Depthcharge

Do you do a lot of manual shifting? If so, it might be worth doing a drain and fill (read: not a flush) and an ATF filter replacement. Probably will cost around $300 if you have it done at a shop that is knowledgeable. Otherwise, you're probably fine getting to ~ 100k miles. Just depends on how much care you want to give it.

I'll probably do a drain and fill a little over 100k miles, but otherwise try changing your driving style especially in stop and go areas. Do you have any mods on the car? Also - random and maybe hair-brained thought -- what grade of gasoline are you using?

net1994

I never drive in manual or ever manually shift. I always drive in automatic.

peng_a4

I have a 2012 S-Line A4 with the same 8 speed. I also have the same problem that you have mentioned. I have taken it to the dealer but all they could tell me is that they could not recreated the issue. Terrible when it comes to traffic.

ShinyB

Had this problem in my 2.5L Jetta. Turns out it was a dirty MAP sensor in the air intake sending out a faulty air density reading to the computer when, causing it to shift incorrectly. Took it to the dealer and VW fixed my issue under warranty (and I had 128k on the engine). Lots of videos out there on how to clean the sensor. Either that or you can replace it.

Depthcharge

That's a great idea to do every 10 - 20k miles anyway. Good spot. I might also suggest looking at your oil levels. The cars are known to eat a bit of oil and if you're not lubed up those downshifts are especially hard.

peng_a4

I've tried to clean the map sensor in the past, but no luck. Today I went stage 2 on my B8 A4 and my problems with hard downshifts seems to be gone. Maybe it's just a software issue?

Depthcharge

Clearing the adaptive settings through VCDS is also a good start too. Otherwise a transmission drain and fill as someone mentioned earlier would be the next step and as you get up in miles a filter change. Might as well hit the differential fluids while you're down there as well.

I'd also like to point out as a good rule of thumb to make sure you're letting your car warm up before changing gears in all weather. Generally the engine will start over 1k RPMs and then settle to around 7 -800. Process takes about 30 seconds to a minute and drive gently for the first few minutes after ignition. That'll help the transmission out if you plan on keeping her for the long haul. It's like your wife using moisturizer, she's doing it for you!