2010 Audi Q5 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 22, 2026 · 100 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Q5 years
More complaints than other years 5th of 19 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Audi Q5. That ranks 5th out of 19 Q5 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (50 complaints, 50%), typically at around 70,000 miles. Complaints mention 2 crashes, 2 injuries. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year.

Audi Q5
Audi Q5 GU 2.0 TDI in Filderstadt. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2010 Audi Q5 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags50 · ~70,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System29 · ~92,500 mi
Power Train8 · ~1,850 mi
Electrical System7 · ~75,000 mi
Engine5 · ~77,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling5 · ~13,000 mi
Structure5 · ~76,400 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline3 · ~154,901 mi
Exterior Lighting2
Steering2 · ~14,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags problems5050%70,000“takata air bags” (20%)—
Fuel/propulsion System2929%92,500——
Power Train88%1,850——
Electrical System77%75,000——
Engine55%77,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling55%13,000——
Structure55%76,400——
Fuel System, Gasoline33%154,901——
Exterior Lighting22%———
Steering22%14,000——
Suspension22%———
Unknown or Other22%140——
Service Brakes11%75,000——
Visibility11%23,600——
Visibility/wiper11%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2016, with 26 complaints
2009: 1200912010: 882011: 1201112012: 112015: 1201512016: 26262017: 212017212018: 14142019: 9201992020: 552021: 1202112022: 222023: 5202352024: 332025: 1202512026: 11

n = 100 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2010 Audi Q5 recalls (4)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpNov 19, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V818000 · 5,987 vehicles

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under NHTSA recall 16V-660. These vehicles were previously repaired with an interim repair of installing butyl tape to the fuel pump flange, until replacement remedy parts became available.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BJ.

Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleJan 30, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V082000 · 162,782 vehicles

Problem: Volkswagen 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpSep 13, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V660000 · 143,214 vehicles

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2007-2012 Audi Q7 vehicles equipped with gasoline engines. The fuel pump flange on the affected vehicles may crack, allowing fuel to leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flange, replacing any flanges that are cracked. If the flange is not cracked, dealers will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect the pump. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20W9.

Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleFeb 10, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V078000 · 659,493 vehicles

Problem: Volkswagen 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

There is fuel leaking by the rear passenger tire under where the gas tank is. There was a recall for a cracked flange on the fuel pump.

Fuel/propulsion System · received Sep 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11766239

Severe Frame rusting of sub frame and crossmember. Rear of car affecting steering , tire aligment and wear. Swaying of rear end of car bouncy ride , wear or cracking of control arm and shocks.

Suspension · received Aug 5, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11678406

Rear Subframe has severe rust through caused by plastic covers that trap moisture. This is a danger as the rust is so severe it will impact suspension, lower control arm in the rear. It was not inspected by anyone other than myself. No warning lamps. I noticed one of the plastic pieces hanging down…

Suspension · received Aug 23, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11610368

IN TANK FUEL PUMP CRACKED ON TOP ,LEAKING FUEL TO FLANGE AND ELECTRICAL CONECTION ON TOP OF TANK AND DOWN TO UNDER VEHICLE .NO RECALL ON AUDI SITE FOR THIS YEAR -2010 VEHICLE HAS 138000 MILES ONLY . i WAS NOT EXPECTING MATERIAL PROBLEM -PLASTIC NOT SUITABLE FOR FUEL ...

Fuel/propulsion System · received Mar 29, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11580078

The contact owns a 2010 Audi Q5. The contacted stated while sitting in the vehicle, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. There was a leak coming from the front of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and was…

Engine · received Feb 8, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11570747

Other Audi Q5 years

← 2009 Q5 · 2011 Q5 →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2026 Q530
2025 Q5421
2024 Q5204
2023 Q5445
2022 Q5224
2021 Q5748
2020 Q5256
2019 Q5525
2018 Q52076
2017 Q5425
2016 Q5775
2015 Q5996
2014 Q51055
2013 Q5895
2012 Q51686
2011 Q51435
20101004
2009 Q5316
2008 Q501

See all Audi Q5 problems by year, every Audi model, or the Audi VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Audi Q5?

Owners most often report air bags, fuel/propulsion system, power train problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 50 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2010 Audi Q5?

Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2010 Audi Q5 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Q5 model years, the 2010 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.