- The problem
- The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
- The risk
- A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Audi TT Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 18 complaints about the 2003 Audi TT with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (7) and the transmission & drivetrain (6). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in March 2014 for the engine. For comparison, the 2002 has 38 and the 2004 has 25.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical TT year, for its age
#205 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Audi TT problems
Share of all 18 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Audi TT recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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18 complaints about the 2003 Audi TT
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Transmission slips when car is warm and transmission fluid is warm/hot.
My 2003 audi tt quattro has an intermittent headlight, have tried numerous times replacing the bulb as well as switch. After looking at numerous posts, it is clear that this is a huge fault by the manufacturer of headlight failure. In my state you get a ticket for a single light out (ny) and this headlight fails intermittently either when at 0mph or 60mph. Huge safety concern especially if driving at night or in the rain, on top of the traffic violations.
The vehicle has been in for replacement for the digital cluster, thermostat and cooling pump. Then I replaced the cluster for the first time 9/2011. Same day after putting in the new cluster the dealership stated it was defective because the fuel gauge would not function properly and replaced a few days later. The cluster was replaced again when the speedometer needle would not move and stayed below zero. On that same day I pick up the car and drove less than a mile and the digital cluster faded out to a blank...
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screen. I turn around and took the car back to the dealership was inform that they will order another cluster and call me for the install which was done a few days later. Now the digital cluster is not making any warning sounds. When I press the button manually to see, if there are any problems it showed a service visit was coming up and the symbol to check the oil level and water pump. The service advisor stated this was normal to see which contradicts the car manual and another authorized dealer in a different state whom replace the cooling pump and thermostat. I took the car to the dealership and inform them that the cluster was not alarming for any services coming due or problems and the car now has a slight jerk forward when I press the brakes. There report stated differently like the car ran rough, the panel lights were flashing and the car sat for a long period of time. There diagnostic was the transmission needed to be replaced but the cluster was fine. When I pick up the car the service advisor stated the car was still in good shape no alarm except for the transmission and its was not that bad but after I got home and viewed the paperwork it showed every component on the vehicle inspection report needed further attention. I phoned the next day and the service advisor stated the technician may have made a mistake. *Jb
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 audi tt. While driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle began to jerk forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics. The technician stated that the transmission would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 audi tt. The contact was driving while accelerating from a stop, the transmission jerked and would not accelerate for a few seconds. The failure also occurred while the contact was driving 25-35 mph. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer five times but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who then stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,902. Updated 1/21/11 *cn updated 04/18/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 audi tt. The contact stated that the entire instrumental cluster malfunctioned and all of the gauges would read inaccurate information. The contact received notification of an unknown recall relative to the failure. The dealer advised that the recall repair would only be performed if the contact had experienced the failure described in the recall. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised there was an electrical failure within the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.
The digital instrument panel is failing currently it does not register the proper amount of fuel in the vehicle. This could result in a vehicle failure while driving in traffic causing a dangerous and hazardous situation. The vehicle has been recalled in the united kingdom for a similar failure in the vehicles instrument panel. The nhtsa should investigate this matter. The replacement of the instrument panel is not covered by the warranty and will cost in excess of $900 for the part, plus labor to replace the item...
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on the vehicle. The vehicle has less than 45,000 miles on it. It is also stored in a heated garage in the winter so, elements should not be a factor in the cause of the failure. The failure is most likely due to manufacturing defect and replacement should be covered by the manufacturer. *Tr
2003 Audi tt. Consumer states problem with instrument cluster and timing belt *tgw the consumer stated the fuel gauge and other components were not accurate. The dealership determined that the instrument cluster and timing belt needed to be replaced. The consumer stated instrument cluster failure was a well known problem for audi's and it should have been covered by audi. The consumer was not given a rational reason for the denial. However, audi stated that the dealership denied the request. *Jb
There is a very well-documented, widespread problem with the audi tt dash panel, one that audi has not sufficiently addressed. Failures include (1) a false or no vehicle speed indication (2) a false or no engine rotational speed indication (3) a false engine temperature indication (4) a false fuel level (5) complete deactivation of engine (6) improper status of safety features such as airbags, brakes, traction control, etc (7) improper or faulty indication of onboard computer functions and driver information...
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displays. It is a shame that the us has not been able to affect a positive response from audi regarding a safety recall of this known, chronic problem, whereas other countries, such as the uk, have successfully lobbied for action from audi in the form of an unconditional safety recall. Having a vehicle with five of the outlined failures of the dashboard, I am filing this complaint and urge nhtsa to investigate what others have documented, not only in nhtsa-filed complaints, but from the plethora of owners who have indicated issues through other online sites. *Tr
A hard turn and quick acceleration to avoid an accident lead to power failure to the wheels, and the check engine light came on. I brought the car to the dealership and the code read "slipping torque converter" the car had only 79,000 miles at the time of this occurrence. Thankfully no one was injured. Audi repair facility told me the torque converter needs to be replaced, the cost would be $900.00 For the part and $2,000.00 For labor. The repairs have yet to be made due to the extensive price for a faulty part and labor. The part is not covered under warranty. *Tr
2003 Audi tt roadster problems with instrument cluster. Consumer states that there are now safety issues resulting the instrument cluster failure. *Kb the odometer and temperature gauges no longer functioned. The consumer had no way of knowing the engine operating temperature and he only discovered there was a problem after the display indicated an alarmingly high engine temperature.*Jb
Engine failed. Threw a rod causing the engine to be replaced at 50,000 miles. *Jb
Oil consumption of vehicle is very high. For the first 30000 miles oil consumption was normal. Now the vehicle runs low on oil every 3000 miles. Advised by audi that it is normal for the vehichle to burn 1 quart every 1000 miles, but as stated earlier, this did not happen for the first 30000 miles. Also advised by audi to keep a quart of oil in my trunk. Nothing was done to correct the issue.*Ak
Express mail fwding motor vehicle defect notification for a 2003 audi coupe. *Ph the vehicle jerked and vibrated while in reverse. The engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. *Jb
My 2003 audi all road has a continual pull to the right. It will not drive straight for more than 5-8 seconds at a time, on most road surfaces. I have taken the car in for repairs four times in 3400 miles. Each time the car was out of alignment and had to be adjusted. The service manager suggests that the car is performing to factory specifications, but it still has a pull to the right. *La
The sidewall ruptured on a goodyear wrangler f1, 225/55r17 tire. *Jb
While driving, the vehicle experienced an explosion and check engine light illuminated and there were loud noises coming from under the vehicle and parts of the vehicle were on the ground. The car then was towed to the dealership, and they claimed the vehicle was involved in some type of impact which caused the explosion to occur, and audi was not responsible for damages. The dealership failed to find the proper reason for explosion. The consumer had to purchase a rental car at her own expense to have a vehicle. *Mr *cb *jb
The blinding bright headlights on some new cars are dangerous. I flash my brights at them thinking that is the problem. If car manufacturers continue to put them on new cars, will they be liable for accidents caused by the blinding light? *Jb
Audi TT: every year compared
All TT years2003 Audi TT vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Audi TT | 18 | 1 | F | |
| 2003 Audi A4 Cabriolet | 215 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Audi A4 | 215 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Audi A4 Avant | 215 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Audi Allroad | 85 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Audi A6 | 71 | 7 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Audi RS6 | 48 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Audi A8 | 8 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 2003 Audi S4 | 6 | 1 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Audi TT
Does the 2003 Audi TT have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Audi TT: engine (March 2014). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Audi TT?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (7), transmission & drivetrain (6), engine & cooling (5).
How many complaints has the 2003 Audi TT had?
18 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 17, 2003 and the latest on January 25, 2020. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Audi TT a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 15 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Audi TT year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Audi TT years have the most complaints?
2001 (130), 2000 (73), 2002 (38). See every Audi TT year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Audi TT has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data