RoadVitals

2010 Audi Q5 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
99
Latest Aug 5, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 Audi Q5, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags5042.0%
  • Engine97.6%
  • Electrical75.9%
  • Body & structure54.2%
  • Transmission43.4%
  • Powertrain (other)43.4%
  • Visibility21.7%
  • Exterior lighting21.7%
  • Steering21.7%
  • Suspension21.7%
  • Brakes10.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

50
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NOTICED PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD IS SOAKED AFTER IT RAINS. THIS HAPPENS IF IT IS PARKED OR IF YOUR DRIVING. ALL DRAINS ARE CLEAR AND WHEN DROPPING HEADLINER, NOTICED A "WATER" WAY RUNNING DOWN TOWARDS PASSENGER PILLAR, ON PILLAR AIRBAG AND DOWN TO FLOOR BOARD. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT MANY OTHER 2010 AUDI Q5'S HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND IMPLIED THIS IS PROBABLY WHY MY SUNROOF MOTOR IS NOT FUNCTIONING ANYMORE DUE TO WATER GETTING IN AND THEY QUOTED ME $2500 TO FIX THIS MANUFACTURE FLAW. IF MY VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN IN A WRECK AND THE SUNROOF FRAME IS BAD, WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL FOR THIS?

NHTSA ID 11377566 · filed Dec 2, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AUDI SOUTH HAMPTON (51 MONTAUK HWY, WATER MILL, NY 11976, (631) 283-0888) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID 11170619 · filed Jan 17, 2019
All 50 reports naming airbags

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

31
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ...

NHTSA ID 11580078 · filed Mar 29, 2024

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).

NHTSA ID 11531508 · filed Jul 11, 2023
All 31 reports naming fuel system

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11570747 · filed Feb 8, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MISFIRED WHILE DRIVING AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI NYACK (127 NY-59, NYACK, NY 10960, (845) 353-7300) WHERE THE INTAKE COIL AND SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. *TR

NHTSA ID 11287072 · filed Dec 5, 2019
All 9 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11506165 · filed Feb 8, 2023

The Audi Q5 Premium Plus 2010 has a huge problem with the dashboard where it shows multiple dysfunctions! The worse is the back rear light and the steering wheels who makes awful noises, and so much more. I do not know why there is no recall for this model as they all have the same issues. Please advise.

NHTSA ID 11476179 · filed Jul 27, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11533900 · filed Jul 23, 2023

NOTICED PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD IS SOAKED AFTER IT RAINS. THIS HAPPENS IF IT IS PARKED OR IF YOUR DRIVING. ALL DRAINS ARE CLEAR AND WHEN DROPPING HEADLINER, NOTICED A "WATER" WAY RUNNING DOWN TOWARDS PASSENGER PILLAR, ON PILLAR AIRBAG AND DOWN TO FLOOR BOARD. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT MANY OTHER 2010 AUDI Q5'S HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND IMPLIED THIS IS PROBABLY WHY MY SUNROOF MOTOR IS NOT FUNCTIONING ANYMORE DUE TO WATER GETTING IN AND THEY QUOTED ME $2500 TO FIX THIS MANUFACTURE FLAW. IF MY VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN IN A WRECK AND THE SUNROOF FRAME IS BAD, WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL FOR THIS?

NHTSA ID 11377566 · filed Dec 2, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CAR SOMETIMES HAS A HARD DOWNSHIFT FROM 2ND TO 1ST AND A HARD UP SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND. IT MAKES A CLUNK NOISE AND CAUSES TO CAR TO JERK AND OR LUNGE. I SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET FOR THIS ISSUE AND I THINK I WAS SOLD THIS AUTO WITHOUT DISCLOSURE OF AN KNOWN ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10329087 · filed May 6, 2010

I HAVE A HESITATION/LACK-OF-ACCELERATION WHEN MOVING FROM A STOP OR FROM LOW SPEEDS. ESSENTIALLY, I'M EITHER MOVING VERY SLOWLY OR I HAVE TO FLOOR THE GAS PEDAL TO FORCE THE TRANSMISSION TO CHANGE GEARS, AND THEN THE CAR 'TAKES OFF'. THERE IS NO MIDDLE GROUND (I.E. I CAN'T SIMPLY ACCELERATE 'NORMALLY'). IT IS DANGEROUS WHEN MERGING ON TO A HIGHWAY OR OUT OF A DRIVEWAY OR SHOPPING CENTER AND ONTO A BUSY ROAD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10324399 · filed Apr 7, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ENGINE MAKE NOISES AND DON'T MAKE SHIFT NORMAL IS LIKE A LACK POWER.

NHTSA ID 11157202 · filed Dec 9, 2018

THE SUNROOF HAS A LEAKAGE WHICH AS CAUSES DAMAGE TO SUNSCREEN. THE WATER FROM THE SUNROOF HAS LEAKED INTO VEHICLES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND HAS CAUSED BACK UP CAMERA, PARKING, THE STEREO SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. WATER FROM THE ROOF HAS ALSO AFFECTED THE ENGINE'S BLOWER IT HAS SHORT-CIRCUITED SO THAT THE AC AND HEATER NO LONGER PUT OUT AIR.

NHTSA ID 11144435 · filed Oct 31, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2010 AUDI Q5 PREMIUM PLUS. ORIGINAL WINDSHIELD IS LEAKING. UPPER RIGHT CORNER IS NOT SEALED PROPERLY SO THE WATER IS LEAKING ON THE A PILLAR. SERVICE ADVISER FROM LOCAL AUDI DEALERSHIP TOLD US AFTER CHECKING AND TESTING THEY SAID THAT THE ORIGINAL WINDSHIELD IS LEAKING.

NHTSA ID 11154764 · filed Nov 29, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 AUDI Q5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ALMOST FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A CAR WASH AND THE WIPERS COMPLETELY FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO RECOMMENDED HAND WASHING THE VEHICLE SINCE THE CAR WASH BRUSHES WOULD PULL THE WIPERS FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO CONCLUDED THAT THE AUTOMATIC RAIN SENSOR WAS TURNED ON WHICH CAUSED THE WIPERS TO ACTIVATE. THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,600.

NHTSA ID 10400557 · filed May 11, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The Audi Q5 Premium Plus 2010 has a huge problem with the dashboard where it shows multiple dysfunctions! The worse is the back rear light and the steering wheels who makes awful noises, and so much more. I do not know why there is no recall for this model as they all have the same issues. Please advise.

NHTSA ID 11476179 · filed Jul 27, 2022

LH DIPPED LIGHTING FLICKERS OFF AFTER ABOUT 1 MIN. IT WILL NOT COME BACK UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS RESTARTED. PROBLEM WILL REOCCUR AS PER ABOVE. IT SOUNDS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

NHTSA ID 10787474 · filed Oct 31, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The Audi Q5 Premium Plus 2010 has a huge problem with the dashboard where it shows multiple dysfunctions! The worse is the back rear light and the steering wheels who makes awful noises, and so much more. I do not know why there is no recall for this model as they all have the same issues. Please advise.

NHTSA ID 11476179 · filed Jul 27, 2022

THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED NOT LETTING ME START THE ENGINE OR MOVE THE CAR AGAIN AFTER TWO MINUTES. IT WAS SOMETHING VERY DANGEROUS BUT I WAS LUCKY THAT NO OTHER CAR WAS BEHIND US AT THAT MOMENT. WHEN WE HAD THE CHANCE TO SWITCH THE CAR ON AGAIN, THERE WAS AN ALERT SYMBOL SHOWN TELLING US TO DRIVE CAREFULLY AT VERY SLOW SPEED AND PREFERABLY TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER HAD THE CAR FEW WEEKS WHERE THEY CHANGED SOMETHING IN THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SYSTEM AND ITS SOFTWARE. THIS CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY AN ENGINE CHANGE MORE THAN A YEAR AGO FOR PROBLEMS IN THE OIL CONSUMPTION. ALL THIS HAPPEN IN COSTA RICA (NOT USA). *TR

NHTSA ID 10483936 · filed Nov 10, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11678406 · filed Aug 5, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11610368 · filed Aug 23, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY BRAKES FAILED ON TWO OCCASIONS. WHEN THE BRAKE WAS PRESSED, THE PEDAL SANK ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. LUCKILY, ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THE CAR WAS MOVING AT LESS THAN 25 MPH. MY ABILITY TO SLOW DOWN WAS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED. ULTIMATELY LEARNED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ID 10924401 · filed Nov 5, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .