A close up of a car gear stickA close-up of a car gearbox stick
Service, Repairs & MOT

Gearbox repair for your Volkswagen

Book a local RAC Approved Garage that you can trust.

  • 12-months parts guarantee
  • Honest pricing
  • Exceptional customer service

Why choose the RAC for a gearbox repair?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running. We'll give you results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car
A close up of a car gear stick

Book a gearbox repair

The gearbox handles smooth gear changes and overall driving performance. If you’re hearing grinding noises, having trouble changing gears, or gears are slipping, it’s time for a repair at an RAC Approved Garage.

Any work done will meet the high standards set by the RAC.
We’re friendly, straightforward and jargon-free
A mechanic inspecting the underside of a vehicle.

Book a diagnostic

A mechanic will check your car for faults and talk you through any repairs you might need. There are various ways to check for faults, which could include a physical examination or plugging in to check your car’s onboard engine management system.

We’ll look for any mechanical or electrical problems. If we need to, we’ll also check your car’s onboard engine management system. Depending on your car and issue, this will usually include: – Engine – Power steering – Brakes – Transmission – Exhaust system – Fuel injection system – Cooling system and air flow – Sensors

And it’s not just gearbox repairs that we do for Volkswagen

RAC Approved Garages offer MOTs and services. Our professional mechanics have the expertise and experience to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently – results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

A close up of an RAC mobile mechanic looking under the hood of a car

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

Smiths of London, Bosch Car Service

5.0/5

Smiths of London is a highly-qualified Bosch Service Centre, located next to Tulse Hill station. Our team is made up of professional and experienced mechanics that are here to meet your motoring needs whilst providing you with an excellent customer service. Our garage is well-equipped with the latest workshop equipment and video messaging system to ensure a professional and reliable service whilst keeping you constantly in the know of your vehicles progress, all within a quick time period. Here at Smiths of London, we also offer different payment schemes to help spread the cost.
29-41 Shirley Road, Croydon, CR07QN

Shirley Car Care Centre Ltd

4.6/5

Based in Shirley, we are a family run company and give 100% customer satisfaction for all your vehicle needs. We specialise is Clutches, Semi-automatic gearboxes, Servicing, Mots, Welding, Air conditioning, Vehicle diagnostics and much more. Find us on Facebook for reviews and don't forget to like our page!
1 Vincents Grove, Southampton, SO155HW

Parkside Garage and Tyres

4.3/5

We are an established local independent garage and are proud to be members of Autofirst Network – a nationwide network of independent garages operating to the Network’s 6 core values of Capability, Consistency, Care, Clarity, Cost Effectiveness and Customer Focus. For your added peace of mind we are members of the Motor Ombudsman service which is approved by The Trading Standards Institute. In short, we are a local garage you can trust offering you the support and service guarantees of a national network, giving you complete peace of mind.
Fakenham Road, Thursford, Fakenham, NR210BD

A1 Tyres and Exhausts

5.0/5

With over 30 years experience of automotive repairs in Coventry, A1 Tyres and Exhausts is a name that you can rely on to deliver a professional, high quality, and reliable service, that will meet all of your car needs. And above all, we are a name you can trust again and again.
Unit 12-13, Relton Mews, Coventry, CV65HE

New Garage (Harnham)

5.0/5

New Garage (Harnham) ltd was established in 1984 and has been providing quality vehicle repairs and servicing in the Salisbury area for over the past 30 years. Our 4 highly trained and experienced mechanics/technicians have over 90 years of combined experience between them working on motor vehicles. We work with all makes and models and specialise in Electric and hybrid vehicles; the technology for these vehicles has been developing greatly over the last 20 years and we have kept up to date with all the technology, tools and training to be able to repair and service electric/hybrid vehicles of all makes and models. We are an RAC Approved garage and we only use high quality parts and all parts and labour we provide come with a standard 12-month warranty for added peace of mind. If you need your car picked up, a lift home or a courtesy car please let us know and we will do all we can to assist you. We look forward to hearing from you.
28-30 Harnham Trading Estate, Salisbury, SP2 8NW

Frequently asked questions about a gearbox repair

If your clutch has gone, you may have a problem trouble shifting gears or a soft or spongy clutch pedal. It might not even move when in gear!

Gearbox issues, on the other hand, show themselves with grinding noises, difficulty staying in gear, or leaking fluid. Both issues affect your gear shifting but come from different parts of the transmission system.

A gearbox specialist is a mechanic who’s an expert in diagnosing, repairing, and replacing gearboxes. They have training and experience dealing with many types of gearboxes, including manual, automatic, and semi-automatic systems. Talking to a specialist makes sure that any gearbox issues you may have are accurately diagnosed and repaired to the best standard.

Yes, many damaged gearboxes can be repaired. How damaged it is dictates how repairable it is. Small issues like worn seals or bearings can often be fixed. Severe damage might mean a complete rebuild or replacement. A professional mechanic can see the damage and tell you the best course of action.

Common signs of a faulty gearbox include:

  • Grinding or whining noises.
  • Difficulty changing gears.
  • Leaking transmission fluid.
  • A burning smell from the transmission area.
  • The car slipping out of gear or not staying in gear.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to get your gearbox seen by a professional.

The gearbox transfers power from the engine to the wheels. This allows your car to move at different speeds. It adjusts the engine's power output to the wheels and makes sure the engine runs well at various speeds.

Mechanics use several methods to find gearbox issues:

  • Visual inspection: Checking for obvious signs of damage or leaks.
  • Test drive: Watching the car’s performance while driving.
  • Diagnostic tools: Using scanners to read error codes from the car’s computer.
  • Fluid analysis: Checking the condition and level of transmission fluid.

These methods help pinpoint the problem.

A DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) is a type of automatic transmission. It uses two clutches for faster and smoother gear changes. As it combines the ease of an automatic with the performance of a manual gearbox, it’s popular in many modern vehicles.

Whether a gearbox repair is covered by warranty depends on your policy. Manufacturer warranties often cover gearbox repairs in a certain period or mileage. Extended warranties and aftermarket policies may also provide you cover. Check your warranty details or talk to your provider for more information.

Most standard car insurance policies don’t cover gearbox repairs unless the damage is due to an insured event like an accident. Mechanical breakdown cover or specialised policies might offer you protection. Review your insurance policy or speak with your insurer to find out more about your coverage.

Gearbox repair costs vary a lot, depending on the issue and car type. Minor repairs can cost you a few hundred pounds. Major repairs or replacements can potentially cost you more than £1,000. Labour rates and party prices also influence the total cost that you may have to pay. It’s a good idea to get more than one quote for a good estimate.

For the best quality repairs, look for certified mechanics with helpful reviews. Specialists can provide you accurate diagnoses and reliable repairs, keeping your car running as it should.