2010 Audi A5
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2010 Audi A5 has 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.1x the segment average of 18. The most common issue is air bags problems (38% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2010 audi a5. the contact stated that the oil warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a malfunction with the air bags and the pistons, which needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was n.
37
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
2.1x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
14 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE AIR BAGS AND THE PISTONS, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N
- • RECALL 16V078. AUDI LETTER INDICATES BODY INJURY OR DEATH. MY CONTACT WITH AUDI CUSTEMER SERVICE INDICATES ITS ENTIRELY MY DECISION TO DRIVE CAR. THEY WILL NOT PROVIDE VEHICLE UNTIL RECALL PROBLEM IS FIXED. THEY HAVE NO TIME FRAME WHEN IT WILL BE FIXED, NO PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR OVER 2 MONTH
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERI
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE AIR BAGS AND THE PISTONS, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2010 Audi A5
Based on 22 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 64K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Audi A5
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Audi A5
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Audi A5 Service Intervals
Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2010 A5, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 37 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE AIR BAGS AND THE PISTONS, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A COLD JANUARY MORNING HERE IN THE MID-ATLANTIC, THE WATER PUMP BROKE AGAIN AFTER AUDI REPLACED IT ABOUT A YEAR AGO. THE COOLANT LEAKED QUICKLY, AND THE "SHUT ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. I WAITED FOR FOUR HOURS BEFORE A TOW TRUCK WAS AVAILABLE. ACCORDING TO MY DEALER, AUDI IS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BODY/STRUCTURE: AUDI A5 - 2010 MODELS. THESE CARS COME WITH FAULTY LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS WHICH RESULTS IN SHAKING IN DRIVING FROM 60MPH TO 70MPH. I JUST BOUGHT A BRAND NEW CAR YESTERDAY TO BE EXACT, THE ENTIRE DRIVE HOME THE CAR SHOOK VIOLENTLY, THIS TYPE OF SHAKING CAN AND WILL CAUSE ACCIDENTS, A FULL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐VISIBILITY: THERE IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW WITH THE 2010 AUDI A5 AND AS A RESULT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE UNRELIABLE IN SNOW AND RAIN CAUSING SEVERE RESTRICTIONS ON VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. THERE ARE TWO ISSUES: 1.) THE AUTOMATIC RAIN SENSOR OVERRIDES DIRECT DRIVER INPUT SO THAT SOMETIMES WHEN I TURN THEM
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Audi A5 — Year Comparison
How does 2010 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 37
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 18
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2010 Audi A5