2012 Audi Tt problems
The Audi TT is a production front-engine, 2-door, 2+2 sports coupé and roadster, manufactured and marketed by Audi from 1998 to 2023 across three generations.
For each of its three generations, the TT has been based on consecutive generations of Volkswagen's "Group A" platforms, starting with its "PQ34" fourth generation. The TT shares powertrain and suspension layouts with its platform mates, including the Audi A3, like a transversely mounted front-engine, powering front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and fully independent suspension using MacPherson struts in front.
The TT's first two generations were assembled by Audi's Hungarian subsidiary, one of the world's largest engine manufacturing plants, using bodyshells manufactured and painted at Audi's Ingolstadt plant and parts made entirely by the Hungarian factory for the third generation.
The last of the 662,762 Audi TTs was manufactured in November 2023.
Social links
Common 2012 Audi Tt problems
The Audi TT, manufactured between 2006 and 2014, is known for several common problems that owners have reported. Here are the details of these issues:
- Faulty interior trim: Some early TT models were recalled due to faulty interior trim that could protrude into the cabin during a crash, posing an injury risk.
- Twin-clutch transmission: A recall was issued for the twin-clutch transmission because a false temperature reading could cause a loss of drive. The software was updated to rectify the issue.
- Front-wheel-drive models with manual gearbox: Some front-wheel-drive TT models with manual gearboxes may experience a humming noise, which is caused by a problem with the drivetrain. This issue is more prevalent in models with higher mileage.
- Blower motor: The blower motor in the TT can be temperamental, working intermittently or not at all. If the fault code 1273 is displayed, the blower motor may need to be replaced.
- Performance issues: The TT's performance can be affected by contaminants building up in the fuel pump, leading to a lack of power, especially when the fuel tank is less than a quarter full. Cleaning the fuel tank and replacing the fuel pump can resolve this issue.
- Creaky steering: Older TT models may suffer from creaky steering, which can be particularly noticeable during maneuvering. This issue is more common in models with higher mileage.
- Diesel-engined Audi TT oil pressure problems: Diesel-engined TT models may experience oil pressure problems, which could be a cause for concern.
- Noisy manual transmission: A noise from the manual transmission, particularly during cornering, can be caused by degraded gearbox oil. Changing the oil can resolve this issue.
- Cam follower: The cam follower can wear out, leading to problems with the camshaft. Regular servicing and replacement of the cam follower can help prevent this issue .
- Seats sagging in the middle: Some TT owners have reported that the seats can sag in the middle, which is more likely to occur in models with cheaper leather or if the car has been heavily used. Various methods, such as steaming or expanding the foam, have been suggested to address this issue .
- Coil packs: Coil packs in the TT can fail frequently, especially after mapping. It is recommended to replace all coil packs at once to prevent further issues .
- Rear lights: The rear lights can suffer from a bad earth, causing a warning message to appear on the dashboard. This issue can be resolved by adding an extra earth or using a thicker amperage cable for the earth .
What is the common issue with Audi TT?
There have been quite a few reports of TTs suffering from water leaks, usually caused by the drainage tubes for the roof blocking up and overflowing. These can lead to flooding inside the car that, if severe enough, can cause serious problems with the electrics.
Is Audi TT a reliable car?
However, in our 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey, the TT placed second out of 15 cars in the coupés, convertibles and sports cars category. As a brand, Audi finished 21st out of 32 manufacturers.
Is the Audi TT expensive to maintain?
Audi TT Maintenance Costs
An Audi TT will cost about $9,644 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service.
How many miles will an Audi TT last?
An Audi TT should have no problems lasting over 100,000 miles with most of them reaching 150,000 miles. There are some higher mileage examples out there that have gone further, but once the TT reaches 100,000 miles the reliability does begin to drop off and the maintenance costs increase to keep it on the road.
What is the common issue with Audi TT?
There have been quite a few reports of TTs suffering from water leaks, usually caused by the drainage tubes for the roof blocking up and overflowing. These can lead to flooding inside the car that, if severe enough, can cause serious problems with the electrics.
Is Audi TT a reliable car?
However, in our 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey, the TT placed second out of 15 cars in the coupés, convertibles and sports cars category. As a brand, Audi finished 21st out of 32 manufacturers.
Is the Audi TT expensive to maintain?
Audi TT Maintenance Costs
An Audi TT will cost about $9,644 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service.
Are Audi TT parts expensive?
When it comes to making repairs on a luxury car like an Audi, parts are usually more expensive due to their high-quality nature.
2012 Audi Tt car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi Tt problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Audi Tt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Audi Tt complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Audi Tt.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-20
- VIN: TRUBFAFK1B1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY REAR RIGHT LIGHT. I SAW THE INFORMATION LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD. WHEN I DISCONNECT THE LIGHT TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON, I SAW THAT THE CONNECTOR HAS BURN MARKS.
Negative 2012 Audi Tt car reviews
Positive 2012 Audi Tt car reviews
-
This car is really impressive! It has great style, performance, and quality, all rated at a 10. The 4cyl turbo is fantastic, with plenty of kick to it. It's both high-performing and economical, as my last fill-up averaged at 30mpg. I was initially hesitant to purchase an automatic, as what's the fun of a sports car that you can't shift? However, the paddle shifters are a lot of fun and make up for a spouse that can't drive stick. The top drops smoothly and quickly, and it's nice to be able to put it up or down while moving. The launch control feature is an absolute blast! It will light the tires up like it had 400 horses under the hood. It's also great in the snow as FWD only.
-
I see that you have previously owned a 2005 Lotus Elise and a 2000 Boxster S. It seems like you are now in need of a 4-seater car for your baby son and the TT caught your attention, besides the 911. Comparatively, the TT is a very capable car in the real world. Its handling is decent, although the steering is a bit light and there's too much understeer in the canyons. The acceleration is decent and the brakes are excellent. The storage is adequate, making it a good daily driver car. I also noticed that you compared the payment to a similar spec VW GTi, which is a good due diligence. The TT is only about $125 more a month, so it's definitely not a bad deal.
-
My second Audi TT is red and it looks great! Unfortunately, the top has broken and gets stuck down, which has happened twice in one month. Although it was fixed, it only lasted a few weeks. Additionally, the passenger window doesn't lay flush with the door even after several repair attempts. However, it looks better with the window not sticking up a little. I could really use some help with this. Despite these issues, I still love the TT enough to lease another one. In fact, I was hoping it would work as well as the 2004 TT I leased for 4 happy years.
-
I recently acquired an Audi Roadster from a dealer in Bixoli, MS, and I must say, it is quite a remarkable car. As someone who has owned six convertibles in the past (including 3 MGs, 1 Mustang, 1 LeSabre, and 1 Miata), I can confidently say that this one takes the cake. It has a smooth yet aggressive feel to it, and it never fails to turn heads. Whether I'm driving in the city or on the interstate, this car performs exceptionally well. I particularly enjoy the automatic spooler that kicks in at 75mph (although you can also manually activate it in town). It's always a thrill to see people's amazement as I pass by.
-
This is my Audi TT 3.2L quattro cabriolet. I've owned it for multiple years now and every time I think I want to look at other cars for a possible trade, I get in and drive and realize it still holds my heart. It's a great little sports car that gives excellent handling, acceleration, and puts a smile on the driver's face every time. When I was searching for a new car, I looked at just about every convertible in the market at that time, but no other car had the combination of perks and handling that I was searching for. Once I made the decision, finding this car took another six months, but it was worth the wait. Since then, it has been my daily driver and I have learned all its quirks and joys. Its acceleration is beyond fun and when I put it into launch mode, it borders on scary. I know many complain that an automatic transmission is just boring, but for my needs, I find it to be just right. And when I want to get aggressive with my driving, going into Sport mode and using those flappy paddles is just great. However, one thing I have noted as a minus is the ease of tires braking loose during heavy braking. It took me a while to get used to how the brakes work on this car, but once that was done, it's been resolved. My only real complaint I would lodge against the car is the navigation system, but I have the same gripe on every other car I've driven that includes it. The nav systems are ALL slow to respond, much less helpful than a Garmin or other dedicated GPS. For that reason, I've always maintained a Garmin, especially for trips. Maintenance has not been too much of a problem with this car, but I would note I have had issues with the convertible action.While still under warranty, I had the motors replaced. However, there seems to be a recurring issue with keeping the top down sensor adjusted correctly, which has required multiple services. Although the manufacturer claims that you can open/close the top while driving up to 18 mph, their technicians advise that it should only be done when parked on a level surface with the brake held in place. Perhaps this function has been repaired in the past decade, but I am doubtful. Unfortunately, I will need to take it in for servicing again. Currently, I frequently spend a couple of minutes lowering/raising/lowering the top until the status light goes out, otherwise, it beeps out a warning that the top is not completely opened every couple of minutes--very irritating. However, I would still recommend trying out this great little car before dismissing it just because it's not a BMW or Benz. You might be pleasantly surprised. Update 2/2/2019: I still own this little joy and every time I consider selling, I just take it out for a drive--that settles the argument going on in my brain. Get a TT!!!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Audi Tt problems:
TTRS common issues | Audi TT Forum
Jan 4, 2021 ... Common Mk2 probs, saggy leather seats, noisy/failing window regulators, knocking steering racks, bonnet opening lever snaps & poor connections ...
Audi TT Common Problems - BreakerLink Blog
Apr 17, 2017 ... So What are the Common Faults with the Audi TT · Instrumentation and Instrument Cluster · Cam Belt · Water Pump · Gearbox · Suspension · Coil Pack.
tts common problems | Audi TT Forum
Mar 8, 2016 ... So if you remap you may get misfires. Sent from my iPhone 6s using Tapatalk. EX 2012 TTS Black Edition in Panther Black
2012 Audi TTS Problems to Watch For When Buying One ...
Oct 29, 2021 ... Check mag ride shocks for leakage - a chronic problem. Check that the rear lights, including brake lights are equal brightness. Connector ...
A couple of potential issues with 2012 TT-RS? | VW Vortex ...
Jun 8, 2012 ... A couple of potential issues with 2012 TT-RS? ... Is this a known issue with the 2012's? Could it be ... SOLD - 2012 Audi TT-RS: Stage 2 United ...
Other years of Audi Tt
Are you having problems with your 2012 Audi Tt?
Sigmund Hayes 2025-06-16
The automatic transmission occasionally rolls backward on hills, which can be frustrating. Despite reporting the issue to the dealership, they have been unable to find any problems with the transmission. However, I am confident that this is not a normal characteristic of the car and I will continue to seek a resolution.