Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD

2010 Audi Q5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 100 owner complaints for the 2010 Audi Q5. Most complaints involve air bags (50) and fuel/propulsion system (29). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
20mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Nov 2018
Owner complaints
100
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$4,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 vehicles, previously repaired under NHTSA 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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Nov 19, 2018NHTSA 18V818000

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Jan 30, 2018NHTSA 18V082000

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Sep 13, 2016NHTSA 16V660000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

100 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2009 – Sep 2026
  1. Air bags50
  2. Fuel/propulsion system29
  3. Power train8
  4. Electrical system7
  5. Engine and engine cooling5
  6. Engine5
  7. Structure5
  8. Fuel system, gasoline3
  9. Suspension2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Q5 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200931
2010100
2011143
20124
201392
2014106
2015100
201678
201742
2018209
201953
202037
2021103
202420
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

50 reports1 crash
“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?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 2, 2020Electrical system, Air bags, StructureODI 11377566

Fuel/propulsion system

29 reports1 crash
“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 ...”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 29, 2024Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11580078

Power train

8 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 31, 2018Power train, Electrical system, StructureODI 11144435
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.2L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Q5
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive
182320$4,000444
  • Q5
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.2 L
    18 city · 23 hwy · $4,000/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Audi Q5 as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 6, 2026Vehicle 5527
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2010 Q5 questions

How many recalls does the 2010 Audi Q5 have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 6, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2010 Audi Q5 problems?

Owners filed 100 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (50), fuel/propulsion system (29), power train (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2010 Audi Q5 get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Audi Q5 at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026