VehicleVerdict

2004 Audi TT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 33 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.6 times the median TT year — the 2004 model ranks #4 of 17 TT years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 58% of all reports (19 of 33), far ahead of electrical system at 6.

33

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other TT years?

TT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted154 complaints2000: 94 complaints2001: 154 complaints2002: 53 complaints2003: 19 complaints2004: 33 complaints2005: 17 complaints2006: 4 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 17 complaints2009: 15 complaints2010: 4 complaints2011: 2 complaints2016: 5 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints
TT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all TT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Audi TT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1958%
Electrical System618%
Fuel System39%
Other26%
Airbags13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Engine13%

Does the 2004 Audi TT have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14E007000EngineMarch 7, 2014 · 50 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

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.

04V007000TransmissionJanuary 6, 2004 · 145 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE CLUTCH COULD LOSE ITS ABILITY TO PROVIDE INPUT TORQUE TO THE TRANSMISSION WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, WHICH COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLUTCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 18, 2012

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 10, 2016

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 10, 2016

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 9, 2019

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 30, 2012

2004 Audi TT — common questions

Is the 2004 Audi TT reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 33 complaints put the 2004 model at #4 of 17 TT years. It is one of the TT years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 TT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (19 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints).

Does the 2004 Audi TT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Audi TT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi TT years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the TT years to avoid are 2001, 2000, 2002, 2004. The cleanest record among TT years belongs to 2023.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.