2011 Audi TT RS
The 2011 Audi TT RS is a high-performance sports coupe featuring a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 engine producing 360 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque. It was only available with a 6-speed manual transmission. People generally liked the car’s exhilarating performance, distinctive styling, and quattro all-wheel drive system. Dislikes often centered around the firm ride quality and limited rear passenger space.
Engine
2.5L Turbocharged Inline-5
- Cracked Cylinder Head
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant loss with no external leaks, white smoke from the exhaust, and potential overheating. This issue is often caused by stress fractures within the cylinder head due to heat cycles.
- Solution: Replacement of the cylinder head.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $6,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Diverter Valve Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure, sluggish acceleration, and potential check engine light with codes related to turbocharger underboost.
- Solution: Replacement of the diverter valve. Some owners upgrade to aftermarket valves for increased durability.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Stalling, rough idle, extended cranking, and a check engine light. Often accompanied by fuel pressure related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
- Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
- Clutch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting gears, and a high clutch engagement point. Can be caused by normal wear and tear or aggressive driving.
- Solution: Clutch replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Throwout Bearing Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Grinding or squealing noise when the clutch pedal is depressed.
- Solution: Replacement of the throwout bearing, often done in conjunction with a clutch replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Included in clutch replacement cost above.
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Magnetic Ride Control (If Equipped) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride quality, clunking noises from the suspension, and warning lights on the dashboard related to the suspension system.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected magnetic ride control shock absorbers.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ per shock absorber.
- Recalls: None Found
- Suspension Bushing Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially over bumps. Vague steering feel and potential alignment issues.
- Solution: Replacement of worn suspension bushings (control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, etc.).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+, depending on the bushing and labor involved.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Instrument Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent gauge failures, flickering lights, and error messages on the instrument cluster display.
- Solution: Diagnosis and potential repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The car’s battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven for a few days.
- Solution: The source of the parasitic drain must be identified by a professional.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rear Spoiler Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rear spoiler fails to raise or lower automatically, or makes excessive noise during operation.
- Solution: Replacement of the spoiler actuator motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Navigation/Infotainment System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: System freezes, unresponsive touch screen, inability to connect to Bluetooth, and audio problems.
- Solution: Software update, component repair, or replacement of the head unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2011 Audi TT RS, while offering thrilling performance, can present owners with potential issues. The most significant concerns revolve around the engine, particularly the potential for cylinder head cracks and HPFP failures, which can be costly to repair. Suspension issues, especially those related to the magnetic ride control system (if equipped), can also contribute to higher maintenance costs. While other systems may experience problems, the severity and cost of engine and suspension-related repairs are the primary considerations for potential buyers.