2017-2023 Audi A3, S3, TT Transmission Oil Leak TSB 2067365/3

Owners of various 2017-2023 Audi models, including the A3, A3 Cabriolet, S3, TT, TTS, and TT Roadster, may experience an oil leak originating from the area near the transmission cooler. This issue is specifically addressed by Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2067365/3, which provides detailed instructions for diagnosing and repairing the problem. The bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with the DQ-381 Transmission.

This TSB, identified by transaction number 2067365/3, was initially published on July 11, 2022, and has undergone several revisions, with the latest update on January 5, 2026. It aims to guide technicians through the process of identifying the source of the leak and implementing the correct repair to prevent further issues with the DQ-381 transmission, which is a common component across these Audi models.

Symptoms of a Transmission Oil Leak

The primary symptom reported by vehicle owners is the presence of an oil leak noticed under the front of the vehicle. This often manifests as drips or puddles on the ground where the vehicle is parked. Technicians, upon inspection, typically trace this oil leak to the area near the transmission oil cooler, specifically at the seam of the transmission case. Figure 1 in the TSB illustrates this common leak point, showing the oil leak at the transmission case seam.

Diagnosis of the Oil Leak

Diagnosing the exact source of the oil leak involves a systematic approach to ensure accurate identification, as detailed in TSB 2067365/3. This process helps differentiate the specific cause of the Audi S3 transmission oil leak or similar issues in other models.

1. Initial Cleaning: The first step requires thoroughly cleaning the transmission and oil cooler area using suitable workshop materials. This includes drying the area completely with rags and/or compressed air to remove any existing oil residue that could obscure the leak's origin.
2. Leak Detection Application: Technicians are instructed to apply an oil leak detection spray, such as part number G 001 900 A1, or an equivalent powder-based oil leak detector, to the affected area on the gearbox housing. This specialized spray or powder helps to highlight the exact path of the oil leak.
3. Warm-up Road Test: A short road test is performed to warm up the gearbox until the engine oil temperature reaches at least 80°C (176°F). This step is crucial as it simulates operating conditions where a leak might become more apparent due to thermal expansion and fluid pressure. The TSB advises assessing the leak again after this warm-up, referring to Figure 1 for the relevant area.
4. Re-assessment: After the road test and a waiting time of at least one hour, the leak area is re-assessed. If the gearbox housing is found to be free of leaks at this point, no further work is required, and the vehicle can be returned to the customer.

Important Warnings for Technicians and Owners

Audi has included specific warnings within TSB 2067365/3 that are crucial for both technicians and owners to understand. These guidelines ensure correct application of the bulletin and proper documentation:

• Documentation Requirement: Technicians are explicitly instructed: "Please upload photo documentation of the leak to Doc-IT." This ensures a clear and verifiable record of the issue for diagnostic and warranty purposes.
• Applicability of TSB: The bulletin clarifies: "If the leak cannot be traced to the areas below the gear oil cooler/separating joint, this TSB does not apply. Continue diagnosis of the oil leak without claiming this TSB." This prevents misapplication of the bulletin to unrelated oil leaks.
• Photo Documentation for Warranty: For valid warranty claims, the TSB states: "If the leak can be clearly traced to the area below the gear oil cooler at the separating joint, you must document your findings with photos that clearly show the leak. Keep the documentation photos with the warranty records of the repair." This is vital for processing warranty claims related to the Audi S3 transmission oil leak and other affected models.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure for the transmission oil leak depends on the specific findings during diagnosis. TSB 2067365/3 outlines two main repair options for the Audi S3 transmission oil leak and other models:

Repair Option 1: Bolt Replacement

This option is pursued if an oil film is detected in the bolt hole or on the threads of the removed bolt for the housing. The detailed steps are as follows:

1. Battery Removal (if necessary): For Audi A3 vehicles, the 12-volt battery and battery tray must be removed as specified in the Workshop Manual to access the area. Audi TT models with a 12-volt battery mounted in the trunk do not require this step.
2. Bolt Removal: The existing bolt for the housing, which is circled in red in Figure 2 of the TSB, is carefully removed.
3. Oil Film Check: Technicians then check for a film of oil in the bolt hole and on the threads of the removed bolt. This inspection is typically performed using a mirror and flashlight to ensure clear visibility.
4. New Bolt Installation: If an oil film is present, indicating the leak originates from this point, the old bolt is replaced with a new pan head bolt with multi-point drive, self-locking, part number N 107 443 04. This new bolt is tightened to a precise torque of 20 Nm + 90° (an additional 90-degree turn after reaching 20 Nm), as illustrated in Figure 3 of the TSB.
5. Battery Reinstallation: If the battery and battery tray were removed in the initial steps, they are reinstalled according to the Workshop Manual.
6. Gear Oil Check: The gear oil level is checked as specified in the Workshop Manual. If necessary, gear oil is topped up to the correct level.
7. Final Leak Check: After a short test drive to warm up the gearbox (engine oil temperature at least 80°C), the housing is re-assessed for leaks after a waiting time of at least one hour. If the gearbox housing is free of leaks, no further work is required, and the vehicle can be returned to the customer.

Repair Option 2: Gearbox Replacement

This more extensive option is required if no oil film is found in the bolt hole and/or on the threads of the removed bolt for the housing during the diagnostic check. In such cases, the TSB specifies that the gearbox must be replaced entirely according to the repair manual, as this indicates a more significant internal leak or component failure.

Required Parts and Tools

To perform the diagnosis and repair for the Audi S3 transmission oil leak and related issues, specific parts and tools are required as outlined in the TSB:

• Oil leak locating spray: Part number G 001 900 A1 (or an equivalent powder-based leak detection product). This item is classified as a shop supply and is essential for accurate leak detection.
• Pan head bolt with multi-point drive, self-locking: Part number N 107 443 04. This specific bolt is required for Repair Option 1, and one unit is needed for the replacement.

Warranty Information

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2067365/3 provides detailed warranty information for technicians. If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only, meaning the repair costs would typically be borne by the owner. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

The TSB specifies the following codes for warranty claim processing:

Field	Code	Description	Time Units (TU)
Claim Type		If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only.
Service Number	3435
Damage Code	0050
Labor Operations (Diagnosis of leak - Repair options 1 and 2):
Remove and install battery tray	5084 19xx	See SRT with associated operations
Check transmission unit (Including 2x removing and installing battery try and cleaning gearbox)	3435 0199		40 TU
Road test prior to service procedure	0121 0002		10 TU
Road test after service procedure	0121 0004		10 TU
Labor Operations (Repair option 1):
Remove and install pressure pipe	2141 19xx	See SRT with associated operations
Service gearbox (including cleaning gearbox)	3435 4199		10 TU
Check and top off gear oil	3401 3599		20 TU
Labor Operations (Repair option 2):
Replace transmission	3435 55xx	See SRT with associated operations
Claim Comment	As per TSB 2067365/3

The labor times provided correspond to the specified times at the publication of this TSB. Technicians are advised that current time specifications in the regular repair operations list apply if updates have occurred.

Revision History

This Technical Service Bulletin (2067365/3) has undergone several revisions to ensure accuracy and provide updated information to technicians:

• Revision 3 (January 5, 2026): The condition description was revised to include an updated model table and documentation notes. Additionally, the warranty section was updated to reflect revised labor operations.
• Revision 2 (November 15, 2022): The warranty section was revised to update labor operations.
• Revision 1 (July 11, 2022): This marks the initial publication of the Technical Service Bulletin.

NHTSA Source Citation

This information is based on NHTSA Manufacturer Communication ID 11028399.