2004 Audi TT: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 25 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train; the 2003 and 2005 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Car jerks violently audi dealership state they will not fix this issue although my car falls under this campaign https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/rcl/2004/rcrit-04v007-5629.pdf audi campaign ja (04v-007) direct shift automatic transmission replace dual clutch”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2019
“Airbags not working due car sitting and battery running low. Low battery triggered code 65535 which makes all the airbags in the vehicle inoperative.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2018
“Mechatronic failure, taking a michigan uturn car went into limp mode crossimg the street ,almost t boned by 2 different cars, called audi they want me to buy a new unit for a crazy amount of money and a long waiting period, called everyone I could for help but seems there ia some sort of cover up or neglect when it comes to this specific car and problem, somebody is going to get seriously hurt if there isnt a recall soon, im one of hundereds that have ran into this same problem, bought the car still making payments at 61007 miles and this happend at 72361 miles.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“Fuel sensor not working properly; while having gas, once tank meter reads 1/2, the engine shot-down, incorrectly telling that the tank is empty. Same issues with the cathalytic converter system. Engine's transmission wearing fast; pushing back and fort while accelerating.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2016
“The transmission slips violently between 2 nd and 3 rd gear. There was a complete loss of power with the pedal down completely. After research have discovered that the design of these triptonic transmissions which can be switched from manual to automatic are faulty and costly to repair. I am considering a valve body replacement which may or may not fix the problem. Audi does not stand behind their product. This is a common problem among audi owners. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2012
“While driving on the freeway, the transmission suddenly went to neutral. With no power and at 70mph, I was forced into an unsafe maneuver, cutting drivers off in order to get onto the shoulder lane. I was towed to a nearby audi dealership around 11:00pm. 3 business days later, they called me with the results; the mechatronics (transmission computer) was faulty and was estimated to cost $2800 for the repair. This issue with vw's dsg transmission is widespread as owners at various mileages have reported broken mechatronics units. My vehicle has 65k miles and replacing a transmission at that mileage is absurd. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 audi tt1.8 coupe. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle would jerk in between gears and stall. After the failure, the vehicle could not be shifted in or out of any gear. By turning the engine off and then restarting, the failure would correct itself but would recur after several minutes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised the contact that they needed to replace the transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who offered to buy the vehicle back but the contact refused. The failure mileage was 70,000.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2012
“Failed engine temperature gauge diagnosed by audi technician as a failed instrument cluster; the cluster has to be replaced or all gauges may fail without warning. *js”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2012
“Mechatronic valve control module failure going into neutral or changing down at highway cruise. Most dangerous occurrence: slipping clutch and not engaging first gear properly. I was nearly hit by a car traveling at 60mph while limping across an intersection. Could have been fatal. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2012
“I have a 2004 audi tt 3.2 dsg with about 106,000 miles on it, when ever I turn the car on and shift into gear the car will just sit there with the gear lights on the instrument cluster blinking. I have no reverse gear, the car can move in drive but makes a grinding noise, I might have to restart the car 20 times before the car decides to work right and go into reverse and drive normally... Also there is a strong oily smell coming from the engine compartment. The car gets serviced and checked normally and this just started all of a sudden. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2011
Recalls - 2 campaigns
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX, DURING THE PRODUCTION OF THE GEARBOX, A SEAM AT THE CLUTCH WAS NOT WELDED TO SPECIFICATIONS. THIS COULD LEAD TO DEGRADED PERFORMANCE OF THE CLUTCH INSIDE THE GEARBOX.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLUTCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2004 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact TT by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Audi TT reliable?
NHTSA has 25 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Audi TT. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2004 Audi TT have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.