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2010 Audi Q5 problems

The most common problem on the 2010 Audi Q5 is airbags, typically around 70,000 miles. It has 1.3 times the complaints of a typical Q5 model year.

Typical year1.3x the typical complaints
Year score
64/100
Owner complaints
100
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
997
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
20mpg

The worst 2010 Audi Q5 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    50
  • Fuel system
    32
  • Engine
    9
  • Transmission
    8
  • Electrical
    7
  • Body
    5
  • Lights
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Brakes
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 Audi Q5

Fuel pump 17Fuel smell 15Fuel leak 8

Recalls 4

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported November 19, 2018 · 5,987 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under the federal safety agency 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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 18V818000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 30, 2018 · 162,782 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 18V082000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported September 13, 2016 · 143,214 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 16V660000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported February 10, 2016 · 659,493 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 16V078000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2010 Audi Q5

Technical service bulletins for the 2010 Audi Q5 997

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 997 bulletins for the 2010 Audi Q5

2010 Audi Q5 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.2L 6‑cylAWD182320

What 2010 Audi Q5 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Fuel system · CA

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.

Filed Aug 5, 2025 · Suspension · NJ

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.

Filed Aug 23, 2024 · Suspension · MA

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 from the vehicle that led me to inspect the cause of this part coming loose.

Filed Mar 29, 2024 · Fuel system · PA

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 ...

Filed Feb 8, 2024 · Engine · 152,396 miles · MO

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 diagnosed with a secondary air injection system bank 1 and 2, insufficient flow, and a possible clogged left and right cylinder head. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,396.

Filed Jul 23, 2023 · Body · IL

Have water leaking on the driver side roof and upon Dealer servicing - it was due to faulty or worn out seals on the front windscreen- and even though the windscreen is not damaged - Audi recons it has to be replaced at customer cost including the windshield that is in good condition since to cover their inability to take the glass out w/o breaking it. In public forums I see quite a few such fixes enough to warrant this should be investigated and tagged under recalls

Filed Jul 11, 2023 · Fuel system · VA

Fuel pump developed cracks and is leaking terribly. Looks like someone put a temporary seal when recalled (likely due to unavailability of parts at time).

Filed Apr 18, 2023 · Fuel system · TX

Fuel vapor in cabin. Research indicated need to inspect fuel pump. Removed inspection cover and found fuel puddled all around pump and noted fuel would re-plenish through apparent micro-fractures in the plastic pump housing when wiped away. Crack not visible but fuel obviously coming through housing after being wiped. I am 4rth owner. NTSB site and Audi site shows no open recalls. CarFax received on purchase of the car shows no open recalls but at the same time shows no evidence of Audi or VW service since the recall was issued in 2016 (very strange). Very similar description in incident #11353734. Image and video taken of the pump housing and fuel surrounding it.

Filed Mar 14, 2023 · Fuel system · 190,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2010 Audi Q5. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart after refueling. Additionally, a fuel odor was detected while driving. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the fuel pump; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Filed Feb 8, 2023 · Electrical · NY

Water leaked into the rear battery compartment and into the trunk passenger side fuse bay. No apparent reason for leak. All windows, doors, sunroof and truck lid were closed. Flooding shorted control modules (parking aid controller, CAN buss and etc) flooding also took out the battery causing car to stall on highway. Water gets in after rainy days. Suspected malfunction of sunroof drain, but not certain. Shorting of electrical components verified by mechanic. Multiple parts needed replacement. No warning lamps prior to events. Available for inspection upon request.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2010 Audi Q5 before you buy

Compare the 2010 Audi Q5

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2010 Audi Q5

Is the 2010 Audi Q5 reliable?

Owners have filed 100 complaints about the 2010 Audi Q5, 1.3 times a typical Q5 model year.

What is the 2010 Audi Q5 year score?

The 2010 Audi Q5 scores 64 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Audi Q5: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Audi Q5?

Airbags, with 50 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles. Next is fuel system (32).

How many recalls does the 2010 Audi Q5 have?

4 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and air bags.

Was there a recall on the 2010 Audi Q5 airbags?

Yes, 2 recalls: 18V082000, 16V078000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Audi Q5 have bad airbags?

The Audi Q5 model years with the most airbags complaints are 2012 (85 complaints), 2011 (67 complaints) and 2010 (50 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2010 Audi Q5 get?

Official estimates for the 2010 Audi Q5 range from 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, AWD) gets 18 city and 23 highway.

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