VW Touareg Trans Warning: Fluid vs System Failure

I had a very similar issue with my 2021 VW Tiguan. With some experience working on VWs, I can share what happened in my case. The automatic transmission symptoms you describe match exactly what I experienced, erratic shifting and transmission warning lights. While I initially thought it was transmission oil related, it turned out to be an undervoltage issue affecting the transmission performance. The workshop diagnosed it as a voltage drop causing the automatic gearbox control unit to malfunction. They found the battery was not maintaining proper charge, which made the car transmission behave unpredictably. The fix involved: 1. Complete electronic system diagnosis 2. Battery replacement 3. Transmission control unit reset 4. Test drive to confirm proper automatic transmission function Total repair cost was 240€ and took about 4 hours to complete. The car transmission has worked flawlessly since then. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Current mileage, Whether you noticed any other electrical issues, If the battery warning light ever came on, Whether the issue occurs more when the engine is cold or warm This information would help determine if your case is similar to what I experienced with the voltage-related transmission issues.

Last service was just 2 months ago at 102000km, so I am a bit surprised these issues are happening now. After reading about your voltage-related problems, I checked the battery connections, but they seem perfectly fine. The slipping transmission symptoms appear more frequently when the engine is warm, especially during gear changes between 2nd and 3rd. No battery warning lights have appeared, and all other electrical systems work normally. Based on the service records, no transmission flush or oil replacement has been done yet. Given my current mileage at 104447km, perhaps its time for transmission maintenance despite the vehicle being relatively new.

Thanks for the additional details about your Touareg. Given the symptoms occur mainly when warm and specifically between 2nd and 3rd gear, this actually sounds different from the voltage issue I experienced in my case. With 104000km without any automatic transmission oil replacement, this strongly suggests a maintenance-related issue. The automatic gearbox in these models typically needs fluid service around 90000-100000km, even in newer vehicles. When I had the voltage problem, the transmission issues were present regardless of engine temperature. Your symptoms pointing to specific gear changes when warm indicate classic signs of degraded transmission fluid affecting shift quality. Recommended next steps: 1. Get the transmission oil level checked 2. Have a transmission fluid analysis done 3. Complete automatic transmission service including filter change 4. Reset transmission adaptations after oil replacement Expected costs based on my experience: Full transmission service: 350-450€, Diagnostic check: 80€ The automatic transmission should shift smoothly again after proper maintenance. Continuing to drive with degraded fluid could lead to more expensive transmission performance issues later. Would you like details about specific transmission fluid specs for your model?

Thanks for all the feedback. After carefully considering the symptoms and your suggestions, I decided to take the car in for a transmission service this week. You make a valid point about the mileage and maintenance schedule. The workshop confirmed the transmission fluid was indeed degraded and affecting shift quality. They performed a complete transmission flush and oil replacement service, replaced the filter, and reset the transmission control unit. Total cost came to 420€ and took about 6 hours. The automatic gearbox is now shifting perfectly again, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear where I previously had issues. The transmission performance has significantly improved overall. Glad I caught this early before any serious damage occurred to the transmission system. Will definitely keep up with the recommended maintenance intervals from now on. This forum has been incredibly helpful in diagnosing the issue. The detailed responses helped me understand exactly what was happening with my transmission and likely saved me from more expensive repairs down the road.