I realize this does not help you, but 2015 Macans definitely don’t have a known issue with the transmission. Just take a look at the detailed frequency of repair surveys published by Consumer Reports and you’ll see that the 2015 Macan has the highest rating for transmission issues.

You definitely need to take your car to the transmission specialist as others have said. The $21,000 is a complete rip off. Wonder if they even diagnosed the problem correctly. Plenty of reports on this forum regarding poor dealer service and incorrect diagnosis by technicians.

 

It really sucks that this happened to your Macan. However, as others mentioned above it is a gamble to not have extended warranty on expensive cars. One thing that really stinks is that after 5 years the car is worth almost nothing and any repair becomes a big % of what the car is worth. Not related to transmission but my wife has a 2015 Mercedes GL450. We bought it CPO with 20k miles for $56k. MSRP on the car was $92k. After owning it for 4 years I wanted to trade it and was offered $23k. Well, two weeks ago I had a little accident that needed a new rear bumper. I ended up using my insurance but the cost of repair was $5,800. That is 26% of what the value of the car. For a bumper!!!! Seriously, how would you feel about spending 1/4 of the value of your car to fix its bumper?

Thus, $21k to fix the transmission of a car that is probably worth the same I would probably try to sell it for parts.

 

The MSRP of a new transmission (part only, no labor) is nearly $25,000, although often discounted well below $20,000. If you think that's bad, the MSRP of a replacement engine is more than $43,000, although often discounted well below $40,000,

So that gives you an idea of the risk of keeping a Macan out of warranty. On the other hand, there have been very few reports of owners needing new engines and transmissions. But there is a risk.

I do recall a while ago another forum member received a similar dealer diagnosis, and successfully used the following local transmission shop for a rebuild, and if I recall correctly the cost was in the $6000-$7000 range:

https://www.alltransmissionworld.com/what-you-should-know-about-dual-clutch-transmissionswhat-you-should-know-about-dual-clutch-transmissions

Keep in mind the Macan PDK is Audi derived. If you find a shop that rebuilds Audi dual clutch transmissions, they should have little issue working on yours.

 

Shark, thank you so much for your response. Ouch on the engine repair!!! I checked out your link and unfortunately there aren't any locations that are close to me. However, someone on another forum recommended a local auto shop that specializes in Porsche repairs. I'm also getting a quote from a shop who worked on my previous Porsche years ago. Fingers crossed that their pricing is reasonable.

 

OP: Is it the transmission or the transfer case that is having issue with your Macan? Please be certain as
to what the issue is specifically. To many people, anything beneath the car that's not the engine is the
transmission.

Are you absolutely certain a transmission replacement is required?

If you would state your location, forum members might be better able to assist you in locating a suitable
Porsche independent repair shop.


Good luck!

 

With that type of repair estimate, certainly hope it’s not the transfer case.

Then again, you are correct in asking if it is absolutely certain transmission replacement is required, or is that merely the dealer’s opinion? As we have all seen on this forum, a dealer service department opinion is not always valid. And they have a vested interest in recommending the repair they have, because they are going to make a breathtaking amount of profit on it.

 

I've mentioned this before, I think. A neighbor of mine has a Cayman whose PDK failed after it was out of warranty. He purchased it used from a non-Porsche dealer, but has had it for several years now. Our local dealer was able to work a deal with PCA to cover most of the cost of a new PDK for him. He was still out of pocket for something just under $4K, but was willing to pay that, considering the bill would have been around what you're being quoted. I hope that you can get some help from PCA if you push. They might be more gracious if you point out that this isn't your first Porsche.

Good luck & keep us posted.

 

Wow that's great that they helped him out. I was originally told by my dealer that Porsche would pay a portion and the dealership would pay a portion and I would be responsible for $4-5000K. I was good with that. And then my dealer said Porsche wouldn't help and I was back to where I am now. I can't believe they would help someone who bought their car from a non-Porsche dealer. I did point out this isn't my first Porsche and that didn't seem to matter. So disappointed.

 

$21k for a new transmission....wow, that sucks for sure! I'd definitely be combing the junk yards for a used PDK, then have an independent repair shop install it.

Who am I fooling....personally, I would NEVER own a Macan out of warranty....period!

Lesson to all here kiddies....

 

The lesson is there is risk. But it also needs to be pointed out few Macan owners at this mileage level will have repairs in this price range. If that were not the case, used high mileage Macans would be worthless. In the long run replacing your car rather than going naked without a warranty will cost you much more.

But there is risk. If you cannot afford to take that risk, you have no business owning a Porsche out of warranty.

 

Lesson learned.

 

There is nothing unusual going on here. On just about any vehicle you will start to see a few transmission failures at 90,000 miles. When you think of how many Macans there are now out on the road, not exactly shocking to see a few transmission failures. It’s like with PCNA told you, ”it happens”.

The transmission on the last Grand Cherokee we owned went out to lunch at 87,000 miles. We went through the same routine. The Jeep dealer quoted us a price on a new transmission that was as much as the value of the car. We called FCA and complained, and their answer was sorry your warranty expired 37,000 miles ago, and we do offer extended warranties.” We ended up having the transmission rebuilt by a reputable transmission shop, costing us $5400.

It is good that the shops you are approaching are saying that you’ve seen this issue before. Would rather have that versus a shop that has no experience. Obviously they are going to be more inclined to tell you that versus admit they have never worked on this particular transmission.

Sure, I can totally understand a transmission shop saying this is a known issue. Bet you the number of Macans have worked on is in the single digits, and they probably remember them well as the Macan is a rather unusual car. What they aren’t familiar with is the vast majority of my Macans that have had no transmission issues, and there’s no reason they would be 😀

 

Not shocking that transmission shops have seen this transmission before. Between Porsche and Audi, there are hundreds of thousands of examples out on the road. Of course by now at least a few of them are going to have failed, and the transmission shops are going to be intimately familiar with what typically fails. no different than any other transmission. BTW, Audi was already using these transmissions before Porsche started using them in the Macans.

 

transmissions have "known" issues ????
Does someone knows what these issues are....

 

found this site that has good info on common issues with the macan

Expert Solutions for Porsche Macan Common Problems

Symptoms with expert solutions for Porsche Macan common problems. Find a diagnosis to the most common Porsche Macan Issues.

www.pcarwise.com

 

Looks like an excellent website, but I wonder what they mean by “common“ problems? How could this possibly be a common problem when virtually no one on this forum has experienced it? Wondering if perhaps what they mean is that those are the most common problems, but that actually most of them are uncommon. Even the well-documented transfer case issues and timing chain cover bolts are not really “common” as they seem to effect only a few percentage points of Macans at the most.

 

My 2c with regard to the $21k repair bill.. Did the dealership provide an itemized list of all components required to do the job? Labor cost per procedure? Brief description of the work required? Did they suggest or speculate of what might have caused the malfunction to the transmission? Some of that information might be helpful as ammunition when calling Porsche corporate. Sometimes there can be some goodwill in splitting the repair cost. Even if it is 25%-75%. I wouldn't give up so easily. Perhaps a different dealership would be willing to go the extra mile for you to earn your future business. Some points to think about or ponder.

 

No, they didn't give me a detailed list, but they did provide one to Porsche Corporate. The dealer also thought that Porsche Corporate was going to split the costs and I would pay the remaining $4-5000K. I would be very happy with that scenario. But then Corporate backed out & the best the dealership has offered is 5k off of the 21k quoted. Not worth fixing at that price.

 

Anything or sh^t happens. It’s a game of probability.

 

It’s about time someone called this thread for what it is.

 

I would also point out you chose not to buy an extended warranty that would have covered this. Most who buy extended warranties will never recover their cost, but here you lost the bet.

 

It is certainly unfortunate that the transmission failed but as we all know, nothing lasts forever. It happened to one of my BMWs (1999 528i) at about the same mileage. I decided to bite the bullet and trade it in for a new one (2011 528i). You might want to figure out a trade in value towards another Macan (new or CPO) and take it from there.

 

Fairly certain Russell Transmission in Manchester rebuilds these

 

Great, thank you — I will call them as well.

 

Also, suggest you call certified Automotive solutions in Nashua. Not sure if they do this type of work, but they are Audi specialists, and I bet at the very least they will know who in the area does.

 

They are now on my list as well! Appreciate your help.

 

I just want to add, that I really feel bad that you're having transmission issues. I agree, that 90k is too soon for a $20K repair bill. That said, I have been on this forum and have not read many PDK issues. I believe most were related to the mechatronic / transmission valve body / solenoid replacement. Sometimes they replaced the whole PDK as it was easier. I recommend trying to push Porsche a little harder, and if that fails go the independent mechatronic / valve body / solenoid replacement (I think they're all terms for the same thing).

I'm sorry you had this happen, and if this thread is to raise a stink so Porsche give support - great!! I hope they do (and think they should) step up. They are marketed as a premier autu company and should provide customer support like one. The profit margin on a Macan is much higher then a VW.

Question for those familiar with PDK - does flushing the PDK fluid help? Does anyone know the root cause of the mechatronic issue is (maybe someone from an Audi forum)?

 

Thank you so very much for your response and support. I had this discussion with the dealership and they acknowledge that it might not require a transmission replacement, and it could be another component. If they fix another component and it turns out to need a new transmission, then this would be double the labor. So, they are only willing to replace the transmission. Which is exactly what you said: they're replacing the PDK because it's easier/most cost-effective, which jacks up the price of repair for me.

 

Let's stop personal attacks. We are here to help each other.

 

Sorry, but when someone intentionally posts a misleading message they deserve to be called out on it.

 

I saw that but let's be nice still.

I believe it was not an ill-minded omission.

BTW, even at 90k miles without any abuse a high quality modern car should not have a catastrophic transmission failure.

 

I believe it was not an ill-minded omission.

Oh please. We are not fools here. The OP repeatedly ignored questions on how many miles were on the vehicle, and instead tried to focus on the fact that it’s only five years old. The OP admitted to the mileage only after being confronted with it. It is called “spin”.

 

My guess is valve body is going. Quick search finds a good handful of results, so although not common as TC it is a known issue and others have had it and varying mileages.

I think mileage of a vehicle is irrelevant no transmission or engine should suffer sever failure if maintained correctly unless its manufactured fault.

Maybe as more cars approx 100,000 we will start to see more trans issues.

Look at cayenne forums, few years ahead and they were reporting TC failures long before macan owners were.

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

I think mileage of a vehicle is irrelevant no transmission or engine should suffer sever failure if maintained correctly unless its manufactured fault.

To think that engines and transmissions will last forever is ridiculous.

Gtanted the average transmission today lasts longer than 90,000 miles, but a few of them start to fail before 100,000 miles. Happens with every vehicle manufacturer. Thinking that somehow Porsche’s state of the art transmission is exempt from this is foolishness. No two transmissions have the same usage history.

Did anyone happen to notice the warranty expired at 50,000 miles? We had a seven year old X5 and the transmission failed at 69,000 miles, despite the ZF sourced 8 Speed rear wheel drive transmission has a stellar reputation. The dealer wanted $16,000 to replace the transmission, but like here, that made no sense given the remaining value of the car. We appealed to BMW USA, and their response was sorry but your vehicle is well out of warranty. We were able to have it rebuilt for less than $5000.

 

Symptoms: PDK Failure Light, Rough Gear Changes, Transmission Faults, Emergency Transmission Run Warning on Dash

The Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe – which translates to Porsche double-clutch transmission or PDK – now that’s when you really need an acronym! A number of Porsche Macan owners have experienced failure of the PDK transmission.
The PDK is an automated manual transmission. Two units matched together – a manual transmission rear section and automated dual clutch front section. The manual transmission rear section is very solid and reliable. Most issues occur with the electronic and hydraulically controlled clutch section at the front of the transmission. Physically, the PDK is a ZF transmission unit that has been around for a number of years. VAG took multiple versions of the transmission and personalized them for their various car ranges. Porsche adapted the software and labeled their version PDK.
There are a number of ways in which the PDK in the Macan can fail. Most show up as a collection of warning lights on the dash and an eventual refusal to do anything. The only viable solution for most people is the replace the PDK – this is very expensive. However, much of the need for replacement of the PDK comes from a lack of understanding, unavailable parts and an unwillingness to dig deep.
Components and Failures
Transmission Control Module – TCM

The connection to the car and communication of instructions to the transmission, come from an external module called a transmission Control Module (TCM). While this rarely has issues, it can become confused and has been the subject of a number of software revisions. Re-flashing the TCM doesn’t usually solve problems, but ensuring you have the latest software revision can’t hurt. This is where diagnostic faults are stored.
Mechatronic Unit – Valve Body
The TCM sends instruction to the Mechatronic unit or valve body inside the transmission. The Mechatronic unit is a complex series of electronics, hydraulic valves and sensors. These devices are managed by a control module attached to the Mechatronic unit. This is the system which enables gear changes and controls the transmission functionality.
The Mechatronic unit is a common failure point for this type of transmission. In 2009, VW recalled 53000 of them – so there have been many issues in the past. Problems with the Mechatronic unit vary, but commonly include failure to select gears, rough gears changes, etc. The physical components of the transmission are robust, so this unit is often the most economical place to start for most issues.
Sensors

Connected to the Mechatronic unit are a number of sensors throughout the transmission. These determine the operating conditions within the transmission. For example, the temperature of the fluid, the rotational output speed, hydraulic clutch pressure and movement of gears selectors. Failure of these sensors is very common. Early on, Porsche routinely replaced the wiring and trans temp sensor in most of the PDKs.
However, the problem did not go away and has re-occurred on the same transmissions further down the road. The temp sensor problem can show up on almost any model with a PDK.
Clutch

The clutch pack has proven to be very robust and generally does not fail with normal use. Over extended mileage this will become a wear component that will need to be replaced. The failures of the clutch that have occurred, are usually on performance enhanced engines delivering too much torque for the clutch plates. At higher torques, the clutches slip resulting in highly accelerated wear and early failure.
Why do I need to replace the PDK?
The PDK transmissions in the later cars are very complex and the technology involved is a closely guarded secret. Technicians at Porsche are not trained to dissect the transmission and make repairs. They will replace the Mechatronic unit, but often they just replace the transmission as a whole. The components such as the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and the Mechatronic Unit or valve body inside the transmission are often unavailable as parts outside of the Porsche workshop.
The manufacturers do not want it taken apart and it’s often described as a “sealed PDK”. The result from faults is often a new PDK, when in reality, an internal component swap would likely save the whole unit from being replaced. While there is a lot of complex “stuff” in there, the physical components typically don’t break. So, being forced to lash out $12K to $15K for a new PDK, in our mind, is often caused by an unwillingness of people to take the thing apart!
Can You Get Creative?

Creative can often translate to money saving. Removal and disassembly of the PDK is not complex. However, access to parts and the need for a PIWIS to re-initialize the PDK are barriers for the DIY enthusiast. There is an excellent article here that provides good background, examples of the work and videos of the internals of the transmission.
Having experienced a PDK problem on a vehicle we owned, we got creative. Based on issues with other transmissions, such as the Mercedes Benz, commonly known for valve body failure, we were convinced our issues lay in the physical part of the Mechatronic unit. Short version – we got a new Mechatronic unit from Audi, replaced the electronics with the original unit from the Porsche, flashed the TCM to match new software levels and hey presto, a perfectly working PDK!
If you have PDK problems and want to try something creative before shelling out for a new unit, you’ll need the help of an expert independent Porsche repair shop.

 

Porsche has long been known for having high priced service and replacement parts. Not sure why anybody is really surprised by this story

There is a substantial risk to owning a Porsche outside of warranty. The vast majority of owners will not get burned, because fortunately other than for normal maintenance, replacement parts are not often required, especially the more expensive ones.

But things like this occasionally happen. If you want to take the risk of going without a warranty, most likely you will win, but you need to recognize that this situation is within the realm of possibility.

 

Porsche has long been known for having high priced service and replacement parts. Not sure why anybody is really surprised by this story

There is a substantial risk to owning a Porsche outside of warranty. The vast majority of owners will not get burned, because fortunately other than for normal maintenance, replacement parts are not often required, especially the more expensive ones.

But things like this occasionally happen. If you want to take the risk of going without a warranty, most likely you will win, but you need to recognize that this situation is within the realm of possibility.

Totally agree with you. And this is the same for all manufacturers.

But when an issue is a fairly known issue then you would expect some sort of contribution at least

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

If you want to claim that the Macan PDK has a known issue, then at least mention how rare the issue is.

Pretty much all modern transmissions start to have a few failures at this mileage level. And it’s not unusual for those few fail failures to be focused on a couple of individual components. That is what makes it a known issue. Talk to a transmission shop, and they can pretty much tell you what typically ends up failing on any transmission they regularly service.

In this context a “known” issue does not necessarily mean one can expect to see it on their individual car. These days most transmissions end up lasting the life of the vehicle. But unfortunately a few do not.