The **mechatronic unit** (integrated into the S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission) is the primary component that fails. This unit controls gear shifts, clutch engagement, and hydraulic pressure within the transmission. Common failure points include: - Internal electronic control module (ECU) faults. - Malfunctioning solenoids or pressure valves. - Software glitches or calibration errors. *. Safety Risks** Mechatronic failure poses significant safety risks: - **Erratic Gear Shifts**: Sudden jerks, delayed engagement, or refusal to shift gears could lead to loss of vehicle control, especially in traffic or during overtaking. - **Limp Mode**: The transmission may default to a single gear (e.g., 3rd gear), severely limiting acceleration and braking responsiveness. - **Complete Gear Loss**: Loss of reverse or multiple forward gears increases collision risks during parking or low-speed maneuvers. --- *. Confirmation by Dealers/Service Centers** Dealers and independent specialists can reproduce and confirm the issue through: - **Diagnostic Scans**: Fault codes like "implausible gear ratio, " "valve electrical faults, " or "clutch adaptation limits" often indicate mechatronic failure. - **Physical Testing**: Symptoms such as harsh shifting, RPM fluctuations, or transmission warnings (e.g., flashing PRNDS lights) are observable during test drives. - Audi has issued **Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)** for related transmission issues, though the 2016 A3 e-tron-??s mechatronic unit isn-??t part of a formal recall.

- Smyrna, GA, USA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request" Power Train system failed also engine light is now on How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Me and my toddler were in the vehicle when it started to jerk in bad traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the mechanic said this is a serious problem and i should be concerned. He stated i should not drive my vehicle. It was inspected by a certified mechanic. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear" No, everything happen at one time.

- Baton Rouge , LA, USA

I was entering the interstate and accelerating to merge with the traffic. When I reached about 70 mph the car stalled and a message appeared, transmission faulty, no reverse, safe to continue to drive. The car was drivable at a low speed and a high rpm. After having it towed to an Audi dealership, I was informed that the transmission would need to be replaced. According to the dealership, the mechatronic unit was faulty due to an unknown short in the transmission.

- Helena, AL, USA

Gearshifter sensor going off. Been told this shifter issue can cause car to shift into a different gear at any given moment. Read plenty of forums reporting the same thing.

- Milan, IL, USA

Fault codes: P072C00, P072B00, P174A00, P072600, P179D00, P173400. Name of codes in order above, Stuck in Gear 1, Stuck in Reverse, Valve 3 in partial transmission 1, Engine Speed Inp.Circ., Cooling oil valve, Starter release from the selector level sensor system.

- Cottonwood Heights, UT, USA