Audi A7 Transmission Failure: Converter Issues & Costs

Had the exact same torque converter symptoms on my 2012 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI. The converter fault started with transmission slipping between gears and progressed to grinding noises within weeks. The lock-up clutch inside the torque converter was failing, causing engine surge during acceleration. The diagnosis confirmed metal particles in the transmission fluid from the damaged converter components. This required a complete torque converter replacement along with transmission fluid flush since metal debris had contaminated the entire system. This was definitely a serious repair job, the transmission had to be removed to access and replace the converter assembly. The worn lock-up clutch had already caused additional wear to other transmission components. The symptoms match your case exactly, the slipping, grinding, warning lights and performance issues are classic signs of converter failure in these transmissions. Would strongly recommend getting it fixed soon before the damage spreads to other parts of the transmission system. My car runs perfectly now after the repair, shifts are smooth again with no more grinding or warning lights. The issue never returned in 40k km of driving since the fix.

Thanks for sharing your A6 experience. Your symptoms match mine, same grinding and engine surge from what sounds like a failing lock-up clutch. Good to hear the repair fixed it completely. Would you mind sharing what you paid for the torque converter replacement? Also curious if any other clutch problems or converter fault codes came up since the repair? Just want to budget properly and know what to expect.

Thanks for asking about the follow-up. The automatic transmission torque converter repair on my A6 cost 2120 Euro total, including labor and new transmission fluid. This was money well spent, the auto transmission has worked flawlessly since the fix, with no converter fault codes or lock-up clutch issues in the past 40k km. The repair completely resolved the engine surge and grinding noise problems. The torque converter lock-up clutch defective condition was the root cause, and replacing the entire converter assembly was the right solution. The transmission now shifts perfectly smooth through all gears with no slipping. The investment was worth it to prevent more extensive automatic gearbox damage that could have happened if left unfixed. Would definitely recommend getting yours repaired soon to avoid similar complications.

Took my A7 to a different shop last week based on this advice. The transmission repair specialist confirmed it was indeed a failing torque converter causing the problems. They found metal particles in the fluid just like you mentioned. Total bill came to 2350 Euro for the new torque converter, labor, and transmission fluid flush. Higher than I wanted to pay but still better than risking complete automatic gearbox failure. Been driving it for a week now and the transmission shifts perfectly again. No more grinding noises or warning lights. The engine surge during acceleration is completely gone too. Glad I got a second opinion and had it fixed before more damage occurred. Really appreciate the detailed feedback about your similar experience. Helped me make an informed decision and avoid getting overcharged at my original shop who wanted much more for the same repair.