2009 Audi TT Quattro
The 2009 Audi TT Quattro is a sporty coupe and convertible that offers a fun driving experience and stylish design. The 2009 model year offered several engine options. The base model was equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. The higher performance TT Quattro featured a 3.2L VR6 engine producing 250 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0L was available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission. The 3.2L VR6 came exclusively with the 6-speed DSG. People generally appreciate the TT’s sleek aesthetics, agile handling, and comfortable interior (for a sports car). Common complaints include relatively limited rear passenger space (especially in the coupe), and the potential for costly repairs, particularly with the DSG transmission and some of the engine components.
Engine
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (200 HP)
- Diverter Valve Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure, reduced engine performance, possible check engine light. The OEM diverter valve (especially earlier versions) is prone to failure due to the diaphragm tearing.
- Solution: Replace the diverter valve. Many owners opt for a more robust aftermarket diverter valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ depending on OEM or aftermarket replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
- Cam Follower Wear (High-Pressure Fuel Pump)
- Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, potential fuel delivery issues, check engine light. The cam follower that actuates the high-pressure fuel pump on the 2.0T engine can wear down prematurely. If not addressed, it can damage the camshaft.
- Solution: Replace the cam follower. Regular inspection and replacement are recommended.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 for the follower, more if the camshaft is damaged.
- Recalls: None Found
3.2L VR6 (250 HP)
- Timing Chain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise on startup, particularly when cold. In severe cases, can cause engine misfires or failure to start. VR6 engines, while generally reliable, can experience timing chain wear or stretching over time, especially with poor maintenance.
- Solution: Replace the timing chains, tensioners, and guides. This is a labor-intensive job.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Coil Pack Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, check engine light. Coil packs can fail due to heat and age, causing individual cylinders to misfire.
- Solution: Replace the faulty coil pack(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 per coil pack.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox)
- Mechatronic Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, delayed engagement, complete loss of drive, error messages on the dashboard. The Mechatronic unit is the electro-hydraulic control unit for the DSG transmission, and it is a common failure point.
- Solution: Replacement or repair of the Mechatronic unit. Replacement is often the more reliable option.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+ depending on repair vs. replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
- Clutch Pack Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Slipping during acceleration, shuddering during gear changes, difficulty engaging gears. The DSG transmission uses multiple clutch packs, which can wear out over time, especially with aggressive driving or lack of maintenance.
- Solution: Clutch pack replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Magnetic Ride Control (If Equipped) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Stiff or uneven ride, suspension warning lights on the dashboard, leaking struts. The magnetic ride control shocks can fail, leading to ride quality issues.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected struts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per strut.
- Recalls: None Found
- Control Arm Bushing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, vague steering, uneven tire wear. The control arm bushings can wear out, leading to excessive play in the suspension.
- Solution: Replacement of the control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per control arm, depending on labor.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Instrument Cluster Pixelation
- Description/Symptoms: Pixels disappearing from the instrument cluster display, making it difficult to read information.
- Solution: Replacement or repair of the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ depending on repair vs. replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking properly, difficulty using the key fob to lock/unlock the doors.
- Solution: Replacement of the door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per door.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Convertible Top Issues (Convertible Models)
- Description/Symptoms: Top failing to open or close properly, leaks, unusual noises during operation.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the convertible top mechanism, which can involve hydraulic components, sensors, and motors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Airbag Warning Light
- Description/Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard. This can be due to a faulty sensor, wiring issue, or a problem with the airbag control module.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the airbag system. This may involve replacing a sensor, repairing wiring, or replacing the airbag control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the issue.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2009 Audi TT Quattro, while a stylish and fun-to-drive car, can present owners with a range of potential issues. Some problems, like diverter valve failure on the 2.0T engine or coil pack failures, are relatively inexpensive to address. However, issues such as Mechatronic unit failure in the DSG transmission, timing chain problems in the VR6 engine, or magnetic ride control failures can be significantly more costly. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, and the cost of repair can vary widely depending on the specific problem and the repair shop. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their ownership expectations. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.