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VIN REPORT

WAUGVAFR5AA0606352010 AUDI S5quattro Premium Plus

Risk Score
20
MODERATE RISK
out of 100
Clear
No active recalls
20
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
16 yrs
Made in GERMANY
B-
Score: 80/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2010 AUDI S5 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 20 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

20/100
Moderate Risk
1 moderate risk signal detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 1 detected
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
Critical Alerts

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
AUDI
Model
S5
Year
2010
Trim / Series
quattro Premium Plus
Body Style
Coupe
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
8-cyl 4.163000L 354.00 hp
Transmission
Manual/Standard
Doors
2
Manufacturer
AUDI AG
Assembly
INGOLSTADT, GERMANY
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
CQuality55/100
Standard📍 INGOLSTADT, GERMANY

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety
B-
Score: 80/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety30/30
Complaint History30/30
0/100Clear

✓ No high-risk recall components found

2/100
Basic
1 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera?Unknown
Electronic Stability Control?Unknown
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Indirect
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls
82/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 5 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~192,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 16 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Chain Tensioner immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
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.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 16 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
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.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 16 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighDifferential / Transfer Case Fluid
Service interval: 4 yr · Vehicle age: 16 yr · Past due by age
Service Differential / Transfer Case Fluid immediately — already past the 50,000 mi / 4 yr interval
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 16 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 16 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
EST. OVERDUEModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 16 yr · Past due by age
Service Fuel Injectors immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
0CLEAR
No Recall Campaigns Found
NHTSA has no active or historical recalls for this 2010 AUDI.
Complaints
Engine/Powertrain
12
Safety Systems
7
Fuel System
1
2011
1
2015
5
2016
6
2017
5
2018
2
2025
1
33% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Accelerating +100%
1
Last 24 months
0
Prior 24 months
PEAKS FALL (SEP–NOV)

35% of complaints filed in Sep & May — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Airbag failure1
Engine stalling1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (4)Startup (2)Rain/wet (1)Cold weather (1)
20HIGH VOLUME
ODI #11675086FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2010 Audi S5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. Upon a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the aftermarket TRQ High-Pressure Fuel Pump (FPA-63379) exploded, covering the contact in hot gasoline. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.

ODI #11160532AIR BAGS

CANNOT GET AUDI TO REPLACE AIRBAG. HAVE WAITED OVER A YEAR. CALLED DOZENS OF TIMES.

ODI #11099048AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI S5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (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 DEALER (AUDI FREMONT, 43191 BOSCELL RD, FREMONT, CA 94538) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

ODI #11046462AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL. I'VE RECEIVED CARDS IN THE MAIL STATING THAT I'M OVERDUE ON GETTING THE AIRBAG RECALL COMPLETED. MY CAR HAS BEEN TO DAY AUDI IN MONROEVILLE, PA 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 1.5 YEARS AND THEY INFORM ME THAT THEY HAVE NO AIRBAGS IN STOCK.

ODI #11030093ENGINE

ENGINE OVERHEATED AUGUST 21, 2017. IT LEFT ME STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY. I TOOK IT TO DAY AUDI MONROEVILLE, PA. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT AN AUDI THERMOSTAT RECALL WAS JUST ISSUED. I PAID FOR THE REPAIR $999.71 AND WAS PROMISED BY AUDI CUSTOMER CARE THAT I WOULD BE REIMBURSED. AS OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2017, I WAS ADVISED THAT MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE THERMOSTAT RECALL AND THAT THE RECALL HAS TO BE ISSUED BY THE NHTSA. THEREFORE I RECEIVED AN EMPTY PROMISE FROM AUDI THAT I WOULD BE REIMBURSED.

ODI #10993527POWER TRAIN

A "GEARBOX MALFUNCTION" INTERMITTENTLY OCCURS, LEAVING THE CAR IN A "NON-MOVING" STATE. WHEN THIS ISSUE OCCURS, AN ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE FROM A DEAD STOP WILL MOVE THE VEHICLE ONLY ENOUGH TO GET YOU INTO TRAFFIC AND POTENTIALLY GET BROADSIDED OR REAR-ENDED. THE CAR SIMPLY "STOPS MOVING" RIGHT WHEN YOU NEED IT TO MOVE IN ORDER TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. IT WILL NOT MOVE BUT REMAINS RUNNING AND IN GEAR. I'VE SPENT OVER $3000 DOLLARS TO FIX THE ISSUE (REPLACED MECHATRONIC UNIT AND BATTERY) BUT THE ERROR STILL OCCURS. THE CAR IS EFFECTIVELY USELESS AND COUNTLESS OTHERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AS SEEN WITH ANY SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES, THE ISSUE WILL STOP, ONLY TO REAPPEAR AGAIN RANDOMLY AT ANOTHER INTERSECTION.

ODI #10992350POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC THE CAR WILL LOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. WHICH MAKES IT VERY DANGEROUS TO PULL OVER ALMOST HITTING UPCOMING TRAFFIC WITH NO ACCELERATION. AUDI SAYS IT'S A MECHATRONIC UNIT.

ODI #10940030POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

CAR STARTED OF GOING ON LIMP MODE ABOUT ONCE A MONTH THEN IT STARTED TO GET MORE FREQUENT. LIMP MODE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE DESIGNED TO PUT YOUR CAR INTO A LOWER GEAR TO PROTECT THE TRANSMISSION, BUT INSTEAD OF DOING THAT THE CAR WOULD SHIFT ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL POSITION WHILE ON THE FREEWAY CAUSING ME NOT HAVE A FULL CONTROL OF THE CAR MAKING IT VERY DANGEROUS TO PULL OVER. AS SOON AS I TURN OFF THE CAR AND TURN IT ON THE CAR WOULD RUN NORMAL AGAIN. WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IT WILL GO OFF ON LIMP MODE INTO THE NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING. RIGHT AFTER THAT THE CAR WOULD START HAVING STARTING UP PROBLEMS SO I HAD TO PAY MONEY OUT OF MY POCKET TO HAVE THE ECU REPLACED AND THE FUEL REGULATOR REPLACED AS WELL. AS OF DECEMBER 2016 I STARTED HAVING NEW PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. SEEMS TO ME LIKE THAT LIMP MODE HAS AFFECTED MY WHOLE CAR AND IT HAS TO BE FIXED. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BUT IT IS MY ONLY FORM OF TRANSPORTATION. I TOOK IT TO AUDI DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE LIMP MODE WAS RELATED TO THE TRIPTRONIC MODULE THAT WAS LOCATED INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS A $5,000 FIX. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT PUTTING THE CAR INTO SPORT MODE WOULD MAKE IT LESS LIKELY TO GET ITSELF INTO LIMP MODE THAN DRIVING THE CAR NORMALLY BUT EVEN THOUGH DRIVING THE CAR INTO SPORT MODE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR WILL STILL GET ITSELF INTO LIMP MODE MAKING THE CAR UNSAFE TO PULL OVER THE CAR. I ALMOST GOT HIT ONCE TRYING TO CHANGE LANES WHILE THE CAR WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

ODI #10934858AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL- I WAS INFORMED IN FEBRUARY, IT'S NOW DECEMBER WILL THIS EVER GET FIXES?

ODI #10908811AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL - NOTICE DATED FEB. 9, 2016 - UNREASONABLE DELAY IN REPLACING DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG INFLATOR WHEN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY COULD OCCUR. WHY ISN'T AUDI EXPEDITING THIS RECALL?

ODI #10907437POWER TRAIN

WHEN DRIVING IN HOT WEATHER, ON A BUSY BOULEVARD, COMING TO A RED LIGHT, AS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS DOWN TO FIRST GEAR, CAR LURCHES FORWARD WITH A STRONG BANG IN THE TRANSMISSION. ALMOST HIT PEDESTRIANS IN THE CROSSWALK. IF I WAS NOT HEAVY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THERE WOULD NO DOUBT HAVE BEEN INJURIES. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND WITHOUT WARNING. AUDI SERVICE TELLS ME IT IS THE MECHATRONIC UNIT IN THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONING WHEN IT GETS HOT. NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS TO AUDI SERVICE FOR MORE THAN FOUR YEARS AND IT IS GETTING WORSE. AUDI HAS BEEN STALLING AND HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE THE MECHATRONIC UNIT UNDER WARRANTY.

ODI #10892668AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI S5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

ODI #10864720AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI S5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD 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 UNAVAILABLE.

ODI #10851241POWER TRAIN

2010 AUDI S5 S-TRONIC TRANSMISSION JUMPS AND JERKS WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP.

ODI #10795144POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI S5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE GEAR ENGAGED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE MECHATRONICS WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WENT BACK TO THE DEALER TWO MORE TIMES AND THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

ODI #10789693POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

THIS IS A FOLLOW-UP TO COMPLAINT 10785783; AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE HISTORY IT REVEALED THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN THE INITIAL COMPLAINT HAVE OCCURRED IN THE PAST AS WELL AND THIS CLEARLY INDICATES COMMON AND REOCCURRING MANUFACTURING ISSUES THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY VAG: 1) THE TRANSMISSION 0B5 DL501 HAD BEEN ALREADY SERVICED FOR MECHATRONICS ISSUES AT 58.273 MILES. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TRANSMISSION IS ALSO USED ON SIMILAR AND MORE COMMON MODELS: A4,S4, A7...IN THE PAST VW HAD ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR DSG TRANSMISSION BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THESE MODELS ALTHOUGH IT SHOULD. 2) THE THERMOSTAT HAD ALSO FAILED BEFORE AT 22.415 MILES...ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A CAMPAIGN FOR THE SAME PART NUMBER IT DIDN'T COVER THIS SPECIFIC MODEL. A TECHNICIAN ACTUALLY SAID THEY ARE KNOW TO FAIL. 3) FOR THE BRAKES AUDI SAYS IT IS SOMEHOW "NORMAL"

ODI #10785783POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1) THE MAIN SAFETY CONCERN IS THE 7 SPEED DSG/S-TRONIC AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHICH FEELS JERKY WHEN REACHING TO A STOP; THE BREAKS FULLY ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE TRIES A SUDDEN MOVE FORWARD DUE TO THIS. VARIOUS TPI'S RELATED TO THE PROBLEM (TPI 2023830/1 JERK WHEN STOPPING, HARD 2-1 SHIFT, S-TRONIC). AUDI DEALERSHIPS ARE ASKING FOR ABOUT 500$ JUST TO UPGRADE THE SOFTWARE ON THE TRANSMISSION WITHOUT A GUARANTEE THIS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. ALSO WHEN SHIFTING FROM N TO D IT IS VERY SUDDEN AND FORCEFUL WHICH FEELS UNSAFE. 2) BRAKE SAFETY CONCERN: THE BREAK PEDAL SINKS SLOWLY TO THE FLOOR UNDER PRESSURE ALTHOUGH THE BREAKS WERE COMPLETELY SERVICED (NEW ROTORS, PADS, MASTER BREAK CYLINDER AND BRAKE FLUID). TESTED OTHER AUDI VEHICLES AND A SIMILAR BEHAVIOR WAS NOTICED. 3) I HAD ALSO A FAILED THERMOSTAT WHICH I FOUND TO BE UNDER WORKSHOP CAMPAIGN 19H3 2024932/1 THAT INDICATED SAME PART NUMBER FOR THE THERMOSTAT TO FAIL BUT THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPLACE IT FOR FREE BECAUSE THE CAMPAIGN DID NOT INCLUDING MY CAR'S VIN. INITIALLY I WAS TOLD TO TAKE IN THE CAR AND THEY WILL FIX IT FOR FREE BUT THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN. WHY DOES IT MATTER IF THE CAMPAIGN DOES NOT INCLUDE A CERTAIN VIN WHEN THE SAME PART NUMBER WAS INVOLVED IN THE FAILURE. AS A FINAL NOTE I FIND OUTRAGEOUS THE FACT THAT AUDI REFUSES TO PROVIDE FREE SOFTWARE UPDATES TO FIX DESIGN ISSUES RELATED TO THE GEARBOX AND INSTEAD CHARGE A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT FOR FIXING SAFETY ISSUE ON THEIR VEHICLES.

ODI #10781020POWER TRAIN

THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE AUDI S-TRONIC TRANSMISSION WHERE THE MECHATRONICS UNIT WHICH CONTROLS THE SHIFTS IS DEFECTIVE. THIS WILL RESULT IN THE MECHATRONIC NEEDING TO BE REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF 4 THOUSAND DOLLARS OR AT WORST THE TRANSMISSION TO BE REPLACED FOR 11 THOUSAND DOLLARS. THE CAR WILL START DOING HARD 2 TO FIRST SHIFTS AND ALMOST THROW YOU INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU IF YOU DO NOT PUSH DOWN HARD ON THE BRAKES. THIS HAPPENS ON A CITY STREET OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY AND BEGINS WHEN THE TRANSMISSION OIL GETS HOT. TECHNICALLY THE VEHICLE CAN BE IN MOTION OR STATIONARY AS IT HAPPENS WHEN IT SHIFTS DOWN TO FIRST GEAR. THIS TRANSMISSION IS IN THE 2010 AUDI S5 CABRIOLET ONLY AS THE COUPE HAS A DIFFERENT DRIVETRAIN. THE AUDI S4 HAS THE TRANSMISSION AS WELL AND EXPERIENCES THE SAME ISSUES.

ODI #10764105POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AFTER DRIVING IN STOP AND GO DRIVING FOR A PERIOD OF TIME THE TRANSMISSION STARTS TO ACT UP. WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THE CAR WILL SHIFT DOWN INTO FIRST GEAR AFTER THE STOP AND CAUSE THE CAR TO LEAP FORWARD. I HAVE ALMOST REAR ENDED SEVERAL CARS AS A RESULT OF THIS. IT IS A WELL KNOW PROBLEM WITH THE AUDI S-TRONIC TRANSMISSIONS FOUND IN THE AUDI S5 CABRIOLET AND THE AUDI S4 MODELS. THE OIL IN THE MECHATRONICS UNIT HEATS UP AND CAUSES PROBLEMS WITH THE CIRCUITRY WHICH CAUSES THE ISSUE. I HAVE ALREADY HAD IT IN ONCE FOR A "SOFTWARE UPDATE" TO THE TUNE OF 800 DOLLARS WHICH DID NOTHING. NOW IT IS LOOKING LIKE THEY WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE COMPONENT WHICH CAN COST UP TO 11 THOUSAND DOLLARS IF THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN DAMAGED.

ODI #10375105ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2010 AUDI S5 OVERHEATED ON DEC. 6, 2010 IN COLD WEATHER (20 DEGREES) WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. AUDI REPORTED A WATER PUMP CRACK AND ORDERED THE PART. SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED ON DEC. 31, 2010, RENDERING CAR DISABLED. AUDI REPORTED THAT THERMOSTAT REPLACED. I'VE SEEN NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINS ON AUDI S4 VEHICLES AND DEFECT IN WATER SEAL AND/OR PUMP, YET AUDI HAD DONE NOTHING TO WARN THE PUBLIC OR RECALL VEHICLES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED, WHETHER BY THE CAR BREAK DOWN OR GETTING STRANDED SOMEWHERE OUT OF CELL PHONE RANGE IN COLD WEATHER. *TR

Annual complaints and reliability score for AUDI S5 — recall years marked in red
036050100201120132015201720192021202320252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 20 total NHTSA complaints filed over 6 years, with the worst year being 2016 (6 complaints).

The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 99/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.

Notably, despite 20 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.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$48,614
~$810/mo over 5 yrs
$0.3/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$23,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $48,614 (~$810/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

1 critical inspection item must be resolved before purchase. Do not skip these checks.
CRITICAL
Verify this vehicle has received the EPA-approved emissions fix or was bought back
VW TDI Dieselgate vehicles without the EPA fix may fail emissions in California, NY, and other CARB states. Confirm modification was performed at a VW dealer and obtain written documentation.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: AIR BAGS
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ENGINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

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.

History & Auctions
Full Coverage
$1,270–$1,620/yr
~$106–$135/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
16-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VINWAUGVAFR5AA060635
Model Year2010
MakeAUDI
ModelS5
Trimquattro Premium Plus
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleCoupe
Doors2
Drive TypeAWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionManual/Standard

Engine

Engine Cylinders8
Displacement (L)4.163000
Horsepower354.00

Manufacturer

ManufacturerAUDI AG
Assembly CityINGOLSTADT
Assembly CountryGERMANY

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)WAU
Check Digit (Char 9)5
Model Year Code (Char 10)A
Plant Code (Char 11)A
Sequence (Chars 12–17)060635

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count0
NHTSA Complaint Count20
W
1
A
2
U
3
G
4
V
5
A
6
F
7
R
8
5
9
A
10
A
11
0
12
6
13
0
14
6
15
3
16
5
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
W
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
A
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
U
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
GVAFR
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
5
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
A
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
A
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
060635
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Germany
From VIN position 1 (W)
Model Year Character
"A" → 2010
Could also be 1980
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

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: 5/20/2026, 8:40:16 PM.