2010 Audi A5: common problems and reliability
· 8T3One of the worst A5 years.
One of the Audi A5 years to avoid. All A5 years
84 owner complaints, most about air bags. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2010 A5?The 2010 Audi A5 has 84 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and engine. Owners most often flag timing chain tensioner failure / timing chain slap on cold start: very frequent. multiple owners warn of this as a known issue that can destroy the engine if not addressed.
Safety record for the 2010 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2010 Audi A5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other A5 years only. How we score it
Is 2010 a good year for the A5?
Across the 18 A5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2017) to 120 (2020). With 84 complaints, the 2010 A5 sits above the model's median of 11.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2010 A5
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 18V082000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 16V078000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
What owners report on the 8T3 A5
Owners generally praise the 8T3 A5 as a desirable, good-looking car with strong performance and refinement, especially in 2.0T Quattro form.
- Excessive oil consumption (1 liter every 1000-2000 km)
Very frequent. Reported across multiple discussions, especially on pre-facelift models; facelift models are said to be improved.
- Timing chain tensioner failure / timing chain slap on cold start
Very frequent. Multiple owners warn of this as a known issue that can destroy the engine if not addressed.
- Water pump failure
Recurrent. Mentioned as a common failure point, with an extended warranty available from a lawsuit.
- Steering module failure
Recurrent. Also covered by an extended warranty from a lawsuit.
- Control arm bushing weakness (groaning at low speeds while turning)
Recurrent. Described as a common issue by multiple owners.
Owner insights for the 8T3 A5. Read the full 8T3 owner report.
Typical used price
Used A5 listings typically run $13,405–$37,676.
Other A5 model years
Compare every A5 year side by side to see how 2010 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A5 against its rivals
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