2012 Audi TT diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Audi TT diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Audi TT diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Suspension arm2.3× usual
  Audi TT

  4.3% All 2012 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2012 Audi TT diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Audi TT diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  29% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  17% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  17% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  10% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Driveshafts and joints
  1% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Known faults on the 2012 Audi TT diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Oil pressure warning (diesel)

  Diesel

  A leaking oil filter cover or housing can drop the oil pressure on the diesel TT.

  At the viewing: Check the oil level, make sure the oil light goes out, and look for leaks around the oil filter.

  Source: Haynes: Audi TT Mk2 common problems (2006-2014)

• Weak pulling on a low tank

  All engines

  Dirt in the fuel pump can blunt the performance when the tank is below a quarter. The fix is cleaning the tank and a new pump.

  At the viewing: Ask whether it feels flat when the fuel is low.

  Source: Haynes: Audi TT Mk2 common problems (2006-2014)

• S tronic software recall

  S tronic automatic

  A false temperature reading could make the S tronic gearbox lose drive. A software update fixed it.

  At the viewing: Ask for proof the recall was done.

  Source: Haynes: Audi TT Mk2 common problems (2006-2014)

• Heater fan cutting out

  All engines

  The blower motor can stop and start again by itself. The fix is a new motor.

  At the viewing: Run the fan on every speed for a few minutes.

  Source: Haynes: Audi TT Mk2 common problems (2006-2014)

• Creaking steering

  All engines

  Dry front strut bump stops creak when turning at low speed.

  At the viewing: Turn the wheel while moving slowly and listen.

  Source: Haynes: Audi TT Mk2 common problems (2006-2014)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Audi TT diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has it ever shown an oil pressure warning?
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Audi TT diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?