2010 Audi S5

The 2010 Audi S5 is a performance-oriented coupe or cabriolet that offered drivers a blend of luxury and sporty handling. The most desirable configuration features a 4.2-liter V8 engine producing 354 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Some owners love the distinctive styling, the comfortable and well-appointed interior, and the throaty exhaust note of the V8 engine. Dislikes often center around the car’s reliability, relatively high maintenance costs, and the complexity of its systems, which can lead to expensive repairs. While a smaller 3.0-liter Supercharged V6 engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission was available, the 4.2L V8 with manual or automatic transmission is a more common configuration.

Engine

4.2L V8

• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise, especially on cold start-up. Can lead to catastrophic engine damage if the tensioner fails completely and the timing chain jumps.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioners, chains, guides, and associated hardware.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Carbon Buildup
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, decreased fuel economy, and reduced performance. Direct injection engines are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves because there is no fuel being sprayed to clean the valves.
  • Solution: Manually clean the carbon buildup from the intake valves using walnut blasting or chemical cleaning.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: The 4.2L V8 engine in the 2010 Audi S5 is known to consume higher than average amounts of oil.
  • Solution: Replace piston rings, valve stem seals, and/or other engine components to reduce oil consumption.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting, unusual noises, and a high clutch pedal engagement point.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, and possibly the flywheel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Mechatronic Unit Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, transmission slipping, or inability to shift into certain gears. Can be triggered by something as simple as a faulty speed sensor.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the mechatronic unit. A software update could also be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps. Reduced handling precision and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per corner
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Navigation/MMI System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The Multi Media Interface (MMI) system can experience issues such as freezing, rebooting, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific issue and replace the faulty MMI module, screen, or wiring harness. Software updates may also resolve some issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows not operating correctly, slow movement, or getting stuck.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window regulator and motor assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Microswitch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Keyless entry or locking system failing to detect the door handle being touched, leading to the inability to unlock or lock the car using the door handle sensor.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty microswitch inside the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per door handle
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck, fail to open or close completely, or produce unusual noises during operation. Can also have leaks.
  • Solution: Clean and lubricate the sunroof tracks, repair or replace damaged components, or replace the entire sunroof assembly if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Audi S5, particularly with the 4.2L V8 engine, is prone to some potentially expensive issues. Timing chain tensioner failure and carbon buildup are significant concerns on the engine front, requiring specialized attention and potentially high repair costs. Transmission issues, especially with the automatic, can also be costly. Suspension and electrical issues contribute to the overall maintenance burden. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the car’s maintenance history and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with Audi vehicles. The severity of these issues ranges from annoying malfunctions to potential engine or transmission failure, and the cost to fix can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.