2010 Audi A5 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 37 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median A5 year — the 2010 model ranks #5 of 18 A5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Airbags leads the complaint categories with 14 reports (38% of the total).
37
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2010 compare to other A5 years?
What are the most common 2010 Audi A5 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 14 | 38% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 11 | 30% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 8% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 5% | new |
| Other | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS) IN JANUARY OF 2018. HOFFMAN AUDI OF EAST HARTFORD (700 CONNECTICUT BLVD, EAST HARTFORD, CT) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT…”
“I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY MY GARAGE THAT THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEY SAY IT IS A "KNOWN ISSUE" AND I AM WONDERING WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN MADE A RECALL. IT IS $2,000 AND THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNS; IT COULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. I DON'T WANT TO BE WRITING IN AFTER…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN HEAVY RAIN CONDITIONS, THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE BECAME FLOODED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE DRAINAGE VALVE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE…”
“WE HAVE A NEW A5 CONVERTIBLE AND USED IT IN SNOW FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY. - WITHIN 3 MINUTES OF A LIGHT SNOWFALL THE WIPERS BEGAN TO ICE UP. THE DEFROSTER WAS ON HIGH WITH THE TEMPERATURE AT 80 WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. - WE HAD ZERO VISIBILITY - EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. - MY WIFE DROPPED ME OFF AT WORK…”
“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…”
2010 Audi A5 — common questions
Is the 2010 Audi A5 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 37 complaints put the 2010 model at #5 of 18 A5 years. It is one of the A5 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2010 A5 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (14 complaints), engine (11 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints).
Does the 2010 Audi A5 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2010 Audi A5.
Which Audi A5 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A5 years to avoid are 2020, 2018, 2013, 2014, 2010. The cleanest record among A5 years belongs to 2017.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.