WAUCFAFH2AN0238592010 AUDI A5quattro Premium
2010 AUDI A5 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 34 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2010 AUDI A5
2010 AUDI A5 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 34 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — above average for this class
- Common owner-reported issues: check engine light
- Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
34 owner complaints filed — top areas: Safety Systems (41%), Engine/Powertrain (32%), Suspension/Wheels (6%). Common issues: check engine light.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- AUDI
- Model
- A5
- Year
- 2010
- Trim / Series
- quattro Premium
- Body Style
- Convertible/Cabriolet
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Drive Type
- AWD/All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 1.984000L 211.00 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Doors
- 2
- Manufacturer
- AUDI AG
- Assembly
- NECKARSULM, GERMANY
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: NECKARSULM, GERMANY
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
✓ No high-risk recall components found
2.0L EA888 TSI: timing chain tensioner and water pump failures well-documented
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 2010 AUDI A5 report safety systems issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2010 AUDI A5 report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
CLEARComplaint Intelligence
34 complaints analyzed across 8 system categories
33% of complaints filed in Nov & Feb — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME34 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
The contact owns a 2010 Audi A5. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the catalytic converter, but a diagnostic test was not performed. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that her son inspected the vehicle and discovered that all the fluids were low. The fluids were topped off to the proper level. The warning light disappeared; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated a month later. The contact stated that her son completed a diagnostic test and retrieved a fault code for a defective catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,960.
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 MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE FOR MY CAR AND HE IS SURPRISED AUDI HASN'T DONE A RECALL ON IT. MY CAR IS UNDER 90K AND MAY REQUIRE AN ENGINE CHANGE FOR OVER $3-4K. THAT'S NOT RIGHT!
CAR RUNS OUT OF ENGINE OIL WITHIN 2 TO 3 WEEKS OF OIL CHANGE, I HAVE CHANGED THE OIL THREE TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF 2.5 MONTHS.
WHEN THERE IS SIGNIFICANT MOISTURE IN THE AIR THE TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. AN INTENDED RIGHT TURN SIGNAL WILL CAUSE THE LEFT SIGNAL TO FIRE INSTEAD, BUT IT WILL ALSO ERRATICALLY FIRE THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL. THE ISSUE TENDS TO REDUCE IN FREQUENCY THE LONGER THE CAR IS RUNNING. I READ ON AN AUDI OWNERS FORUM THAT THE BLINKER SWITCH IS AFFECTED BY HIGH MOISTURE AND CAUSES THIS ISSUE IN 2008-2010 MODELS.
THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY FROM THE SIDEWALLS, ON BOTH SIDES. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANY ISSUES, LOW PRESSURE, PULLING ETC. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, CAR DRIVING NORMAL. I STARTED TO HEAR A PULSATING VIBRATION SOUND LIKE A WHEEL BEARING. I LET OFF THE GAS TO SLOW DOWN A BIT AND LISTEN, THEN THERE WAS SOME LOUD NOISES, I PULLED OVER TO FIND THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY ALL THE WAY AROUND.
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE MY CAR STALLED NEARLY COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I WAS SMELLING GASOLINE SO I HAD TO BRING IT TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC AND THERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FUEL INJECTOR LEAKING WITH MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE DETECTED. AS THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY UNDER AUDI FOR FAULTY FUEL INJECTORS, I TOOK THE CAR TO AUDI TO HAVE THE MANUFACTURER DEFECTED FUEL INJECTOR REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THE ORIGINAL MECHANIC CLEARED THE CODE FROM MY CAR'S SYSTEM WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE LIGHT TO TURN OFF. BECAUSE THE FAULT CODE WAS CLEARED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, AUDI IS REFUSING TO FIX THE FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH I HAVE DOCUMENTATION WITH THE FAULT CODES THAT SHOWS THE FUEL INJECTOR WAS LEAKING AND THE REASON MY CAR STALLED. THE AUDI SERVICE SPECIALIST TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO KEEP DRIVING MY CAR UNTIL THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I KNOW THAT AUDI CURRENTLY HAS A RECALL ON SOME AUDI MODELS DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR CAUSING FIRE RISKS, AND I KNOW THAT DRIVING WITH A FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR WILL LEAD TO MAJOR ISSUES. OBVIOUSLY I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR KNOWING THAT THE LEAKING FUEL INJECTOR COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN MY CAR AND WILL CAUSE ME TO ONCE AGAIN BREAKDOWN. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION, HOWEVER, IT INCLUDES MY VIN AND THE NOTE ON THIS WEBSITE SAYS NOT TO INCLUDE ANY PERSONAL INFO INCLUDING THE VIN.
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 WHICH WAS NOT THE SAFEST, KNOWING THAT I SHOULD BE DECELERATING IN SUCH INSTANCES. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT, AND THEN 3 DAYS LATER AFTER PARKING IN A SCHOOL PARKING LOT FOR ABOUT 12 MINUTES, I RETURNED TO MY CAR TO FIND IT NOT STARTING UP. IT WILL BEGIN TO CRANK BUT NEVER STARTED. I TRIED TO JUMP START IT WITH A POWER STARTUP BATTERY AND IT STILL WOULDN'T START. I HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND AFTER 2 DAYS OF DIAGNOSIS, I WAS TOLD IT WAS A TIMING CHAIN/TENSIONER FAULT WITHIN THE ENGINE. THIS WILL TAKE SOME DAYS TO REPAIR AND I HAVE TO FIND AN ALTERNATIVE VEHICLE FOR WORK. I WAS TOLD THIS FAILURE WAS COMMON FOR MY CAR MAKE/MODEL.
INFERIOR PISTON RINGS BURNING OIL INSIDE THE ENGINE.
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 NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER (AUDI BUFFALO, 5255 GENESEE ST, BOWMANSVILLE, NY 14026, 716-683-3343) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
2010 AUDI A5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REAR MAIN SEAL LEAK AND PISTONS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ADVISED THE CYLINDER WAS BAD AND THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CLASS ACTION SUIT. *JS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (JIM ELLIS AUDI IN ATLANTA, GA 1-877-465-2802) AND THE AUDI MANUFACTURER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO NOTIFY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY MY GARAGE THAT THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEY SAY IT IS A "KNOWN ISSUE" AND I AM WONDERING WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN MADE A RECALL. IT IS $2,000 AND THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNS; IT COULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. I DON'T WANT TO BE WRITING IN AFTER A CATASTROPHE SO I AM WRITING PREEMPTIVELY: PLEASE MAKE THIS A RECALL!!!
FRONT AIR BAG FAULTY INFLATION AIR BAG LIGHT ON RECALL FOR A5 CABRIOLET BUT NOT 2 DOOR COUPE?
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 NEW TURBO, TIMING CHAIN, AND TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER AT A COST JUST OVER $4300. AFTER DOING RESEARCH I LEARNED THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON WITH THE TYPE OF ENGINE THAT I HAVE. IT SEEMS THAT IT OCCURS IN THE 2.0T AUDI/VW AROUND APPROXIMATELY 80K MILES. MY CAR HAD JUST TURNED OVER 80K. I ALSO LEARNED THAT HAD I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR I COULD HAVE POSSIBLY DAMAGED THE PISTONS, CAUSING THE CAR TO POSSIBLY NEED A NEW ENGINE. THE CAR ALSO CONSUMES AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL.
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 RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED TOWN AUDI AT (201) 227-6524 (400 SOUTH DEAN STREET, ENGLEWOOD, NJ 07631) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT ALSO CALLED AUDI BURLINGTON AT (781) 272-8880 (62 CAMBRIDGE ST, BURLINGTON, MA 01803) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE/PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
DEALERSHIP STATES PARTS ARE AVAILABLE BUT WILL NOT COMPLETE BECAUSE OF P6 STATUS CAR IS NOT NOW IN A HUMID AREA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIR UNDER MANUFACTURER REFERENCE NUMBER: 170626336. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE CRANK SHAFT SEALS AND TURBO CHARGER IN JANUARY. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER MENTIONED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED AT 110,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AT THAT TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TAKATA RECALL: RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE APRIL 2016. WAITIED 7 MONTHS. CONTACTED AUDI DEALER, AUDI USA OCT 2016 SAY PART IS STILL UNAVAILABLE AND NHTSA IS ALLOCATING PARTS. FILED COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA OCT 2016. NOTHING. NO ONE CALLED OR CONTACTED ME. AUDI DEALER CUSTOMER CARE CONTACTS ME FEB 2017 TO PURCHASE A NEW CAR AS A 'SOLUTION' FOR AIRBAG RECALL. TELLS ME I CAN DIE OR GET SERIOUSLY INJURED ANYTIME. BETTER TO GET A NEW CAR THEY SAY. WAIT. IF PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR NEW CARS. WHY NOT FIX MINE? WHY SHOULD I BUY A NEW CAR? CONFIRMED ACCORDING TO AUDI DEALER AND AUDI USA 2017 MODELS HAVE NON FAULTY PARTS AND AIRBAGS! EMAILS TO AUDI USA WHY PARTS ARE BEING ALLOCATED TO NEW CARS INSTEAD OF REPAIRING AFFECTED CARS?? THEY HAVE NO ANSWERS. JUST KEEP DEFERRING TO NHTSA. CALLED NHTSA FOR ANSWERS. NHTSA STATES IT'S THE MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSIBILITY NOT THEIRS. THEY JUST COLLECT COMPLAINTS. IS ANYONE READING THESE? 13 MILLION CARS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED BUT WHICH ONE ARE THESE? I'M IN ZONE A CA AT LEAST 2 DEATHS OCCURRED HERE AS A RESULT OF THE TAKATA AIRBAGS. IT IS HOT HUMID AREA I AM CONCERNED DRIVING MY CAR AND THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. AGAIN IS ANYONE READING THESE? POST CLEAR INFORMATION ABOUT SCHEDULES FOR EACH ZONES AND WHICH MANUFACTURERS WILL BE GETTING PARTS SO THAT WE CAN BETTER UNDERSTAND WHEN OUR DANGEROUS LIFE THREATENING RECALL WILL BE REPAIRED. IF AUDI IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALLOCATING PARTS TELL THEM TO STOP TELLING US THAT THEY HAVE NO IDEA AND AREN'T RESPONSIBLE FOR PARTS AVAILABILITY. MAKE THEM USE THE NEW PARTS TO FIX OUR CARS NOT MANUFACTURE NEW ONES AND SELL IT TO US AS A SCARE TACTIC!
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
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 WHEN THEY EXPECT TO GET PARTS AND THEY DID NOT KNOW AT ALL. I CONTACTED NHTSA AND I WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN PARTS WOULD BE RECEIVED BY AUDI NEITHER. ALL THEY COULD TELL ME WAS LIVING IN CA I WAS IN ZONE B AND THE NEXT ON THIS LIST AFTER THE HIGHER PRIORITY HIGH HUMIDITY AREAS. DUE TO THE SHEER NUMBER OF RECALLS THIS COULD MEAN WE MAY NOT GET PARTS FOR YEARS IF SOMETHING ISN'T DONE TO IMPROVE PRODUCTION FREQUENCY, PRODUCE HIGH QUALITY AIRBAGS AND MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO THE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE A RECALL NOTICE. I AM CONCERNED DRIVING THE CAR WITH THE RECALL NOTICE AS WELL AS THE DEATHS AND ISSUES REGARDING THE AIRBAG. WE NEED QUALITY PARTS TO BE ALLOCATED TO AUDI IN CA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WHAT IS THE PLAN TO HAVE MORE AIRBAG PARTS AVAILABLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR CONSUMERS SUCH AS MYSELF WHO HAS AN AUDI 2010 A5 TO PROTECT MY SAFETY WHILE CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE? *TR
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 VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,336.
TL* 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 RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
RECALL 16V078. AUDI LETTER INDICATES BODY INJURY OR DEATH. MY CONTACT WITH AUDI CUSTEMER SERVICE INDICATES ITS ENTIRELY MY DECISION TO DRIVE CAR. THEY WILL NOT PROVIDE VEHICLE UNTIL RECALL PROBLEM IS FIXED. THEY HAVE NO TIME FRAME WHEN IT WILL BE FIXED, NO PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR OVER 2 MONTHS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE AIR BAGS AND THE PISTONS, WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI A5. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN HEAVY RAIN CONDITIONS, THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE BECAME FLOODED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE DRAINAGE VALVE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
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 OIL AND OIL FILTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE CHASSIS NEEDED TO BE LUBED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT MAY HAVE NEEDED TO ADD A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,713. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,473. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 40 MPH. UPDATED 11/10/14
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 DROPPED ME OFF AT WORK AND CONTINUED ON A ROAD THAT YOU CANNOT STOP ON TO "CLEAN THE BLADES" AND COULD NOT SEE BUT THROUGH A NARROW 1/2" SLOT IN THE WINDSHIELD!! - I MADE IT TO WORK AND ASKED TWO OF MY EMPLOYEES, ONE WITH AN S5 AND ONE WITH A WAGON AND THEY BOTH HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. - THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED. - MY WIFE, WHO I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FOR IS NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE IT WITH ANY SNOWFALL. - I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE SINCE THIS IS A VERY STORMY SEASON. *LN
AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A COLD JANUARY MORNING HERE IN THE MID-ATLANTIC, THE WATER PUMP BROKE AGAIN AFTER AUDI REPLACED IT ABOUT A YEAR AGO. THE COOLANT LEAKED QUICKLY, AND THE "SHUT ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. I WAITED FOR FOUR HOURS BEFORE A TOW TRUCK WAS AVAILABLE. ACCORDING TO MY DEALER, AUDI IS AWARE THAT THESE PLASTIC WATER PUMPS ARE DEFECTIVE BUT DID NOT INFORM AUDI DRIVERS FOR TWO REASONS: 1) THEY DO NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT PARTS IN STOCK TO REPLACE ALL THE PROBABLE DEFECTIVE ONES AND ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS, THEY MUST HAVE AMPLE PARTS BEFORE THEY CAN ISSUE A VOLUNTARY RECALL; AND 2) IT HAS NOT BEEN REQUIRED BY THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE THERE ARE INSUFFICIENT COMPLAINTS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BROKEN PUMP WITH ONE THAT IS NOW SUPPOSEDLY MADE OF METAL INSTEAD OF PLASTIC. IT TOOK THEM ONLY A DAY TO GET THE REPLACEMENT PART IN, AS OPPOSED TO A WEEK THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH 5-10 CASES OF BROKEN WATER PUMPS EACH WEEK SINCE THE COLD WEATHER STARTED - AUDI A5/Q5S. *TR
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 PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS. NEITHER AUDI NOR THE DEALERSHIPS BOTH AWARE OF THE PROBLEM REFUSE TO FIX IT DESPITE BEING UNDER WARRANTY AND DEMAND MONEY FOR REPAIRS WHICH SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND ARE A SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO DRIVER AND PASSENGER SAFETY. IF CONTROL ARMS BREAK OR SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO CRASH OR GO OFF ROAD DEATH OR OTHER INJURIES MAY OCCUR. *TR
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 WHEN I TURN THEM ON, THEY DO NOT STAY ON CAUSING IMPAIRED VISION. 2.) THE UNIQUE WIPER DESIGN OF THE B8 PLATFORM MEANS THAT THE WIPER BLADES THEMSELVES CONSISTENTLY TURN INTO BLOCKS OF ICE IN WINTER DRIVING. THEY ARE POSITIONED BELOW THE DEFROSTER AND, ONCE FROZEN, CAUSE SEVERELY IMPAIRED VISION IN ALREADY HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. I'VE CHECKED NUMEROUS ONLINE FORUMS AND THIS CONDITION IS OCCURRING REGULARLY TO OWNERS OF AUDI VEHICLES BASED ON THE B8 PLATFOM (PREDOMINANTLY THE A4/S4 AND A5/S5.) THEY ALL SHARE THE SAME RAIN SENSOR/ WINDSHIELD WIPER DESIGN, AND IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE TRACTION OF QUATTRO MEANS NOTHING IF YOU CAN'T SEE! *TR
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 ACCIDENTS, A FULL FAILURE OF CONTROL ARMS WILL RESULT IN DEATH. AUDI HAS NOT CONDUCTED A MASS RECALL AS OF YET, I BELIEVE THEY ARE WAITING FOR A FEW DEATHS AND A MASS PROTESTS AND INTERVENTION FROM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BEFORE DOING SOMETHING. HTTP://FORUMS.AUDIWORLD.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?P=23890501#POST23890501. *TR
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 34 total NHTSA complaints filed over 11 years, with the worst year being 2016 (7 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 97/100 in 2016.
Notably, despite 34 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Manufacturer Extended Warranties & Special Coverage
1 known program match this vehicle — verify current eligibility with dealer using your VIN
EA888 Gen 1 and Gen 2 2.0T TSI engines suffer from premature timing chain wear caused by a faulty chain tensioner. The symptom is a rattling noise on cold start. VW and Audi extended coverage for the timing chain system and issued revised parts under Technical Service Action 23BE.
Coverage eligibility depends on your VIN, original sale date, and current mileage. Always verify with an authorized dealer or manufacturer customer service — programs may have been updated since this database was compiled.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $33,114 (~$552/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2010 AUDI A5 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for WAUCFAFH2AN023859. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | WAUCFAFH2AN023859 |
| Model Year | 2010 |
| Make | AUDI |
| Model | A5 |
| Trim | quattro Premium |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drive Type | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.984000 |
| Horsepower | 211.00 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | AUDI AG |
| Assembly City | NECKARSULM |
| Assembly Country | GERMANY |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | WAU |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 2 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | A |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | N |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 023859 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 0 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 34 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/3/2026, 3:51:57 PM.