8S) in 2018 – 2023;
- Skoda Karoq 1 (NU) in 2018 – …;
- Skoda Kodiaq 1 (NS) in 2018 – 2023;
- Skoda Kodiaq 2 (PS) in 2023 – …;
- Skoda Octavia 3 (5E) in 2017 – 2020;
- Skoda Octavia 4 (NX) in 2019 – …;
- Skoda Superb 3 (3V) in 2015 – 2023;
- Skoda Superb 4 (3Y) in 2023 – …;
- Seat Alhambra 2 (7N) in 2018 – 2020;
- Seat Ateca 1 (KH) in 2017 – …;
- Seat Leon 3 (5F) in 2017 – 2020;
- Seat Leon 4 (KL) in 2020 – …;
- Volkswagen Arteon 1 (3H) in 2017 – 2024;
- Volkswagen Caddy 5 (SB) in 2020 – …;
- Volkswagen Golf 7 (5G) in 2017 – 2020;
- Volkswagen Golf 7 Alltrack (BA) in 2017 – 2020;
- Volkswagen Golf 8 (CD) in 2019 – …;
- Volkswagen Golf 8 Alltrack (CG) in 2020 – 2024;
- Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan 1 (AM) in 2017 – 2020;
- Volkswagen Jetta 7 (BU) in 2019 – …;
- Volkswagen Passat B8 (3G) in 2014 – 2023;
- Volkswagen Passat B9 (3J) in 2023 – …;
- Volkswagen Sharan 2 (7N) in 2018 – 2020;
- Volkswagen Taos 1 (CP) in 2020 – …;
- Volkswagen Tiguan 2 (AD) in 2017 – 2024;
- Volkswagen Tiguan 3 (CT) in 2023 – …;
- Volkswagen Touran 2 (5T) in 2018 – …;
- Volkswagen T-Roc 1 (A1) in 2017 – …
Disadvantages of the VW DQ381 gearbox
- In the early years, there were complaints about harsh gear shifting until the transmission warmed up. Often, firmware updates didn’t help, and the owner had to replace the mechatronics under warranty. The shaking also appeared after an oil change, and this was also resolved by replacing the hydraulics.
- A well-known problem with this transmission, which still persists, is the failure of the pressure sensors. They fail after 100,000-150,000 km, leading to the failure of some gears, either even or odd. The sensors themselves and their replacement are not very expensive.
- Since this transmission has a single oil circuit, clutch wear debris easily enters the mechatronics, leading to very rapid wear of its valves. Change the lubricant as often as possible, as repairs will be expensive.
- Like all DSGs, the clutch assembly and dual-mass flywheel have a limited lifespan: with aggressive use, replacement may be necessary after up to 100,000 km, but dedicated owners can drive up to 200,000 and even 300,000 km without repairs.
