2016 Audi TT Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 4th of 9 TT years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 6
- Per 10,000 cars
- 17.1
- 3,503 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.64×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 2
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 4
- NHTSA crash rating
- –
Should You Buy the 2016 Audi TT?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2016 Audi TT is 76 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 4th of the 9 TT years we score.
The most reported problem is seats, mostly parts breaking or coming apart (4 of 6 complaints). 2 of the 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 4 recalls. Audi also offers two warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the airbags and engine.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-22-04 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Good reliability score of 76
- About half the problems of the average car its age
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 2 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- Seats: parts breaking or coming apart4 complaints
- First year of a new generation
How the 2016 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 | 0.61× | −13 |
| Everyday problems | 0.72× | −6 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 0.77× | −5 |
| Score | 76 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2016 TT. If it were exactly average, its 3,503 cars would draw about 1.9 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 6 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi TT, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (67%)
Parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Reported Once (2)
Show the 2 problems reported once
- Airbag warning light
- Headlights: warning lights
How the 2016 Audi TT Compares With Other Years
The other TT years of the 3rd generation (8S), 2016 to 2023, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 1 | – |
| 2022 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 0 | – |
| 2021 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 0 | – |
| 2020 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 0 | – |
| 2019 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 1 | – |
| 2018 | Not scored | – | – | 14.2 | 2 | – |
| 2017 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 3 | – |
| 2016 This year | Good | 76 | 0.64× | 17.1 | 4 | Seats: parts breaking or coming apart |
| 2015 | Not scored | – | – | 0.0 | 0 | – |
2016 Audi TT Recalls
Four recalls cover the 2016 Audi TT. The most recent was issued in July 2022: “Air Bag Inflator May Explode or Deploy Improperly.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Air Bag Inflator May Explode or Deploy Improperly
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
NHTSA 22V543000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jul 27, 2022. By the second quarter of 2025, 62% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Damaged Fuel Tank May Cause Fuel Leak
A damaged fuel tank may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 20V076000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 12, 2020. By the second quarter of 2021, 89% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V014000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 11, 2019. By the second quarter of 2020, 79% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Side Marker Lights May Not Illuminate/FMVSS 108
If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 16V642000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 6, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 95% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2016 Audi TT Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has two warranty extensions for the 2016 Audi TT, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the airbags and engine. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-04
Takata driver or passenger airbag inflator failure
- The problem:
- The driver or passenger Takata airbag inflator can fail from a defect. This extension is for cars in the Takata inflator recall.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the inflators and replaces a failed inflator for free. Inoperable or totaled cars and salvage, rebuilt or flood titles are not covered.
- Who qualifies:
- Cars in the Takata recall. After the main term, coverage lasts 75,000 miles from the recall repair or a time limit, whichever is greater: November 10, 2023, or 2 years if repaired after November 10, 2021.
- Coverage:
- 10 years from the recall repair or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first. Then a further period applies.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-01
High oil use or fractured pistons
- The problem:
- 2012 to 2014 A4, A5, A6, Q5 and TT can use too much oil. On 2015 to 2017 A3 and 2016 to 2017 TT, a piston can fracture.
- The fix:
- Audi pays 75 percent of an Audi dealer's repair. Engine damage caused by the problem is paid at 25 to 100 percent, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Cars in the settlement class. The owner must prove oil maintenance within 10 percent of schedule during their ownership, or sign a sworn statement if records are missing. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
- Coverage:
- 9 years or 90,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first. Cars past 9 years on January 29, 2024 got until April 8, 2024.
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2016 TT, from its four recalls, two 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.
- Air Bag Inflator May Explode or Deploy Improperly NHTSA 22V543000
- Damaged Fuel Tank May Cause Fuel Leak NHTSA 20V076000
- Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA 19V014000
- Side Marker Lights May Not Illuminate/FMVSS 108 NHTSA 16V642000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-22-04: takata driver or passenger airbag inflator failure
- AWA-24-01: high oil use or fractured pistons
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Seats
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil 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