While Audis are one of the most reliable and powerful brands of European luxury vehicles, and they have only improved in quality over the years, even these dependable cars need a bit of maintenance every now and then. Otherwise, your Audi could experience minor issues that quickly become major, much more expensive problems.
The transmission in your Audi typically allows for stellar performance, but transmission issues can be sudden. You should always have this system checked during routine maintenance. Even when doing so, your vehicle may require transmission services if it starts performing oddly.
When to Have Your Audi Transmission Serviced
It is a good idea to have your Audi’s transmission checked during routine services, which you should ideally schedule every six months. At the very least, a skilled Audi service technician will inspect it for leaks.
According to the manufacturer, you should have your vehicle’s transmission serviced either every two years or after reaching 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. After that, they recommend that you schedule transmission services in another two years or after traveling another 20,000 miles.
If you suspect transmission trouble, schedule an appointment for your Audi as soon as possible.
Signs of Audi Transmission Problems
Fortunately, there are many warning signs you should catch before your transmission experiences severe performance issues. If your Audi is showing any of the following symptoms, it may have a transmission problem that requires service:
Flashing Check Engine Light
Although the check engine light can come on for several reasons, this is often an indicator of a serious problem, and that includes transmission issues. A repair shop can retrieve the code from the warning sensor to figure out the specific issue and start fixing it. This warning indicator is most likely to come on for the transmission if the fluid is contaminated or if your Audi’s computer is the problem source.
Failure to Start Transmission
If you are unable to put your Audi in gear, it could have a computer problem if it is a newer model, as they often tell the car when it should shift gears. Your transmission fluid might also be low or a transmission component, like the shifter, could be malfunctioning.
Delayed Gear Shifts
If your Audi’s transmission will still shift and go into gear but the process feels delayed, this could also be due to a low amount of transmission fluid. Neglecting maintenance, engine issues, and even intruding water can delay the transmission in this manner.
Leaking Red Fluid
If you see puddles of red fluid under your Audi after it has been sitting for a while, it is probably leaking transmission fluid from a gasket, a seal, or a cooler line. Not only is this one of the most obvious indicators that you should have your transmission serviced, it is one of the most dangerous, as it can corrode internal parts of the transmission and make your vehicle nearly impossible to control.
Buzzing or Clunking Sounds
If you are hearing bizarre sounds like a buzz or clunk from the inside of your Audi’s transmission, there is a good chance that the gears are damaged or that a bearing is loose. This could also point to an issue with bad seals or a leak within the transmission.
Grinding Gears in a Manual
If your Audi is a manual and the transmission is grinding whenever you shift gears, there may be a problem with the clutch, a shifter could be worn out, or the transmission fluid might be contaminated, low, or the wrong type.
How Encore Motorcars Can Help
Encore Motorcars is fully staffed 
with ASE certified mechanics. Our team has devoted decades of experience to servicing Audis and many other imported luxury brands, and we have attracted clients from Bradenton, Ellenton, Nokomis, Osprey, Parrish, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, University Park, and other areas near Sarasota, FL.
Transmission problems, whether current or a possibility due to a lack of maintenance, can impede the performance of your Audi. For quality service that will allow you to keep getting the best driving experience out of your vehicle, visit us at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you.