2010 Audi S5: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train; the 2011 and 2012 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2025
“The rear convertible window is separating completely from the roof and I am afraid it will fall out on the road or fly out and hit someone. The window is currently only attached by 2 corner. I have tried to address it with audi but have been told its not their problem”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2019
“Takata recall have been informed by audi that airbag will likely not be available for a year or more. They have verbally advised me to continue to drive the car. However, their letters say it could cause death to drive the car. We are ranked at the highest risk according to audi as we live in sc in hot humid environment.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2018
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2017
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2017
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2017
“There has been catastrophic separation between the rear window and the convertible soft top roof. The window is leaking and is about to fall out of the frame. This appears to be due to poor quality of adhesive used. Dealer will not cover this very common problem with audi cabriolets. No abuse of the vehicle occurred. The vehicle has never been in an accident.”Owner report · Structure · May 2016
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2016
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2016
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact S5 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Audi S5 reliable?
NHTSA has 28 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2010 Audi S5. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2010 Audi S5 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.