Most common 2010 Audi S5 problems
Share of the 20 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi S5 complaints by model year
Best S5 years: 2014, 2011, 2019. Years to avoid: 2020, 2018, 2010. Compare all years →
What 2010 Audi S5 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
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. …
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"
Air 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.
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.
Engine & cooling
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. …
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"
2010 Audi S5 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged | 7-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 4.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
| 4.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | AWD | 14 / 22 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Audi S5 a good car?
Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 S5 rates use caution: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the S5 at the same age. It is one of the S5 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Audi S5?
The transmission & drivetrain — 10 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (7) and engine & cooling (4).
How many recalls does the 2010 Audi S5 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2010 Audi S5. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Audi S5?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2011 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2020, 2018 and 2010. See the full Audi S5 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 Audi S5 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 58,000 miles; 36% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.