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2010 Audi A5 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Audi A5 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Timing chain and tensioner failure.” Audi follows the VW Group Longlife service rhythm: oil and minor service every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using oil that meets VW 502 00 / 504 00 (or 508 00 for newer 0W-20 engines) — generic synthetic does not qualify. S tronic dual-clutch gearboxes need fluid service every 40,000 miles despite 'lifetime fill' claims. Fully electric models (e-tron, e-tron GT) skip oil service entirely but keep brake-fluid, cabin-filter, and coolant-circuit intervals.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Audi A5.

Reported to NHTSA

Timing chain and tensioner failure

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2019-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE, EPC, AND ENGINE OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10904826
“WHILE DRIVING MY CAR (2010 AUDI A5), THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND WAS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON A STATE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND HAD TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER. IT WAS LATER TOWED TO AUDI OF NEW ORLEANS WHERE I LATER FOUND OUT THAT MY CAR NEEDED A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11072850
“IN THE BEGINNING OF THE WEEK I NOTICED SOME UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR WITH MY CAR, WHENEVER I SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE A TURN OR TO PULL UP IN A GARAGE I FELT THE CAR LOOSING POWER AS IF IT WAS ABOUT TO GO OFF, I WILL THEN HAVE TO PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR TO GIVE IT POWER AND KEEP IT GOING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11191567

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front control arm shake at highway speed

SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2009-11 → 2010-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10293904
“2010 AUDI A5 - THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY CAUSING CAR TO SHIFT FROM LANES AND DRIVE TO LOSE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE IS UNSTABLE TO DRIVE DUE TO POORLY MANUFACTURED CONTROL ARMS AND THE DEALER/MANUFACTURE REFUSES TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN RAISED SINCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10346276

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield wiper icing reduces visibility

VISIBILITY

2 NHTSA complaints · 2010-01 → 2011-02

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10298512
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10379849

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata air bag recall repair parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

13 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2019-01

“TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN FEBRUARY 2016 REGARDING THE RECALL BUT AS OF TODAY OCTOBER 21 I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE REPAIR NOTICE. I HAVE CALLED NUMEROUS AUDI DEALERS AS WELL AS THE AUDI WORLDWIDE NUMBER WHO TOLD ME THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS AND ARE WAITING. I ASKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10917877
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. 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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11044307
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11172847

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive engine oil consumption

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2020-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING VIOLENTLY UPON STARTING AND WHEN DRIVING OVER 40 MPH. THE OIL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC PARKING SENSOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10596048
“INFERIOR PISTON RINGS BURNING OIL INSIDE THE ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11180634
“I BOUGHT THE CAR USED AND WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH OF PURCHASE AND TO START PUTTING AN ADDITIONAL 1QT OF OIL ON EVERY 1000 MILES...NOW FEW MINTS LATER I HAVE TO DO THAT MORE OFTEN ON EVERY 500MILES... AND RECENTLY I HAD TO ADD COOLING AND NOW THIS HAS BEEN AN NEW ISSUE... MY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11361935

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Longlife Service)

Every 10,000 mi

Replace oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months with VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 508 00 spec oil. S and RS models driven hard: many owners shorten to 5,000-7,500 miles. Wrong-spec oil is the leading cause of TFSI timing-chain tensioner and PCV problems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate every 10,000 miles with the oil service. quattro models: keep all four tires within 4/32" of each other — mismatched wear stresses the center differential.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and wear sensors every 10,000 miles. Audi uses electronic pad-wear sensors on most models — replace the sensor with the pads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 4 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage — Audi's published schedule is time-based because the fluid absorbs moisture.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

S tronic Dual-Clutch Fluid

Every 40,000 mi

S tronic (DSG) gearboxes on A3/S3/RS 3, Q3, TT, and many A5/Q5 models: replace fluid and filter every 40,000 miles with the VW Group-spec fluid for your gearbox code. Skipping this service is the most common cause of mechatronic failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$470–$640

Shop

~$330–$450

DIY

Pro only

VW/Audi DSG service needs a fluid-fill procedure at a specific temperature — shop equipment territory.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

quattro Coupling Fluid (Transverse Models)

Every 40,000 mi

A3/S3/RS 3, Q3, and TT use a Haldex-style rear coupling: replace its fluid roughly every 40,000 miles (some model years specify sooner — check your manual). Longitudinal quattro (A5-A8, Q5, Q8) has no coupling service; see differential fluid instead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$220–$290

Shop

~$155–$205

DIY

~$40–$90

VW/Audi/Volvo AWD coupling — specific fluid required. Filter usually swapped at the same time.

Spark Plugs

Every 40,000 mi

TFSI turbo engines: new plugs every 40,000 miles. RS models with the 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder: consider 30,000 miles under track or hard street use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace every 40,000 miles; inspect at 20,000 on turbocharged engines — a clogged filter shows up as sluggish boost response first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Timing Chain (EA888 — Inspect Tensioner)

On condition / lifetime

2.0 TFSI (EA888) engines before roughly 2013 had timing-chain tensioner failures — have the tensioner revision checked by 80,000 miles on earlier cars. Later engines carry the updated design with no scheduled service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Differential Fluid (Longitudinal quattro)

Every 60,000 mi

Q5, Q8, and A5-A8 quattro: independent Audi specialists recommend front/rear differential fluid service around 60,000 miles even where Audi lists it as lifetime fill.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Dust & Pollen Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles or 2 years. Audi specifies an activated-carbon filter on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

G12evo / G13 Coolant

On condition / lifetime

Audi coolant is labeled lifetime fill. Independent VW/Audi specialists recommend a refresh around 5 years or 100,000 miles to protect the water pump and thermostat housing — and only with the correct pink/lilac VW Group coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

5 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Audi A5 reflects Audi's published service intervals and the Audi Service Interval Display system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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