2010 Audi Q5 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 10th of 16 Q5 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 100
- 37 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 33.8
- 18,618 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.77×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 15
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 4
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating before 2011
Should You Buy the 2010 Audi Q5?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2010 Audi Q5 is 73 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 10th of the 16 Q5 years we score.
The most reported problem is the fuel pump, mostly a leak (15 of 100 complaints). Owners also complain about water leaks and fumes in the cabin. 15 of the 100 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 4 recalls. Audi also offers four warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine and airbags. For comparison, the 2009 scores 74 and the 2011 scores 70.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-13-07 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Good reliability score of 73
- Fewer problems than the average car its age
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 4 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- Fuel pump: a leak15 complaints
- Body seals (water leak): water leaking in8 complaints
- Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)5 complaints
How the 2010 Q5 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 0.58× | −13 |
| Everyday problems | 1.2× | −8 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 0.95× | −6 |
| Score | 73 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2010 Q5. If it were exactly average, its 18,618 cars would draw about 2.0 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.
What Owners Report
We read all 100 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Audi Q5, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Fuel pump: a leak
15 complaints (15%)
A leak and the car not starting. 4 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 113,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
8 complaints (8%)
Water leaking in. Median mileage when it started: about 75,000 miles.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
5 complaints (5%)
A bad smell. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
5 complaints (5%)
Harsh or delayed shifts and hesitation. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
4 complaints (4%)
A leak and a failure. 3 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Fuel system: a bad smell
3 complaints (3%)
A bad smell and a leak. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Fuel leak
3 complaints (3%)
A leak and damage.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
2 complaints (2%)
Rough running or misfires.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (2%)
Rust or corrosion.
Headlights: works on and off
2 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go.
Parking sensors: stopped working
2 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working.
Rearview camera: damage
2 complaints (2%)
Damage and a feature that stopped working.
Reported Once (20)
Show the 20 problems reported once
- 12V battery failure
- Ball joints and control arms: early wear
- Blower motor: stopped working
- Brakes: loss of braking
- Several warning lights at once
- Engine: unusual noises
- Engine sensors or computer: reduced power or limp mode
- Screen and audio: stopped working
- Fuel filter: a leak
- Fuel injector headliner: a leak
- Fuel pressure regulator: fault code
- Secondary air system: fault code
- Paint and rust: rust or corrosion
- Steering: unusual noises
- Struts or shocks: early wear
- Sunroof: stopped working
- Sunroof drains (water leak): water leaking in
- Taillights or brake lights failure
- Windshield wipers: parts breaking or coming apart
- Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
How the 2010 Audi Q5 Compares With Other Years
The other Q5 years of the 1st generation, 2009 to 2017, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Good | 73 | 0.80× | 20.1 | 6 | Control module (unspecified): damage |
| 2017 | Excellent | 81 | 0.36× | 10.7 | 5 | Cooling system: a leak |
| 2016 | Good | 78 | 0.44× | 13.0 | 5 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2015 | Good | 74 | 0.58× | 19.2 | 7 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2014 | Good | 71 | 0.80× | 26.5 | 6 | Steering: locking up |
| 2013 | Good | 74 | 0.82× | 30.8 | 5 | Steering: sticking or stiffness |
| 2012 | Good | 70 | 0.72× | 28.6 | 6 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2011 | Good | 70 | 1.0× | 38.4 | 5 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2010 This year | Good | 73 | 0.77× | 33.8 | 4 | Fuel pump: a leak |
| 2009 | Good | 74 | 0.68× | 29.2 | 6 | Fuel pump: a leak |
2010 Audi Q5 Recalls
Four recalls cover the 2010 Audi Q5. The most recent was issued in November 2018: “Interim Butyl Tape Repair May Allow Fuel to Leak.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Interim Butyl Tape Repair May Allow Fuel to Leak
The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 18V818000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 19, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2018
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V082000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 30, 2018. By the third quarter of 2020, 75% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 16V660000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 13, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 65% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, February 2016
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V078000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 10, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 59% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2010 Audi Q5 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has four warranty extensions for the 2010 Audi Q5, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine and airbags. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-13-07
Carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- The problem:
- Carbon can build up in the engine's secondary air ports. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the problem and, if needed, cleans the carbon out of the secondary air ports for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2012 Audis with the 3.2 engine and 2009 to 2013 Audis with the 3.0T engine. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extension
Powertrain warranty after coolant pump seal leaks
- The problem:
- A seal inside the coolant pump can wear out early and leak coolant. Audi extended the powertrain warranty for certain affected cars.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses and repairs any problem with the engine, transmission, differential or axles for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2011 Audis with a 3.0 TFSI, 3.0 TDI or 3.2 FSI engine, in the coolant pump campaign or with a replaced pump. Only the owner Audi wrote to is covered, not later owners.
- Coverage:
- 5 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-16-05
Corroded airbag control module turns on airbag light
- The problem:
- A power supply part in the airbag control module can corrode and fail. The airbag light comes on, and airbags and seat belt pretensioners may not deploy in a crash.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer checks for free whether the corrosion caused the airbag light. If it did, the dealer repairs it for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2010 Audis with a Continental airbag control module. The airbag light must come on and stay on within the term, and the dealer must confirm the corrosion.
- Coverage:
- 15 years or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-04
Takata driver or passenger airbag inflator failure
- The problem:
- The driver or passenger Takata airbag inflator can fail from a defect. This extension is for cars in the Takata inflator recall.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the inflators and replaces a failed inflator for free. Inoperable or totaled cars and salvage, rebuilt or flood titles are not covered.
- Who qualifies:
- Cars in the Takata recall. After the main term, coverage lasts 75,000 miles from the recall repair or a time limit, whichever is greater: November 10, 2023, or 2 years if repaired after November 10, 2021.
- Coverage:
- 10 years from the recall repair or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first. Then a further period applies.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA gave the 2010 Q5 no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2010 Q5 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
4-door with side airbags
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2010 Q5, from its four recalls, four Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Interim Butyl Tape Repair May Allow Fuel to Leak NHTSA 18V818000
- Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2018 NHTSA 18V082000
- Fuel Pump Flange May Crack Causing Fuel Leak NHTSA 16V660000
- Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, February 2016 NHTSA 16V078000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-13-07: carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- Powertrain warranty after coolant pump seal leaks
- AWA-16-05: corroded airbag control module turns on airbag light
- AWA-22-04: takata driver or passenger airbag inflator failure
On the Test Drive
- Confirm any fuel pump recall was done. Hard starting or stalling is a warning sign.
- Look for water stains or damp carpet, and test the sunroof.
- Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Fuel pump
- Water leaks
- Fumes in the cabin
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next