2010 Audi A5 Quattro

The 2010 Audi A5 Quattro is a stylish and sporty coupe or convertible known for its sleek design, comfortable interior, and engaging driving experience. The 2010 model year offers two engine options: a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 producing 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.2L V6 generating 265 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Common owner praises include the car’s handling, aesthetics, and luxurious feel. Dissatisfactions often revolve around repair costs, some reliability concerns, and the relatively small rear seats in the coupe version.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, sometimes leading to low oil level warnings. Can be particularly noticeable on higher mileage vehicles.
  • Solution: Often requires replacing the piston rings or even the entire engine in severe cases. Software updates to the ECU have sometimes been used as a preventative measure but may not fully resolve existing issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise upon startup, particularly when cold. If left unaddressed, it can lead to catastrophic engine failure due to timing chain slippage.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chain, tensioner, and associated guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls:
    • Recall Number: 17V031000
      • NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V031
      • Summary: Audi is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Audi A4, A5, 2011-2012 Q5 and 2012 Audi A6 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a Bosch Generation 1 engine control unit (ECU) which in certain situations may cause an unintended engine stall.
      • Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control unit (ECU) software, free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. Audi’s number for this recall is 24AE.

3.2L V6

• Carbon Buildup
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, decreased fuel economy, and reduced power. This is common in direct-injection engines as there is no fuel washing over the intake valves.
  • Solution: Manual cleaning of the intake valves (walnut blasting) or chemical cleaning.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (Both Engines)

• Mechatronic Unit Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, limp mode, or complete loss of gear engagement. Can be intermittent.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the Mechatronic unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Imprecise steering.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Faulty Coil Packs
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace faulty coil packs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Failed Trunk Release Switch
  • Description/Symptoms: Trunk will not open with the switch, but can be opened with the key fob or manually.
  • Solution: Replace the trunk release switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Issues (Convertible Models Only)
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure to fully open or close, hydraulic leaks, sensor malfunctions, and alignment problems.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of hydraulic components, sensors, or the entire convertible top mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation/MMI System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response times, screen flickering, or complete system failure.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the MMI control unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Audi A5 Quattro, while offering a premium driving experience, has some known issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. The 2.0L engine has oil consumption and timing chain concerns that can be expensive to address. The 3.2L engine is more susceptible to carbon buildup. Both engines share common issues, such as mechatronic unit failure in the automatic transmission. Suspension and electrical problems also exist, and convertibles can have top-related problems. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs costing thousands of dollars. Careful inspection and a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic are highly recommended.