2004 Audi TT Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 8th of 9 TT years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 25
- 1 is a recall notice
- Per 10,000 cars
- 40.9
- 5,870 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.5×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 14
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 1
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating before 2011
Should You Buy the 2004 Audi TT?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2004 Audi TT is 67 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.5 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 8th of the 9 TT years we score.
The most reported problem is the dual-clutch transmission, mostly failure or loss of drive (10 of 25 complaints). Owners also complain about the fuel gauge or level sensor and the transmission computer or software. 14 of the 25 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 1 recall. For comparison, the 2003 scores 77 and the 2005 scores 76.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- About 1.5 times the problems of the average car its age
- Dual-clutch transmission: failure or loss of drive10 complaints
- Fuel gauge or level sensor: stopped working4 complaints
- Transmission computer: failure or loss of drive4 complaints
How the 2004 TT Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 1.8× | −22 |
| Everyday problems | 0.90× | −7 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 0.59× | −4 |
| Score | 67 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2004 TT. If it were exactly average, its 5,870 cars would draw about 0.1 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.
What Owners Report
We read all 25 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Audi TT, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 25.
Dual-clutch transmission: failure or loss of drive
10 complaints (40%)
Failure or loss of drive and harsh or delayed shifts. 7 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
Fuel gauge or level sensor: stopped working
4 complaints (16%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure and wrong readings. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Transmission computer: failure or loss of drive
4 complaints (16%)
Failure or loss of drive and reduced power or limp mode. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 69,000 miles.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
3 complaints (12%)
Failure or loss of drive and harsh or delayed shifts. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine sensors or computer failure
2 complaints (8%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
2 complaints (8%)
A failure.
Fuel pump failure
2 complaints (8%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
2 complaints (8%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Reported Once (7)
Show the 7 problems reported once
- Airbag warning light: fault code
- Battery drain: draining the battery
- Cooling system failure
- Engine: a bad smell
- Screen and audio: not shutting off
- Instrument cluster: stopped working
- Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
How the 2004 Audi TT Compares With Other Years
The other TT years of the 1st generation (8N), 2000 to 2006, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Not scored | – | – | 33.7 | 0 | Timing belt: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2005 | Good | 76 | 0.74× | 32.7 | 0 | Airbag warning light |
| 2004 This year | Caution | 67 | 1.5× | 40.9 | 1 | Dual-clutch transmission: failure or loss of drive |
| 2003 | Good | 77 | 0.67× | 21.2 | 0 | Instrument cluster: wrong readings |
| 2002 | Good | 74 | 0.85× | 33.2 | 0 | Instrument cluster: stopped working |
| 2001 | Caution | 67 | 1.3× | 54.2 | 3 | Instrument cluster: wrong readings |
| 2000 | Caution | 61 | 2.0× | 89.4 | 5 | Instrument cluster: stopped working |
2004 Audi TT Recalls
One recall covers the 2004 Audi TT. It was issued in January 2004: “Vw/Audi/Clutch Not Welded Properly.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows whether it is still open on a given car.
Vw/Audi/Clutch Not Welded Properly
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.
NHTSA 04V007000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 6, 2004.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA gave the 2004 TT no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2004 TT ratings on NHTSA.gov.
2-door Convertible with side airbags
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2004 TT, from its recall and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Vw/Audi/Clutch Not Welded Properly NHTSA 04V007000
On the Test Drive
- Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Dual-clutch transmission
- Fuel gauge or level sensor
- Transmission computer or software
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next