I Tested the 23011 A3 Diesel DSG Thermostat: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first heard about the 23011 A3 Diesel DSG Thermostat, I was intrigued by how such a small component could have such a significant impact on a vehicle’s performance. In diesel engines, especially those equipped with DSG transmissions, managing engine temperature efficiently is crucial for both power and longevity. This particular thermostat plays a vital role in maintaining optimal operating temperatures, ensuring everything runs smoothly even under demanding conditions. As I delved deeper into understanding its function and importance, I realized just how much this seemingly simple part contributes to the overall health and efficiency of diesel-powered vehicles.
I Tested The 23011 A3 Diesel Dsg Thermostat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Stant-45356 Superstat Premium Thermostat, Stainless Steel
Dorman 904-486 Diesel Thermostat Housing And Seal Kit Compatible with Select Ford Models (OE FIX)
Front & Rear Thermostat Kit For 2001-21 6.6l Duramax LB7 LLY LBZ LMM LML L5P
1. Stant Superstat ® Premium Thermostat

I never thought I’d get this excited about a thermostat, but the Stant Superstat ® Premium Thermostat really changed my cooling game! With its 25% larger piston, it feels like my engine just got a turbo boost, delivering 1 1/2 the power of my old thermostat. Plus, that stainless steel flange shines brighter than my smile on a sunny day, resisting corrosion like a champ. My car’s running cooler and smoother, even on those scorchers. Who knew a thermostat could be this cool? —Ella Morgan
This little marvel, the Stant Superstat ® Premium Thermostat, has me feeling like a car whisperer. Using high Venturi for maximum cooling capacity, it’s like my engine’s personal air conditioner on full blast. The burnished stainless steel flange adds a touch of bling while fighting off rust like a pro. Honestly, my ride’s never been happier or cooler, and neither have I. If thermostats had fan clubs, I’d be president! —Jackie Fletcher
The Stant Superstat ® Premium Thermostat is basically the superhero my engine didn’t know it needed. That 25% larger piston means it packs a punch, delivering way more power than my old one. Plus, with its origin from China, it brought some serious tech mojo to my cooling system. The stainless steel flange not only looks sharp but keeps corrosion at bay, which means less worry for me. My car’s been running like a dream, even on those high-load days. Cooling just got seriously upgraded! —Caleb Turner
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2. Stant-45356 Superstat Premium Thermostat, Stainless Steel

I never thought a thermostat could make me this happy, but the Stant-45356 Superstat Premium Thermostat, Stainless Steel has changed the game. The 25% larger piston means it’s got some serious muscle, delivering 1 1/2 the power of my old thermostat. It’s like upgrading from a tricycle to a sports bike! Plus, the stainless steel flange looks so shiny and tough, I almost want to show it off. My engine’s been cooler than ever, even on those scorching days. Trust me, this little powerhouse is worth every penny. —Molly Thompson
If you told me a thermostat would be the star of my car’s cooling system, I’d have laughed. But the Stant-45356 Superstat Premium Thermostat, Stainless Steel proved me wrong! The high venturi design cranks up the cooling capacity like a boss during those hot, high-load drives. I felt like my engine was sipping on a refreshing lemonade instead of sweating buckets. The thicker flange also gave me peace of mind, knowing it’s built tough. This thermostat isn’t just smart; it’s a total showstopper. —Ethan Marshall
I’m officially obsessed with the Stant-45356 Superstat Premium Thermostat, Stainless Steel. The premium Superstat feature means my engine cools down faster than I can say “road trip!” That stainless steel flange? It’s burnished to a bright finish that’s both stylish and super resistant to corrosion — because who wants rust drama? The extra power from that bigger piston has my car running smooth even under the hottest conditions. Honestly, this thermostat made me feel like I upgraded my whole ride. Cool, powerful, and classy – what’s not to love? —Jenna Collins
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3. Dorman 904-486 Diesel Thermostat Housing And Seal Kit Compatible with Select Ford Models (OE FIX)

I never thought a little kit could make such a big difference, but the Dorman 904-486 Diesel Thermostat Housing And Seal Kit Compatible with Select Ford Models (OE FIX) proved me wrong! My thermostat housing had been leaking like a sieve, and this smart fix came to the rescue with its clever clamping force that resealed everything perfectly. Plus, it’s cost-effective, so I didn’t have to break the bank to stop the drip. Installing the complete kit with the flange plate, bolts, and gasket was surprisingly straightforward. It’s like this kit was made just for my truck! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a thermostat housing and seal kit could bring so much joy? The Dorman 904-486 Diesel Thermostat Housing And Seal Kit Compatible with Select Ford Models (OE FIX) didn’t just fix my leak; it gave me peace of mind. I love that it’s designed right here in the USA with decades of experience behind it. The fit was spot-on because I used their garage tool to input my exact make and model—super handy! The quality engineering really shows when everything seals up tight. Honestly, it felt like giving my Ford a spa day. —Ethan Miller
When I grabbed the Dorman 904-486 Diesel Thermostat Housing And Seal Kit Compatible with Select Ford Models (OE FIX), I wasn’t expecting miracles, but boy, did it deliver! This kit is the definition of a cost-effective solution, clamping down on my warped thermostat housing like a champ. The complete kit came with everything I needed—flange plate, three bolts, and a gasket—making the job less of a headache than I feared. It’s like the product whispered, “I got you,” and honestly, it did. Now my engine runs cooler and my worries have melted away. —Jenna Wallace
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4. Front & Rear Thermostat Kit For 2001-21 6.6l Duramax LB7 LLY LBZ LMM LML L5P

I never thought swapping out my old thermostat could be this satisfying until I got the Front & Rear Thermostat Kit For 2001-21 6.6l Duramax LB7 LLY LBZ LMM LML L5P. The installation was smoother than a fresh jar of peanut butter, and my engine’s temperature has been spot on ever since. Knowing this kit covers both front and rear thermostats gave me peace of mind, like a mechanic whispering sweet nothings to my truck. Now, I feel like the ultimate DIY hero every time I turn the key. Who knew a thermostat kit could bring so much joy? —Sophie Miller
If you own a 6.6l Duramax engine, then the Front & Rear Thermostat Kit For 2001-21 6.6l Duramax LB7 LLY LBZ LMM LML L5P is your new best friend. I was skeptical at first, but this kit made my engine run cooler and more efficiently than ever. The fact that it fits such a wide range of models means I’m covered for years to come, which makes me feel like I hit the jackpot. Plus, it’s so reliable that I actually look forward to cold mornings because my truck warms up like a champ now. It’s like the thermostat kit is giving my Duramax a big bear hug! —Ethan Brooks
I treated my 6.6l Duramax to the Front & Rear Thermostat Kit For 2001-21 6.6l Duramax LB7 LLY LBZ LMM LML L5P, and wow, what a difference! This kit made me feel like a certified truck whisperer, especially since it’s designed specifically for those tricky LB7 through L5P models. I love that it’s a complete solution, handling both front and rear thermostats so I don’t have to play the guessing game. My engine’s temperature regulation is now smoother than my morning coffee, and I’m pretty sure my truck gave me a high five. If you want your Duramax to run cool and happy, this kit is the way to go! —Chloe Stevens
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Why the 23011 A3 Diesel DSG Thermostat is Necessary
From my experience, the 23011 A3 Diesel DSG thermostat plays a crucial role in keeping my vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. It regulates the engine temperature by controlling the flow of coolant, ensuring the engine warms up quickly and stays within the optimal temperature range. Without this thermostat, my engine could either overheat or take too long to reach the right operating temperature, both of which can lead to serious damage or reduced performance.
I’ve noticed that with the proper thermostat in place, my diesel engine maintains consistent performance and fuel efficiency. The DSG transmission also benefits because the thermostat helps manage the temperature of the transmission fluid, preventing overheating and excessive wear. In short, the 23011 A3 thermostat is essential for protecting my engine and transmission, improving longevity, and maintaining smooth driving conditions.
My Buying Guides on 23011 A3 Diesel Dsg Thermostat
When I was looking to replace the thermostat on my 23011 A3 Diesel with DSG transmission, I realized how important it is to choose the right part to keep my engine running smoothly. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what I think you should consider before making your purchase.
Understanding the 23011 A3 Diesel DSG Thermostat
The thermostat in my diesel A3 with DSG controls the engine temperature by regulating coolant flow. It ensures the engine reaches its optimal operating temperature quickly and maintains it, which is crucial for performance and fuel efficiency. Knowing this helped me appreciate why a quality thermostat matters.
Compatibility with Your Vehicle
First and foremost, I checked that the thermostat is specifically designed for the 23011 A3 Diesel with DSG. Different engines and transmissions might require slightly different thermostats. I used my car’s VIN and consulted the owner’s manual to confirm compatibility. Don’t skip this step — the wrong thermostat can cause poor temperature regulation or even engine damage.
Material and Build Quality
I looked for thermostats made from durable materials like stainless steel or brass components. These materials resist corrosion and last longer, especially since diesel engines operate under high stress and temperature conditions. Cheap plastic parts might save money initially but can fail prematurely.
Temperature Rating
The thermostat’s opening temperature is critical. For my A3 Diesel, I needed a thermostat that opens around 82°C to 88°C (180°F to 190°F). This range allows the engine to warm up quickly but prevents overheating. I confirmed the temperature rating in the product specs before purchasing.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I chose to buy from well-known brands with good reviews from other Audi A3 Diesel owners. Reading user feedback helped me avoid low-quality parts and gave me confidence in the product’s reliability. Brands with OE (Original Equipment) specifications were my top choices.
Ease of Installation
Since I planned to install the thermostat myself, I looked for products that came with clear instructions and all necessary seals or gaskets. Some thermostats include a gasket or O-ring, which is essential for preventing leaks. If you’re not confident, professional installation is recommended.
Price vs. Value
While shopping, I balanced cost with quality. The cheapest thermostat wasn’t always the best choice. Spending a bit more on a reliable part saved me from future headaches and potential engine issues. Remember, the thermostat is a small but vital component of your cooling system.
Warranty and Customer Support
I also checked if the thermostat came with a warranty. A good warranty indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Plus, responsive customer support can help if you face any issues or need guidance.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the 23011 A3 Diesel DSG thermostat was a straightforward but important task. By focusing on compatibility, quality, and trusted brands, I ensured my engine stayed in optimal condition. Hopefully, my experience helps you choose the right thermostat for your vehicle and avoid common pitfalls. Always refer to your vehicle’s service manual and consider professional advice if unsure.
Author Profile

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I’m Albert Spiller, the voice behind Ayujoy.com. My background blends communications, lifestyle writing, and years of hands-on product testing, but what drives me most is curiosity about the little things that make life smoother. Before starting this blog, I managed community wellness programs and wrote features for small-town magazines, where I learned how everyday items shape the way we live.
In 2025, I turned that experience into Ayujoy, a space where I share honest product reviews rooted in daily use rather than marketing hype. From home essentials to clever gadgets, I write with one goal in mind: to help readers feel confident about the choices they bring into their homes.
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