Audi A6 C5 Front Suspension Diagram

Audi A4 B8: Multitronic CVT Problems

Here are some things to look out for when considering that Audi A4 with the Multitronic CVT.

This article applies to the Audi A4 (2009-2015).

The A4 is one of the most popular and highly sought after entry-level luxury vehicles. Even with its popularity, it still has some undesirable characteristics and things that you should look out for. When considering this vehicle, you want to be aware of common issues and try to avoid the surprises that cost you money that you were not prepared to spend. When researching this generation of car, one of the most common talking points is the Multitronic CVT automatic transmission. It rides like no other and while some people love it, others hate it. Set your expectations about this vehicle by learning about its ride characteristics and any potential problems by reading here and make an informed purchasing decision.

Common Issues

Transmission Control Module (TCM) Issues

The continuously variable transmission is electronically controlled as there are no gears and as such, the module that controls it can cause a myriad of problems.

One of the best indicators that the electronic TCM has gone south is that the PRND indicators will start flashing. This isn't the easiest part in the world to replace, but it can be done with a little bit of work and mechanical knowledge. Without gears to grind or trouble shifting up or down, most of the issues that you will encounter will be related to the electronics, and replacing the TCM is just about the only option here. There have been some success stories about simply having the TCM reprogrammed; however, there are also many that found it needed to be replaced after all that expense anyway.

audi a4 b5 b7 b8 CVT multitronic problem issue advice question slipping rough friction plate disc chain maintenance info audiworld — Figure 1. TCM mounted on side of transmission.

If you have no flashing indicators and the TCM is good, you may just need to stay on top of your regular maintenance.

Change the Gear Box Oil Every 40,000 Miles

There have been reports of early burnout that could have been avoided with regular oil changes.

Making sure that you keep up with the regular multitronic gear box oil changes will go a long way to ensure that you have many happy miles ahead of you. This is a simple task that only requires a ratchet and a fill pump to get the simple task done in a matter of minutes. Neglecting this will eventually lead to an early demise of your transmission.

Figure 2. Changing out the multitronic gear box oil is a simple task that should never be neglected.

If you know the oil is good, but the car just doesn't "feel" right, it may just be not what you are used to feeling.

Slow Response or Hesitation Moving From a Dead Stop is "Normal"

The CVT does not offer the same initial torque delivery of a traditional automatic.

These transmissions make the car feel a bit under powered when taking off. You may feel a hesitation or a slow throttle response from the stop lights, but that is likely because you aren't feeling that characteristic shifting from first to second, and on up. Once you get up to speed, you will notice a much smoother ride.

If you are missing that passing gear feeling at highway speeds, welcome to the world of CVTs.

The Torque Surge or Jerky Feeling of Mashing the Gas on the Freeway is Absent

Hitting the passing gears is super smooth and it takes a bit of getting used to.

Highway speeds and hopping into the passing lane is really where these cars shine. If you love feeling the jerk and surge of a traditional transmission gear box, you may not be too happy with this car, at first. Eventually, you may come to love the fact that hitting it from 60-80 is as smooth as silk. The car is really responsive in this range and once you get used to this smooth response, you may never want to go back.

There is one thing to address if you suspect an actual issue.

Check the Friction Plates

One of the more common mechanical problems with these transmissions are the friction plates burning out.

Audi did apparently have some issues with friction plate burnout on the earlier models. If you find this to be the case, a professional repair will likely run you into the higher end of $2,000. Accessing the friction plates is a serious repair, as they are situated in the depths of the transmission case. These friction plates act similarly to a clutch or torque converter and do wear with age. Many folks have found better luck having aftermarket plates installed rather than going back to Audi for OEM. They may run you a little more, but you may also get better quality and a lot longer life going this route.