Makes›Audi›Q5›2010

2010 Audi Q5

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

Audi Q5
Pictured: Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S line (GU) – f 13102025. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Body styles
5dr SUV AWD 3.2/3.2 Premium
Engines
3.2L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
20 combined · 18 city / 23 hwy
Length
182.3 in
Curb weight
4,178 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2010 Audi Q5 is a SUV - offered with a 3.2L 6-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 182 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,178 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 23 highway), 9% better than the 2010 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2010

  • Lightest version 419 lb heavier

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Q5 →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
5dr SUV AWD 3.2/3.2 Premium182.3 in74.8 in65.4 in110.6 in63 / 63 in4,178 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Q53.2L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20+9%$4,100444
Spend $8,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.3 MPG2010 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Audi Q5 under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2010 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2010 Audi Q5 (this car)20 MPGNot rated4
2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class13 MPGNot rated0
2010 Porsche Cayenne16 MPGNot rated2
2010 BMW X522 MPGNot rated19
2010 BMW X320 MPGNot rated7
2010 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated1
2010 Volvo XC9018 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (4)

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 19, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V818000 · 5,987 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
The butyl tape may not prevent fuel from leaking. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange and install butyl tape, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BJ.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jan 30, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V082000 · 162,782 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Sep 13, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V660000 · 143,214 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flange, replacing any flanges that are cracked. If the flange is not cracked, dealers will clean the pump flange and install a butyl rubber band to protect the pump. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20W9.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 10, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V078000 · 659,493 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2010 Audi Q5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

89Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
86,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags50
Fuel/Propulsion System29
Electrical System6
Structure › Body5
Engine4
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Power Train3
Exterior Lighting2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/11: 118/12: 119/01: 119/02: 119/04: 119/06: 119/10: 219/12: 320/07: 120/09: 220/10: 120/12: 121/01: 122/07: 122/09: 123/02: 123/03: 123/04: 123/07: 224/02: 124/03: 124/08: 125/08: 126/09: 118/1119/0219/1020/0921/0123/0223/0724/08max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2010 Audi Q5 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 50 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Fuel/Propulsion System — 29 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  4. Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 86,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Audi Q5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Q5 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Q524185.8 inNot rated04
2025 Q526184.3 in★★★★★147
2024 Q526184.3 in★★★★★434
2023 Q526184.3 inNot rated657
2022 Q526184.3 inNot rated846
2021 Q527184.3 in★★★★★8103
2020 Q527183.5 in★★★★★637
2019 Q524183.5 in★★★★★553
2018 Q525183.5 in★★★★★6208
2017 Q522182.3 inNot rated542
2016 Q526182.3 inNot rated578
2015 Q526182.3 inNot rated699

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →