NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 130 owner complaints for the 2001 Audi TT. Most complaints involve electrical system (72) and power train (11). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2000-2001 Audi TT Coupe, TT Roadster, 2000-2002 A4, and S4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver Air Bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 TT Roadster, 2000 TT Coupe, 1999 Audi A8, 1998-2000 Audi A6, and 1999-2000 Audi A4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“HEADLIGHTS JUST STOPPED WORKING AGAIN FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME. PARK LIGHT AND HIGH BEAMS WORK FINE. THIS IS A REOCCURRING PROBLEM WITH THE LOW BEAMS. CAN BE DRIVING ALONG FINE AND CUT CAR OFF AND START BACK UP AND LOW BEAMS JUST WON'T COME ON. IF IT WAS 1 AT A TIME I COULD SEE IT AS BEING NO PROBLEM BUT THEY BOTH STOP WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. KEEP REPLACING SWITCH AND HEADLIGHTS...THINKING THIS WOULD ALLEVIATE PROBLEM TO NO AVAIL. SEE THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH AUDI OWNERS. ALSO SEE THAT IT'S A RECALL ON THE NEWER MODELS BUT NOT THE LATE MODELS.”
“While driving on a city street in Ann Arbor Michigan, the manual transmission shift lever snapped off. The lever detached at the base right above the spring assembly that allows the shifter to be moved into reverse. I was stuck in third gear and had to feather the clutch and keep the revs high in order to get through a traffic light and pull into a parking garage. The part required a complete replacement (completed myself).”
“ON OUR AUDI TT 2001 CONVERTIBLE, THE ELECTRICAL OUTLETS UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND AFTER AN INVESTIGATION, FOUND NO KNOWN CAUSE OF FIRE. ALSO, PRIOR TO THIS FIRE, THE TIP OF THE SPARK PLUG FELL INTO THE ENGINE CYLINDER BLOCK, CAUSING US THE OWNERS TO PAY IN FULL FOR A NEW ENGINE HEAD TO BE REPLACED....LOTS OF MONEY (APPROXIMATELY $8000). WE REPLACED IT THROUGH A WELL KNOWN PROFESSIONAL AUDI SHOP AUTO HAUS MUNICH IN SAN DIEGO. HAZARDOUS LIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED PROFESSIONALLY BECAUSE IT INTERFERED WITH THE SIGNAL LIGHTS. MUCH MONEY & TIME SPENT, AND MANY HEADACHES EXPERIENCED WHILE OWNING THIS BEAUTIFUL YET TROUBLESOME CAR. *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TT Coupe Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,450 | 386 |
| TT Roadster Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| TT Coupe quattro Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| TT Coupe quattro Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| TT Roadster quattro Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Oct 31, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 130 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (72), power train (11), engine and engine cooling (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2001 Audi TT at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).