2006 Audi TT — MOT failures & pass rate
19,721 MOT tests on the 2006 Audi TT are in this dataset, and 74.7% of them passed. Against coupes & convertibles of a similar age (21.9% fail rate), the 2006 TT comes out 3.4pp worse. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (12.4%) and suspension (11.6%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are position lamp, coil spring and joints — position lamp alone was recorded 1,414 times.
A 150k+ example is materially riskier than a 0-30k one: 27.4% versus 7.9%.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: suspension was flagged on 28.2% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 12.4% | 2,449 |
| 2 | Suspension | 11.6% | 2,291 |
| 3 | Brakes | 7.5% | 1,481 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 6.8% | 1,344 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 5.8% | 1,133 |
| 6 | Tyres | 5.2% | 1,017 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Position lamp | 1,414 |
| 2 | Coil spring | 1,201 |
| 3 | Joints | 1,173 |
| 4 | Malfunction indicator lamp | 779 |
| 5 | Headlamp aim | 775 |
| 6 | Linkage ball joint dust cover | 675 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 28.2% | 5,571 |
| 2 | Tyres | 25.5% | 5,027 |
| 3 | Brakes | 25.2% | 4,969 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 14.7% | 2,893 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 11.7% | 2,310 |
| 6 | Other defects | 6.6% | 1,308 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 228 | 7.9% |
| 30-60k | 1,618 | 18.8% |
| 60-90k | 4,819 | 23.0% |
| 90-120k | 7,140 | 27.1% |
| 120-150k | 4,258 | 27.3% |
| 150k+ | 1,644 | 27.4% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,457 | 25.8% |
| 2022 | 4,173 | 24.5% |
| 2023 | 3,936 | 24.8% |
| 2024 | 3,696 | 25.5% |
| 2025 | 3,459 | 26.0% |
What to check before buying a 2006 TT
On a 2006 TT, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 12.4% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (12.4% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (11.6% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Brakes (7.5% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2006 Audi TTs pass their MOT?
74.7% of the 19,721 2006 Audi TT MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 25.3% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2006 Audi TT?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 12.4% of tests, followed by suspension (11.6%).
Does the 2006 TT get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 7.9% in the 0-30k band to 27.4% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 19,721 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.