2021 Audi TTS Quattro

The 2021 Audi TTS Quattro is a sporty coupe known for its agile handling, stylish design, and premium interior. Powered exclusively by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 288 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, it comes standard with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. While owners appreciate its fun-to-drive nature and sophisticated technology, some common complaints revolve around its ride harshness, limited rear passenger space, and potential electronic glitches.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (288 hp, 280 lb-ft)

• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks may occur from various points within the engine bay, often near the water pump or coolant hoses. Symptoms include low coolant level, overheating, and the presence of coolant under the vehicle.
  • Solution: Locate and repair the source of the leak by replacing the affected part.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure can lead to hard starts, rough idling, reduced performance, and the engine may stall. A check engine light will illuminate.
  • Solution: Replace the High Pressure Fuel Pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed S tronic Dual-Clutch Automatic

• Mechatronic Unit Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic unit is the control unit for the transmission. Failures can manifest as rough or delayed shifting, transmission slipping, failure to engage gears, or complete loss of drive.
  • Solution: Replace the mechatronic unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Jerking/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing jerking or hesitation during gear changes, particularly at lower speeds. This can be caused by a number of factors including worn clutch packs, low transmission fluid, or issues with the mechatronic unit.
  • Solution: Diagnosis can involve checking the transmission fluid level and condition, performing a scan for diagnostic trouble codes, and potentially testing the mechatronic unit. Repairs can include flushing the transmission fluid, replacing the clutch packs, or replacing the mechatronic unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• MagRide Damper Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The TTS often comes equipped with Audi’s Magnetic Ride (MagRide) adaptive damping system. Dampers can fail, leading to a bouncy or unstable ride, particularly over uneven surfaces. The system may throw a warning light on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the failed MagRide damper(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+ per damper
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The MMI infotainment system may experience freezing, lagging, or random reboots. Bluetooth connectivity issues and display problems can also occur.
  • Solution: Software updates, resetting the system, or, in severe cases, replacing the MMI unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $2,000+ (MMI Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as those for the parking system or driver-assistance features, may malfunction, leading to error messages or non-functional systems.
  • Solution: Diagnose the faulty sensor and replace it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• LED Lighting Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: LED headlights or taillights may experience flickering or complete failure of individual LEDs.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected lighting unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Virtual Cockpit Display Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The digital instrument cluster (Virtual Cockpit) may exhibit flickering, pixelation, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the Virtual Cockpit unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $1,500+ (Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may fail to heat, or only heat intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacement of the seat heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Audi TTS Quattro is generally a reliable sports car, but potential buyers should be aware of potential issues, particularly related to the transmission’s mechatronic unit, the MagRide suspension, and electrical components. While some issues can be resolved with relatively inexpensive fixes like software updates, others, such as transmission or suspension component replacements, can be quite costly. Pre-purchase inspections are highly recommended to assess the condition of these key components.