2014-2023 · 2.0L TFSI EA888 Gen 3 · 310 HP · Quattro AWD
A stylish, driver-focused sports coupe with genuine performance credentials and premium Audi build quality. The EA888 Gen 3 engine is generally reliable when properly maintained, but watch for turbo wastegate failures (class action settlement extended warranty to 8 years/85,000 miles), timing chain rattle on cold starts, water pump leaks, and excessive oil consumption. The 6-speed DQ250 DSG (pre-2017) can be jerky when warm and mechatronic failures are costly. Magnetic ride suspension is prone to failure after 7-8 years. Water leaks from blocked drainage tubes are common across all TT generations. Verify fuel tank heat shield recall (2016-2019) completed.
IHI turbo wastegate actuator sticks or fails, causing loss of power and limp mode · more· less
The EA888 Gen 3 switched from Borg Warner to IHI turbos, but the new units have high failure rates. The wastegate actuator is electronically controlled and frequently fails, causing EPC warning light and power loss. A class action lawsuit resulted in extended warranty coverage to 8 years/85,000 miles - if you already paid out-of-pocket, you may get 40-50% reimbursement. Actuator-only repair costs €500-600 at specialists, but dealers typically replace the entire turbo (€1,200-2,500). Using premium fuel and regular spirited driving helps prevent carbon buildup that accelerates actuator sticking.
DQ250 DSG mechatronic unit failure€250 - €3,000
6-speed DSG (pre-2017) suffers jerking, power loss, gear disengagement · more· less
The DQ250 6-speed wet-clutch DSG has several known failure modes: mechatronic unit short-circuits from sulfur buildup in transmission oil, valve body splitting, and overheating due to inadequate OEM cooling. Symptoms include jerking at low speeds when warm, hesitation, complete loss of drive. Common on cars with 40,000-80,000 km. Specialist mechatronic repair costs €250-300, dealer replacement runs €2,000-3,000. Regular DSG service every 40,000 km is critical. The 7-speed DSG introduced late 2016 is smoother and more reliable. Manual gearbox cars avoid this issue entirely.
Magnetic ride suspension failure€1,000 - €3,000
Magnetorheological dampers leak oil, typically fail after 7-8 years regardless of mileage · more· less
Approximately 15-25% of TTS owners report magnetic ride failures within the first five years of ownership. Failures are age-related rather than mileage-related - most occur around 7-8 years. OEM strut replacement costs approximately €730 per corner installed. Full system replacement runs €2,400 parts plus €550 labor. Many owners convert to conventional coilovers (KW Street Comfort €1,750 + €330 labor + €125 electronics delete kit = €2,200 total) rather than replacing with OEM magnetic dampers. China-made replacements (Aerosus) cost about half of OEM but quality is uncertain.
Water pump and thermostat housing leak€800 - €1,400
Plastic housing cracks from heat cycling, electric pump fails 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The EA888 Gen 3 integrates the electric water pump with a plastic thermostat housing - a known weak point. The plastic degrades from oil contamination, heat cycling, and age, typically failing between 70,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include coolant warning light, overheating, poor cabin heating. Failure can occur as early as 4 years old. UK dealers charge £1,300, independent shops £800-900. INA kit costs £185 plus £10 gasket plus £150 labor (3 hours). Upgraded aluminum housings are available to prevent recurrence. VW/Audi has a class action settlement offering up to €4,000 for this defect.
Timing chain tensioner wear and rattle€1,000 - €2,200
Tensioner loses pressure overnight causing cold start rattle 60,000-100,000 km · more· less
While improved over EA111, the EA888 Gen 3 still suffers timing chain issues. The tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This causes a distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start, typically appearing between 60,000-100,000 km. If rattle lasts more than a few seconds, chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacement. VW has updated tensioner parts. Extended oil change intervals (10,000 miles) accelerate wear - many specialists recommend 5,000-7,500 mile intervals. Ignoring this can lead to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact.
Rear main seal oil leak€800 - €1,500
Seal leaks from crankcase pressure when PCV fails, requires transmission removal · more· less
The rear main seal on the EA888 Gen 3 is very prone to leaking. Often triggered by PCV valve failure which increases crankcase pressure, forcing oil past the seal. The seal itself costs €5-15, but labor is 6-8 hours because the transmission must be separated from the engine. Total repair costs €800-1,500 depending on shop rates. Always check and replace the PCV valve when doing rear main seal work to prevent recurrence. Look for oil accumulation between engine and transmission, or drops on the ground after parking.
The PCV valve is a common failure point across all EA888 generations. Located on top of the engine, it manages crankcase pressure. When it fails (typically around 80,000-100,000 km), symptoms include whistling/screeching sounds, rough idle, CEL codes P0171 (lean) or P0507 (high idle), increased oil consumption, oil leaks, boost issues. Many UK TTS owners report notable oil loss (topping up every 1,000-1,500 miles) due to PCV/piston ring issues. Genuine OEM PCV costs €200. Replacement is straightforward DIY. Many specialists recommend proactive replacement every 80,000 km. Upgraded Gen 4 TSI PCV valve or catch can setups are available.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€600 - €1,000
Direct injection causes carbon deposits, requires walnut blasting every 60,000-80,000 km · more· less
The EA888 Gen 3 uses direct injection with some port injection to reduce (but not eliminate) carbon buildup on intake valves. Over time, carbon deposits accumulate causing rough idle, misfires, power loss. Service recommended every 60,000-80,000 km depending on driving habits. Requires intake manifold removal for walnut blasting. Costs range from €200 for basic B&G cleaning to €600-1,000 for thorough walnut blasting at specialists. Dealer labor at 3-4 hours × €120/hour = €360-480 plus parts. Some shops charge less but may reuse seals, risking boost leaks. Premium fuel and regular spirited driving help slow buildup.
Water leaks from blocked drainage tubes€0 - €3,200
Roof drainage tubes clog with debris causing interior flooding and electrical damage · more· less
Water leaks are extremely common across all TT generations including the 8S. Drainage tubes in the base of the convertible top or coupe roof drains become clogged with leaves/debris over time. When blocked, water overflows into the cabin causing wet carpets, mold, and potentially expensive electrical damage. Common leak points: trunk/boot area, spoiler mounts, rear quarter glass, plenum chamber/scuttle drains, AC evaporator drain. DIY fix: clear drains with bicycle cable, coat hanger, or compressed air - costs €0. If ignored and wiring harness shorts, dealer repair can reach €3,200. Regular inspection and cleaning of drain tubes is essential preventive maintenance. Check behind plastic trim under wipers and drain outlets under car.
Ignition coil pack failure€90 - €320
Coil packs fail from heat/electrical stress, more common in cold weather · more· less
Ignition coil failure is common across all TT generations - there was a recall in 2003 but the issue persists. Coil packs fail far more frequently in cold weather due to thermal stress from cold engine to hot. Symptoms include difficulty starting, misfires, rough running, loss of power, CEL. One coil per spark plug sits on top of each cylinder. UK parts cost £12-47 each (€30 budget to premium). Total replacement cost €90-320 depending on parts quality and labor. Recommended replacement interval is 90,000-120,000 km or every 4-6 years. Avoid cheap non-genuine parts as they often fail within 6-12 months. Easy DIY replacement.
Reliable for a performance car when properly maintained
The TTS 8S is one of the most reliable modern Audis, with the What Car? Reliability Survey scoring it 98.4% (1st place in 2023, 4th in 2024). The EA888 Gen 3 engine is generally robust with proper maintenance - many examples exceed 150,000-200,000 miles trouble-free. However, extended VW 10,000-mile oil change intervals accelerate wear on timing chain, turbo, and PCV components. Specialists recommend 5,000-7,500 mile oil changes. The 6-speed DSG (pre-2017) and magnetic ride suspension are the biggest reliability concerns. Manual transmission cars with conventional suspension are significantly more reliable. Regular servicing and preventive maintenance are essential to avoid expensive repairs.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Audi dealer or VAG specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (ideally 7,500 miles or less, not VW's 10,000-mile interval). DSG service every 40,000 km critical.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds - this is the most important check. Rattle lasting more than a few seconds indicates expensive chain/tensioner replacement needed.
Test drive
Minimum 20-30 minutes including varied speeds and temperature conditions. DSG issues often only appear when gearbox is fully warmed up.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle test
Start engine stone cold. Listen carefully for metallic rattle/rattle for first 30 seconds. Brief rattle (under 2-3 seconds) acceptable, longer indicates chain/tensioner wear requiring €1,000-2,200 repair.
Check for turbo wastegate issues
Drive car spirited and watch for EPC warning light or sudden power loss/limp mode. Test boost response. Ask if turbo has been replaced under extended warranty (8 years/85,000 miles due to class action settlement).
DSG gearbox operation test (if equipped)
Drive for 20+ minutes to get gearbox fully hot. Feel for jerking, hesitation, or clunking especially at low speeds in traffic. Check for smooth gear changes. Any juddering when warm is red flag. Verify DSG service history every 40,000 km. 6-speed DQ250 (pre-2017) is less reliable than 7-speed.
Magnetic ride suspension check (if equipped)
Listen for clunks over bumps. Check dampers for oil leaks/misting. Cars over 7-8 years old highly likely to need replacement (€1,000-3,000). Consider this in pricing negotiations or budget for conventional coilover conversion.
Water pump and thermostat housing inspection
Check coolant level and condition - low or brown/milky indicates issues. Look for pink coolant residue around water pump housing on right side of engine. Ask if water pump has been upgraded to aluminum housing.
Check for water leaks in cabin
Inspect carpets, especially rear footwells and trunk. Check for musty smell or signs of water damage. Feel under floor mats. Test all drainage tubes by pouring water into roof drain channels and verify it exits cleanly underneath car.
Inspect for oil leaks
Check for oil between engine and transmission (rear main seal), around PCV valve on top of engine, and general engine bay cleanliness. Ask about oil consumption - topping up every 1,000-1,500 miles indicates PCV or piston ring issues.
Verify fuel tank heat shield bracket recall completed (2016-2019)
Recall 20BX affects 2016-2019 TTS Quattro models. Fuel tank can be damaged in crash by heat shield bracket. Contact Audi with VIN to verify protective cap has been installed.
Check service history for carbon cleaning
Ask if intake valve carbon cleaning has been performed. Recommended every 60,000-80,000 km. Rough idle or loss of power may indicate carbon buildup.
Check alloy wheels for damage
Light kerb marks acceptable, but significant chunks or bends suggest hard impact which may have damaged suspension. Check alignment and for pulling to one side.
Haldex service verification (Quattro models)
Verify Haldex AWD system has been serviced every 40,000 km (oil and filter). Neglected Haldex can burn out pump leading to expensive repairs. Must use genuine VAG Haldex oil - wrong oil causes total loss of rear drive.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Fuel tank heat shield bracket (2016-2019)Recall 20BX - verify completed
Takata airbag inflator (2016+)Verify completed
Occupant detection system (2023 models)Control module replacement
EA888 turbo wastegate actuatorExtended warranty 8yr/85k miles
Contact Audi with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The fuel tank heat shield recall (20BX) is particularly important for 2016-2019 Quattro models. The turbo wastegate class action settlement provides extended warranty coverage - if you've paid for out-of-pocket turbo repairs, you may be eligible for 40-50% reimbursement.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (4 years / 50,000 miles)Expired on all 8S models
Corrosion perforation coverage12 years unlimited mileage
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) warranty1 year / 20,000 miles if applicable
Extended warranty (Audi Pure Protection)Available to 10yr/120k miles
All 2014-2023 TTS 8S models are outside original factory warranty. Audi Pure Protection extended warranties are available in Powertrain, Gold (adds electrical/brakes/AC), and Platinum (comprehensive) tiers. Extended coverage includes rental car reimbursement, trip interruption, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Note: magnetic ride suspension and some oil leaks may be excluded from extended warranty coverage.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.