Here Are The Audi TT Years To Avoid
Audi TT by M 93 — CC-BY-SA-4.0
While offering authentic sports car performance, the Audi TT features a high-style interior and seamless integration of high-tech. It was the new century, and Audi wanted to wow North American customers. The new TT was introduced, a tiny and attractive sports vehicle with a 180-horsepower turbocharged engine.
The TT has been well-received by reviewers and consumers alike since its introduction in 2000, and it has gone through three versions and several model years. Some years earned a lot of acclaim, while others didn’t. Here are the Audi TT years to avoid.
Quick Answer: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2016, 2017
The Audi TT is a stylish, exciting, and luxury sports vehicle with plenty of choices to suit your requirements and preferences. If you’re searching for a more economical Audi TT, used years are great options to consider. Some pretty common issues take place across a few different model years and may be worth a more in-depth look if that’s one you’re interested in.
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Audi TT years to avoid: the first generation
Major known issues:
- Engine failure
- Water pump leak
- Repair costs
- Electrical issues
Audi TTs from the first generation look terrific and are enjoyable to drive, but they may be challenging to maintain. So, if you’re searching for a dependable premium sports vehicle or just a reliable automobile in general, a twenty-year-old Audi might not be the best option.
There were 13 recalls on Audi TTs from 2000 to 2006, including one for an aftermarket water pump replacement problem that might cause the timing belt to break, causing the motor to cease working. Additionally, at least one additional recall might cause engine failure. Owners of the 2000 Audi TT have reported 89 faults and complaints to Car Complaints, the majority (30) of which are linked to electrical issues.
The first-generation Audi TT (2000-2006) was an underdog in the German two-seater sports car market despite favorable reviews. While the Boxster and Z3 of competitors Porsche and BMW had rear-wheel drive (RWD), the first few TTs were front-wheel drive (FWD) (FWD). As a result, the TT fared poorly compared to its competitors in terms of performance.
The Audi TT’s various model years have faced recalls that range from inconvenient, like the 2000 to 2006 Audi TTs’ issue with microfractures in the water pump pulley that may cause timing belt failure, to potentially life-threatening. There’s no way to call these options great just because of their look.
The reality is that TTs from 2000 to 2006 were difficult and costly to fix, so avoid them unless you can find one that has been thoroughly cared for with recorded maintenance. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) estimates repair prices for the first generation models to be between $1,100 and $7,200, depending on the year, mileage, and condition.
Most vehicles will be subject to a recall at some point; however, some may be more common than others. Faulty airbags, probable fuel tank leaks, and water pumps that might cause the timing belt to fail are common in first-generation Audi TT recalls.
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Common complaints and recalls
- Airbags
- Fuel tank leaks
- Faulty water pumps
- Electrical failure
The second-generation Audi TT received a considerable facelift with a more aggressive appearance. Audi TTs from the second generation are longer and broader than their predecessors, and the high-performance 386-horsepower TT RS was launched in late 2011.
Third-generation TTs received a dramatic makeover and the incorporation of cutting-edge technology. The third-generation Audi TT RS boasts 400 horsepower, making it the most powerful and quickest Audi TT ever. Some recalls and faults affecting newer models are more severe than those affecting earlier ones.
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Audi TT years to avoid: the third generation
Major known issues:
- Airbag failure
- Fuel tank leak
- Repair costs
- Electrical issues
The 2016 and 2017 Audi TT Roadster and Coupe model years are often considered the worst model years for many recalls and customer complaints. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall for the 2016-2017 Audi TT models due to a driver’s front airbag that could explode in a crash, potentially injuring or killing the vehicle’s occupants.
Volkswagen apparently alerted owners, and dealers began installing a free replacement inflator. However, before acquiring a secondhand 2016-2017 Audi TT, the matter should be investigated.
The 2016 Audi TT Roadster Quattro and TT Coupe Quattro cars are particularly troubling because they are also part of another significant NHTSA recall. The recall involves a fault with the afflicted vehicle’s heat shield, resulting in fuel tank collapse following a collision and raising the danger of a fire.
The recall was for affected Audi TT vehicles manufactured in the third generation. The manufacturers had to begin installing a protective cover over the fuel tank heat shield bracket to remedy the recall. Aside from major recalls, they are known for loud squeaky brakes, small interior storage compartments, and not a ton of legroom. This may seem obvious for a sports car, but these are common complaints of TT drivers.
Common complaints and recalls
- Airbag failure
- Fuel tank repair costs
- Small vehicle legroom
- Squeaky brakes
While there are plenty of Audi TT model years to avoid, what are some excellent models for used car buyers? Generally speaking, the second generation has few recorded recalls or ongoing issues, and many would recommend the 2012 TT model years. It has no significant recalls and is well rated by owners. Many used vehicle consumers want something reliable, comfortable, and stylish, and that is something the 2012 Audi TT excels at.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE AUDI TT
With that in mind, many potential buyers are looking for the most reliable year for the Audi TT, but with many sources of conflicting information out there, it can be intimidating, even overwhelming to find the right answer.
The second-generation (2007-2015) is where most of the higher-rated TT model years are found. They have a modern style, new engine options like the 2.0-liter turbo, and plenty of luxury, all with a lower recall count than the previous-generation TT. There were only a handful of recalls for the entire generation, and most were not severe and were considered cosmetic and non-life-threatening.
You’ll save a bit of money by going with a used vehicle, and the second generation is recent enough to have plenty of the new bells and whistles found in the third generation.
Is the Audi TT Reliable?
Most people shy away from buying sports cars because they have a reputation as impractical and unreliable. Is that true with the Audi TT sports car? Apparently not, because the Audi TT can bring sports car performance and looks, along with its reliability – best of both worlds, if you will.
The folks at Iseecars.com conducted a study of thousands of licensed vehicles and how many are still operational after 150,000 miles. The study primarily focused on sports cars, and it had some fascinating findings. For instance, Ford Mustang had the best-calculated reliability, with 2.3% of vehicles still cruising highways after 150,000+ miles.
Can you guess which sports car had the best numbers?
iSeeCars ranked the front-wheel-drive Audi TT as the most reliable sports car, with 4.3% of them still being driven after 150,000 miles. Despite being a luxury sports car, the TT boasts excellent features that promote reliability. The new ones are expected to be even better, considering how Volkswagen keeps upping their game.
Sure, there are numerous Audi TT years to avoid, but you’ll be in good hands for the most part.
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