🇩🇪 Deutsch
Audi · Sports Car · 2016–2022

Audi TT RS 8S

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

400 PS

2.5L TFSI I5 Benzin

TT RS 8S — the purest five-cylinder compact

Legendary!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Audi TT RS 8S is available with one engine variant at 286 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

TT RS · Benziner· 400 PS Engine Change
2016 2018
Be Careful 14 weaknesses
2019 2022
Be Careful 12 weaknesses

The Audi TT RS (Benziner, 400 PS) comes with 2 different engines: DAZA (2016–2018, Be Careful) und DNWA (2019–2022, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the TT RS!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Haldex Gen5 pre-charge pump and screen blocked

Haldex Gen5 has no replaceable filter cartridge, only a pump screen. If the oil change is skipped the screen clogs with metal particles — all-wheel drive fails, front-wheel drive only.

Symptoms: ESP warning light under acceleration, all-wheel drive drops out, fault messages after restart, metal particles in Haldex fluid.
from 60,000 km
High
!S Tronic Mechatronics Failure

The S tronic mechatronics unit can develop faults that manifest as shift problems. Repair costs vary greatly depending on the extent of the damage.

Symptoms: Gear symbol illuminated in instrument cluster, gear changes not possible or with severe judder, engine revving without forward motion
from 100,000 km
High
S-tronic cold-start judder in S mode

S-tronic judders with a cold engine in S mode under gentle acceleration. The problem disappears in D/Comfort mode and when the engine is warm. Cause: gearbox oil viscosity combined with catalytic converter warm-up priority.

Symptoms: Multiple judders when pulling away with a cold engine in S mode; D mode and a warm engine are fine.
Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
2 complaints · 2014–2024
Airbags
2
Seats
2

Top Reported Issues

Airbags (2 complaints)
Seats (2 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
1 complaints · 2016–2022
Fuel System
1

Top Reported Issues

Fuel System (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

Toyota GR Yaris GXPA16

Sportwagen (2020–2025)

Same Segment

BMW M8 G15

Sportwagen (2019–2026)

Same Segment

BMW M8 G16

Sportwagen (2019–2026)

Same Segment

Porsche 911 992

Sportwagen (2019–2024)

Same Segment

Toyota GR Supra A90

Sportwagen (2019–2025)

Same Segment

Kia ProCeed CD

Sportwagen (2018–2024)


Known Problems and Issues

A total of 57 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi TT RS 8S (2016–2022) — 40 engine-related and 17 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Interior, Electronics.

What to watch out for with the Audi TT RS? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi TT RS 8S have? +
The Audi TT RS 8S has 40 known engine weaknesses and 17 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi TT RS 8S? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CJXG (2.0L TFSI), DAZA (2.5L TFSI I5), DNWA (2.5L TFSI I5), CJXF (2.0L TFSI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the DAZA (2.5L TFSI I5).
Which Audi TT RS 8S engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi TT RS 8S — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The TT RS 8S Coupé is the purest form of the DAZA: stiffer than the 8J, lighter than the RS3. The aluminium block makes itself felt twice over in the Coupé. No OPF, direct five-cylinder sound. Impressively stable under launch control. The definitive compact sports car of its generation.
Is the Audi TT RS 8S worth buying used? +
The Audi TT RS 8S requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi TT RS 8S? +
The Audi TT RS 8S is available with engine variants from 286 to 407 hp. Petrol: CJXG (2.0L TFSI), DAZA (2.5L TFSI I5), DNWA (2.5L TFSI I5), CJXF (2.0L TFSI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee