2009 Audi TT Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 6th of 9 TT years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 13
- 1 is a recall notice
- Per 10,000 cars
- 40.5
- 2,965 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.3×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 7
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 2
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2009 Audi TT?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2009 Audi TT is 68 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.3 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 6th of the 9 TT years we score.
The most reported problem is the dual-clutch transmission, mostly failure or loss of drive (4 of 13 complaints). 7 of the 13 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 2 recalls. Audi also offers eight warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine. For comparison, the 2008 scores 79.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-15-03 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 8 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- About 1.3 times the problems of the average car its age
- Dual-clutch transmission: failure or loss of drive4 complaints
How the 2009 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 | 1.5× | −20 |
| Everyday problems | 0.83× | −7 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 0.67× | −5 |
| Score | 68 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2009 TT. If it were exactly average, its 2,965 cars would draw about 0.2 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 13 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 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 13.
Dual-clutch transmission: failure or loss of drive
4 complaints (31%)
Failure or loss of drive, harsh or delayed shifts and unusual noises. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Reported Once (11)
Show the 11 problems reported once
- Brakes: loss of braking
- Cooling system failure
- Engine: a fire
- Engine sensors or computer failure
- Exhaust or catalytic converter: a bad smell
- Fuel leak
- Convertible roof: stopped working
- Power windows or regulator: sticking or stiffness
- Stall (cause not stated)
- Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
- Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
How the 2009 Audi TT Compares With Other Years
The other TT years of the 2nd generation (8J), 2008 to 2015, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Good | 76 | 0.64× | 17.1 | 4 | Seats: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2015 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 0 | – |
| 2014 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 0 | – |
| 2013 | Not scored | – | – | 13.7 | 0 | – |
| 2012 | Not scored | – | – | 4.4 | 0 | – |
| 2011 | Not scored | – | – | 7.0 | 0 | – |
| 2010 | Not scored | – | – | 33.3 | 1 | Dual-clutch transmission: vibration or shudder |
| 2009 This year | Caution | 68 | 1.3× | 40.5 | 2 | Dual-clutch transmission: failure or loss of drive |
| 2008 | Good | 79 | 0.51× | 17.8 | 2 | Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
2009 Audi TT Recalls
Two recalls cover the 2009 Audi TT. The most recent was issued in September 2009: “Fuel Tank Ventilation Valve.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Fuel Tank Ventilation Valve
The closing force of an internal spring of the fuel tank ventilation valve is not adequate enough to hold the valve closed under extreme driving conditions possibly allowing fuel to leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire could occur.
NHTSA 09V377000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 30, 2009.
Direct Shift Gearbox
The abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.
NHTSA 09V333000Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 20, 2009.
2009 Audi TT Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has eight warranty extensions for the 2009 Audi TT, separate from its recalls. All eight are for problems with the engine. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-03
Faulty fuel injector causing misfire
- The problem:
- A 2.0 TFSI fuel injector can be faulty. It causes a minor misfire and turns on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the fuel injectors and replaces any faulty injector for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2012 Audis with the 2.0 TFSI engine, codes CAEB, CBFA or CCTA. An owner letter also lists CETA. Ask an Audi dealer whether a CETA car qualifies. Damage from a tuned engine computer is not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-02
Faulty intake manifold on the 2.0 TFSI
- The problem:
- The intake manifold on the 2.0 TFSI engine can be faulty. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the intake manifold and replaces it for free if it is faulty.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2012 Audis with the 2.0 TFSI engine, codes CBFA, CCTA or CETA. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-13-07
Carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- The problem:
- Carbon can build up in the engine's secondary air ports. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the problem and, if needed, cleans the carbon out of the secondary air ports for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2012 Audis with the 3.2 engine and 2009 to 2013 Audis with the 3.0T engine. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extension
Intake runner control motor and PCV valve faults
- The problem:
- Under certain conditions the intake manifold runner control motor and the PCV valve can work poorly. Fault codes may then turn on the check engine light.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer runs a diagnosis scan and replaces the intake runner control motor and the PCV valve for free if needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2.0 TFSI cars: 2006 A4, 2007 to 2009 A4 and A4 Cabriolet, 2006 to 2008 A3, and 2008 and 2009 TT. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extension
PCV valve fault with check engine light
- The problem:
- Under certain conditions the positive crankcase ventilation, or PCV, valve can work poorly. Fault codes may then turn on the check engine light.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer runs a diagnosis scan and replaces the PCV valve for free if needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2.0 TFSI cars: 2006 to 2008 A3, 2006 to 2009 A4, 2007 to 2009 A4 Cabriolet, 2008 and 2009 TT, 2009 to 2011 TTS. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extension
Powertrain warranty after coolant pump seal leaks
- The problem:
- A seal inside the coolant pump can wear out early and leak coolant. Audi extended the powertrain warranty for certain affected cars.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses and repairs any problem with the engine, transmission, differential or axles for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2011 Audis with a 3.0 TFSI, 3.0 TDI or 3.2 FSI engine, in the coolant pump campaign or with a replaced pump. Only the owner Audi wrote to is covered, not later owners.
- Coverage:
- 5 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-18-15
Timing chain or tensioner failure, 2.0 engine
- The problem:
- The timing chain or its tensioner on the 2.0 EA888 engine can fail. A failed timing chain can also damage the engine.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed timing chain or tensioner. Audi pays 25 to 100 percent of engine damage it caused, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2013 Audis with the 2.0 EA888 engine in the class action settlement. The owner must show on-time oil changes during their ownership, within 10 percent, or sign a sworn statement if records are lost.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 100,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-19-06
Engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
- The problem:
- The main engine water pump on the 2.0 EA888 engine can fail. A failed water pump can also damage the engine.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed water pump. Audi pays 5 to 100 percent of engine damage it caused, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2014 Audis with the 2.0 EA888 engine in the class action settlement. The owner needs records showing the right coolant was used and checked on schedule, within 10 percent, or a signed declaration. Totaled cars are excluded.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
2009 Audi TT NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2009 Audi TT. It led to a recall.
Dual-clutch transmission suddenly shifting into neutral
Led to a recallNHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked into 2009-2010 Audi A3 and TT cars with the dual-clutch DSG transmission. Poorly crimped wires in a temperature sensor connector could falsely signal a hot gearbox and shift the car into neutral. That could cause a crash in heavy traffic. NHTSA and Audi had 172 related complaints. Recall 09V-333 covered about 16,000 cars.
NHTSA PE09035Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jul 17, 2009 to Nov 19, 2009
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2009 TT, from its two recalls, eight Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Fuel Tank Ventilation Valve NHTSA 09V377000
- Direct Shift Gearbox NHTSA 09V333000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-15-03: faulty fuel injector causing misfire
- AWA-15-02: faulty intake manifold on the 2.0 TFSI
- AWA-13-07: carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- Intake runner control motor and PCV valve faults
- PCV valve fault with check engine light
- Powertrain warranty after coolant pump seal leaks
- AWA-18-15: timing chain or tensioner failure, 2.0 engine
- AWA-19-06: engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
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
- 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