The Audi TT was initially released in 1998 and is continuing in production today. The TT, which is currently in its third generation, features a 2+2 seating arrangement, impressive athleticism, and a powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 228 hp and has the ability to accelerate the vehicle to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, in part because of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. But how trustworthy is the TT really?
The 2021 Audi TT has a “above average” (according to J.D. Power) reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 according to U.S. News. Additionally, the current generation of the TT, which includes models from the 2016 model year and on, has no registered complaints on Car Complaints as of yet. Given that you would have originally believed that an Audi would likely spend more time in the shop than it would on the road, that is actually rather impressive.
In This Article...
Is the secondhand Audi TT a nice car?
Despite its performance, the TT is smooth at low speeds and simple to drive. The interior is made entirely of high-quality materials and has a sturdy, long-lasting feel. The boot is a reasonable size for a coupe, but the back seats are only suited for the tiniest children. It now offers good value for the money.
Which TT Audi is trustworthy?
The Audi TT offers true sports car performance, a luxurious cabin, and seamless high-tech integration. In the new century, Audi aimed to wow its clients in the Americas. The new TT, a little and beautiful sports car with a 180-horsepower turbocharged engine, was unveiled.
Since its release in 2000, the TT has through three iterations and numerous model years and has earned positive reviews from both consumers and critics. Some years were quite well-regarded, while others weren’t. These Audi TT model years should be avoided.
Quick Answer: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2016, 2017
The Audi TT is a classy, thrilling, and luxurious sports car with a wide range of options to meet your needs and preferences. Used Audi TTs are excellent options to take into consideration if you’re looking for a more affordable model. If that’s the one you’re interested in, several quite widespread problems occur over a few distinct model years and might be worth a closer examination.
The best way to purchase a car is with the CoPilot auto purchasing app. Get a curated selection of the top vehicles available in your region, as well as alerts when a comparable car is posted nearby for less. The best way to look for used automobiles is on CoPilot.
Major known issues:
- motor failure
- leaky water pump
- Repair expenses
- electric problems
First-generation Audi TTs have great looks and are fun to drive, but they could be difficult to maintain. Therefore, a 20-year-old Audi might not be the ideal choice if you’re looking for a trustworthy luxury sports car or just a trustworthy car in general.
From 2000 through 2006, there were 13 recalls on Audi TTs, including one for an issue with an aftermarket water pump replacement that might lead to the timing belt breaking and the motor cutting out. Furthermore, at least one more recall may result in engine failure. The bulk (30) of the 89 defects and complaints about the 2000 Audi TT’s electrical system have been submitted by its owners to Car Complaints.
Despite receiving positive reviews, the first-generation Audi TT (20002006) struggled in the German two-seater sports car market. The first few TTs were front-wheel drives (FWD), in contrast to the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Boxster and Z3 of rivals Porsche and BMW (FWD). As a result, the TT’s performance was subpar when compared to that of its rivals.
The many model years of the Audi TT have seen recalls that range from inconveniences, such the problem with microfractures in the water pump pulley that may result in timing belt failure in the 20002006 Audi TTs, to perhaps life-threatening. These choices cannot possibly be deemed outstanding based solely on appearance.
Avoid TTs from 2000 to 2006 unless you can find one that has been meticulously taken care of with documented maintenance because they were quite tough and expensive to fix. Depending on the year, mileage, and condition, the first generation vehicles’ repair costs are predicted by Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to range from $1,100 to $7,200.
Most cars will eventually be recalled, however some may happen more frequently than others. First-generation Audi TT recalls frequently involve faulty water pumps that could cause the timing belt to fail, faulty airbags, and possible fuel tank leaks.
Common complaints and recalls
- Airbags
- Leaky fuel tanks
- defective water pumps
- electrical malfunction
A significant revamp gave the second-generation Audi TT a more aggressive appearance. The second generation of Audi TTs are wider and longer than their predecessors, and the powerful 386-horsepower TT RS was introduced in late 2011.
Modern technology was added to and a radical redesign of third-generation TTs was made. With 400 horsepower, the third-generation Audi TT RS is the fastest and most potent TT ever made. There are some recalls and flaws that are more serious for newer models than for older ones.
These are the ideal vehicles for college students since they can transport you, your friends, and your belongings everywhere you need to go, whether you need to squeeze into a small campus parking space or transport ten loads of laundry home.
- airbag malfunction
- tank of fuel leak
The model years 2016 and 2017 Audi TT Roadster and Coupe are frequently regarded as the worst because of the high number of recalls and consumer complaints. The driver’s front airbag in the 20162017 Audi TT vehicles has been recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owing to the possibility for injury or death to the occupants of the vehicle.
Owners were reportedly informed by Volkswagen, and dealers started installing a free new inflator. However, the situation should be looked into before buying a used 20162017 Audi TT.
Due to their involvement in yet another big NHTSA recall, the 2016 Audi TT Roadster Quattro and TT Coupe Quattro vehicles are especially concerning. The affected vehicle’s heat shield has a flaw that can cause the gasoline tank to collapse after a collision, increasing the risk of a fire.
The third generation Audi TTs that were subject to the recall included all models. To address the recall, the makers had to start adding a cover over the fuel tank heat shield bracket. Aside from significant recalls, they are renowned for having loud, squeaky brakes, little internal storage space, and little legroom. These may seem like no-brainers for a sports car, yet TT drivers frequently voice these grievances.
- Costs of fuel tank repairs
- a little car’s legroom
- noisy brakes
What are some great models for buyers of secondhand cars, despite the fact that there are many Audi TT model years to avoid? In general, the second generation has few known recalls or unresolved problems, and many people would choose the 2012 TT model years. It is well regarded by owners and has had no big recalls. The 2012 Audi TT succeeds at satisfying the needs of used car buyers who seek something dependable, cozy, and fashionable.
You’re looking to buy a used car, then. We have already prepared a list of crucial inquiries to make while purchasing a secondhand car.
Most of the higher-rated TT model years may be found in the second generation (2007-2015). They offer a contemporary design, fresh engine choices like the 2.0-liter turbo, and lots of luxury, all with fewer recalls than the TT’s predecessor. For the entire generation, there were only a small number of recalls, and the most of them were regarded as minor cosmetic issues rather than serious safety concerns.
By choosing a used car, you can save some money, and the second generation is new enough to have many of the third generation’s new features.
Is the Audi TT Reliable?
Sports automobiles are generally avoided by consumers because of their bad reputation for dependability and impracticality. Does the Audi TT sports car fit that description? Evidently not, as the Audi TT offers the best of both worldsor, if you prefer, the best of both worldssports car performance and looks and reliability.
With 4.3 percent of front-wheel-drive Audi TTs still being driven after 150,000 km, iSeeCars rated it as the most dependable sports vehicle. The TT is a luxury sports car with superb features that encourage dependability. Given how Volkswagen consistently raises the bar, the new ones should be even better.
Yes, there are several Audi TT years to avoid, but for the most part, you’ll be in good hands.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The simplest way to purchase a car is using the CoPilot auto shopping app. You may create a customized list of the top car listings in your area by telling us what you’re looking for, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area.
Just seeking for more recent models? The search engine for virtually new vehicles is CoPilot Compare. only observe recentfive years or lessautos with little mileage. The greatest place to look for off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO vehicles is CoPilot Compare.
What’s best? We have more information on each vehicle than our rivals since CoPilot was developed using the same technologies that dealerships use to acquire and sell their inventories. Since CoPilot doesn’t partner with automakers, there aren’t any sponsored posts or other dubious tacticsjust the most information about the best vehicles. To learn more about CoPilot’s operation, see our About Us page.
Are Audi TT repairs expensive?
During the first ten years of use, an Audi TT will require roughly $9,644 in maintenance and repairs.
This is $2,677 cheaper than the luxury convertible model industry average. Additionally, there is a 27.72 percent probability that a TT will need a significant repair at that time. Compared to comparable automobiles in its sector, this is 11.84 percent better. The following graph shows how these expenses and the likelihood of repairs will rise over time.
Share
What is the issue with the Audi TT?
Some claim that the renowned Audi TT borrows more than just a little bit of design cues from the VW Beetle. Audi is being very quiet about the car’s history, but we are certain that it was inspired by the illustrious Isle of Man TT event.
This vehicle, which was first produced as a two-door coupe, is now a quick roadster with engines ranging from a snappy 1.8L to a top-of-the-line 3.2L that will tear up the freeways. Of course, the TT is a great second-hand investment because Audi has a name you can trust. Are you considering buying one? To ensure that you avoid some of the most typical issues that are known to affect this kind of car, read this article.
The instrument cluster and information readouts are one of the most frequently mentioned issues with the Audi TT. This includes problems with the lights and dials, which are prone to bouncing about and acting as a late warning system for component failure. This component, which is sometimes referred to as a dash-pod, may be very costly to replace, so make sure that all the lights and temperature gauges are operational.
Not so much a problem with the car as it is with the servicing suggestions made by the manufacturer. Owners of the TT were advised by Audi to change the cam belt every 80K miles. In fact, the component must be replaced every 60K miles, otherwise, the engine may experience significant issues. If you’re considering buying a used Audi TT, find out when the part was last replaced.
The water pump on the Audi TT has a 60K lifespan, just like the cam belt. It is advised by several online owner’s manuals to change both pieces at once. Therefore, it is definitely worthwhile to check the service history to see when the part was last replaced.
Check the movement of the DSG gearbox as you test-drive your used Audi TT. The mechatronic unit is probably on its way out if the drive feels a bit reluctant and you cannot feel the characteristically silky smooth motion that this component is meant to offer the drive. A reconditioned item will cost you at least four figures; an expensive fix.
When you drive any used Audi TT on the road, pay close attention for a knocking sound. Any form of bumping noise coming from the front of the automobile is probably the result of malfunctioning bushes. To improve the ride quality of an Audi TT, you’ll typically need to replace the roll bar bushes as well as the front wishbones and anti-roll bars.
Do you experience misfires and a difficult ride when you leave your possible Audi TT idling? If this is the case, a malfunctioning coil pack in the engine may be to blame. It is necessary to identify the defective coil before replacing it because this is a common problem with several models in the Audi lineup.
On the Audi TT, there is a problem with the electronic windows. The switches need to be replaced because they are frequently faulty and have a history of breaking. When the automobile is stopped, take some time to inspect each window individually to make sure it can be opened and closed.
A malfunctioning air mass meter or sensor is one of the potential culprits if it seems like your car is lacking power or the ride is bumpy. Because it would be costly to replace, pay attention to how your possible Audi TT buyer responds when you depress the accelerator.
The Audi TT is a fantastic used automobile with a nice traveling compartment and a good outside appearance. It is a car with the ability to draw attention, even though its use as anything other than a couple’s or single person’s automobile is perhaps a little stretched given the lack of substantial space in the back. Convertible variants are simple to convert, offer good fuel efficiency due to the vehicle’s lightweight design, and there are still many used cars on the road today, making it easy to get used Audi TT parts.