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Audi TT reliability

A · Excellent

MOT pass rates and common problems from 980,168 MOT tests of cars first registered 1999–2023.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
74.9%pass first time
+8.3 ptsvs typical car
Beats 86%of cars
980,168MOT tests

Verdict

The Audi TT passes its MOT first time on 74.9% of tests, 8.3 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (66.6%). That puts it ahead of 86% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2012 TT does best (beats 99% of cars) and the 2000 worst (beats 55%).

Of its engines, the 2.0 Diesel does best (beats 96%) and the 1.8 Petrol worst (beats 67%).

Better than average on lights & electrics, suspension, brakes.

Watch these weak spots

Ball joint dust covers1.7×as often as a typical car
Engine warning light1.4×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

50%60%70%80%90%100%3456789101112131415161718192091%91%88%84%78%71%65%60%58%
Audi TTTypical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

1999
Beats 55%
2000
Beats 55%
2001
Beats 57%
2002
Beats 57%
2003
Beats 62%
2004
Beats 66%
2005
Beats 64%
2006
Beats 69%
2007
Beats 85%
2008
Beats 90%
2009
Beats 93%
2010
Beats 95%
2011
Beats 98%
2012
Beats 99%
2013
Beats 99%
2014
Beats 98%
2015
Beats 97%
2016
Beats 98%
2017
Beats 96%
2018
Beats 95%
2019
Beats 94%
2020
Beats 86%
2021
Beats 82%
2022
Beats 71%
2023
Beats 42%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol2006–2023409,15181.0%Beats 94%A
1.8 Petrol1999–2018335,84866.0%Beats 67%B
2.0 Diesel2008–2018166,70480.2%Beats 96%A
3.2 Petrol2003–200858,35966.6%Beats 84%A
2.5 Petrol2009–201910,10687.6%Beats 99%A

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 3.8% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 7.9% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 9.2% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 6.3% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 5.7% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 9.2% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+5.3 ptsTyres: 6.3% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+0.4 ptsBrakes: 5.7% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+2.9 ptsSuspension: 7.9% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+3.6 ptsExhaust: 3.8% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+0.4 ptsSuspension: 7.9% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 5.7% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 6.3% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 9.2% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 3.8% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 9.2% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+5.3 ptsTyres: 6.3% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+0.4 ptsBrakes: 5.7% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+2.9 ptsSuspension: 7.9% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+3.6 ptsExhaust: 3.8% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+0.4 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Tyres: 6.3% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Lights & electrics
9.2% vs 14.5%
Suspension
7.9% vs 11.5%
Tyres
6.3% vs 6.6%
Brakes
5.7% vs 8.7%
Emissions & leaks
3.8% vs 4.2%
Body & structure
3.3% vs 4.8%
Visibility
3.2% vs 5.7%
Seat belts & airbags
1.3% vs 1.5%
Steering
1.2% vs 2.4%
Wheels
0.3% vs 0.4%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Engine warning light 1.4× typical
    The engine warning light should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts. If it stays on, get the fault codes read before you buy.
  • Tyre damage & cracking
    Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on both sidewalls of every tyre.
  • Sidelights
    Walk around with the lights on: bulb failures are the easiest MOT fails to avoid.
  • Tyre tread depth
    Check every tyre, including the inner edge, has at least 3 mm of tread. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.
  • Coil springs
    Look behind each wheel for a snapped coil (often the bottom one) and listen for clunks over bumps.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%0k10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k96%91%86%78%70%63%59%57%
Audi TTTypical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Tyre damage & cracking3.4%3.6%0.9×
Sidelights3.2%3.6%0.9×
Tyre tread depth2.8%2.7%1.0×
Coil springs2.8%2.8%1.0×
Headlight aim2.5%4.0%0.6×
Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2%1.8%1.3×
Engine warning light2.0%1.4%1.4×
Ball joint dust covers1.5%0.9%1.7×
Windscreen wipers1.5%2.7%0.6×
Windscreen washers1.5%2.5%0.6×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements28.5
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened27.7
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements24.8
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning24.8
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc22.9
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction21.5
A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc21.5
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn19.7
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2023 Audi TT1 engine89.8% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol1,11889.8%Beats 42%C
2022 Audi TT1 engine91.5% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol4,45991.5%Beats 71%B
2021 Audi TT1 engine91.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol6,60091.5%Beats 82%A
2020 Audi TT1 engine91.2% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol11,06291.2%Beats 86%A
2019 Audi TT2 engines91.4% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol21,59591.3%Beats 94%A
2.5 Petrol1,04193.2%Beats 98%A
2018 Audi TT4 engines90.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.8 Petrol12,26290.3%Beats 95%A
2.0 Petrol8,81790.9%Beats 96%A
2.5 Petrol2,02991.8%Beats 97%A
2.0 Diesel1,65188.2%Beats 91%A
2017 Audi TT3 engines89.8% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol23,61390.8%Beats 98%A
1.8 Petrol19,49389.4%Beats 95%A
2.0 Diesel7,02687.3%Beats 93%A
2016 Audi TT4 engines89.0% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol35,69790.2%Beats 99%A
1.8 Petrol19,75388.9%Beats 97%A
2.0 Diesel16,35686.4%Beats 94%A
2.5 Petrol1,19392.0%Beats 99%A
2015 Audi TT2 engines87.7% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol51,44889.0%Beats 99%A
2.0 Diesel24,70585.0%Beats 94%A
2014 Audi TT3 engines85.7% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel12,11483.8%Beats 96%A
1.8 Petrol11,53686.1%Beats 98%A
2.0 Petrol11,08587.5%Beats 99%A
2013 Audi TT4 engines85.2% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel20,13183.6%Beats 98%A
1.8 Petrol18,47185.7%Beats 99%A
2.0 Petrol16,11386.2%Beats 99%A
2.5 Petrol1,32488.1%Beats 99%A
2012 Audi TT3 engines83.6% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol18,94485.0%Beats 99%A
2.0 Diesel16,95082.5%Beats 99%A
1.8 Petrol12,83983.1%Beats 98%A
2011 Audi TT4 engines80.0% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol31,06280.5%Beats 98%A
2.0 Diesel18,94878.6%Beats 98%A
1.8 Petrol5,58881.3%Beats 98%A
2.5 Petrol1,46283.7%Beats 99%A
2010 Audi TT4 engines75.7% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol28,01876.4%Beats 95%A
2.0 Diesel20,89674.0%Beats 95%A
1.8 Petrol6,16576.3%Beats 94%A
2.5 Petrol1,97283.0%Beats 99%A
2009 Audi TT4 engines73.0% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol29,13773.8%Beats 94%A
2.0 Diesel19,28671.0%Beats 92%A
1.8 Petrol3,57774.9%Beats 94%A
2.5 Petrol1,08582.4%Beats 99%A
2008 Audi TT3 engines70.2% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol50,04170.3%Beats 89%A
2.0 Diesel8,64168.6%Beats 89%A
3.2 Petrol5,98071.7%Beats 92%A
2007 Audi TT2 engines67.7% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol53,31667.0%Beats 83%A
3.2 Petrol18,45569.9%Beats 90%A
2006 Audi TT3 engines61.4% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.8 Petrol13,95558.7%Beats 60%C
2.0 Petrol7,02662.9%Beats 76%B
3.2 Petrol6,95165.3%Beats 81%A
2005 Audi TT2 engines59.4% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.8 Petrol27,73458.1%Beats 61%B
3.2 Petrol7,60664.2%Beats 76%B
2004 Audi TT2 engines58.9% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.8 Petrol32,31756.6%Beats 60%B
3.2 Petrol14,89463.9%Beats 79%B
2003 Audi TT2 engines56.7% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.8 Petrol45,71456.3%Beats 60%B
3.2 Petrol4,47361.5%Beats 74%B
2002 Audi TT1 engine54.9% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.8 Petrol46,34654.9%Beats 57%C
2001 Audi TT1 engine55.2% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.8 Petrol33,83955.2%Beats 57%C
2000 Audi TT1 engine56.0% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.8 Petrol21,50856.0%Beats 55%C
1999 Audi TT1 engine56.4% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.8 Petrol4,75156.4%Beats 55%C

FAQ

What is the Audi TT MOT pass rate?

74.9% of MOT tests on the Audi TT were passed first time, based on 980,168 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 1999–2023. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 66.6% of the time.

Is the Audi TT reliable?

On MOT results it rates A (excellent): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 86% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Audi TT year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2012 TT does best for its age and mileage: it beats 99% of cars on UK roads. The 2000 does worst: it beats 55%.

Which Audi TT engine is best?

Across all years, the 2.0 Diesel does best: it beats 96% of cars on UK roads. The 1.8 Petrol does worst: it beats 67%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Audi TT?

The most common failure items are tyre damage & cracking, sidelights, tyre tread depth. Compared with similar cars, ball joint dust covers comes up 1.7× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.