This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage). 2008-2021A3, 2015-2021A3 Cabrio, 2005-2016 A3 Sportback, 1999-2021 A4, 2010-2021 A4 allroad, 1999-2012 A4 Avant, 2003-2009 A4 Cabrio, 2010-2021 A5 Cabrio, 2008-2021 A5 Coupe, 2018-2021 A5 Sportback, 1999-2021A6, 1999-2011A6 Avant, 2008-2020 A7, 1999-2021 A8, 2008-2019 e-tron, 2019-2021 e-tron quattro, 2015-2021 Q3, 2009-2021 Q5, 2007-2021 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2008-2020 R8 Coupe, 2011-2020 R8 Spyder, 2017-2019 RS3, 2007-2008 RS4, 2008 RS4 Cabrio, 2010-2021 RS5, 2010-2020 RS5 Cabrio, 2016-2018 RS6, 2016-2018 RS7, 2004-2012 S4, 2004-2009 S4 Cabr
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Audi A5 airbags problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Audi A5 have filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the airbags at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 A5 (this page) | 14 |
| 2012 A5 | 11 |
When does it fail?
Of the 14 airbags complaints filed for the 2010 Audi A5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Brake-related vibration and pulsation has several causes that depend on driving style and resulting brake disc temperature, as well as environmental conditions. Both the intensity of the wear of the brake system and the type of wear depend on the operating conditions of the vehicle. The wear of the brake discs is determined by the frequency and intensity of the brake operations. Dirt build-up, exposure to sand, long standing times, and road salt or similar, can also promote wear as well as cause scoring marks on the brake discs. The driving style of the driver also influences the wear of the brake system. An overly-aggressive driving style, which results in frequent sharp braking, can lead t
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 69 number 13-26 dated October 21, 2013. After the airbag control module (J234) has been replaced, the control unit cannot be coded via SVM spec/actual. An SVM code is required to code and parameterize the new service replacement airbag control module. Each model's SVM code is provided in a parts bulletin (GP bulletin), which should have been referenced through ETKA when the module was replaced. The control module cannot be coded until the SVM code has been executed. If the SVM code was not acquired through the GP bulletin in ETKA, follow the instructions in the Service section of this bulletin to update the control module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 69 number 12-25 dated April 25, 2012. After the airbag control module (J234) has been replaced, the control unit cannot be coded via SVM spec/actual. An SVM code is required to code and parameterize the new service replacement airbag control module. Each model?s SVM code is provided in a parts bulletin (GP bulletin), which should have been referenced through ETKA when the module was replaced. The control module cannot be coded until the SVM code has been executed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ABS warning light on - wire harness damage
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2010 Audi A5 models received Takata airbag recall notices starting in 2016 (campaigns 16V078000 and 18V082000) but ran into a wall getting repairs done. Every dealer they contacted—from New Jersey to California to Georgia—confirmed the same thing: parts weren't available and had no arrival date. Owners waited 7, 10, even 12+ months with no appointment scheduled and no answers on when parts would arrive.
Audi's position was that NHTSA controlled parts allocation; NHTSA said it was Audi's job to get the parts. Meanwhile, owners had recall letters stating potential body injury or death. One dealer explicitly refused to repair a vehicle due to its P6 status—meaning it wasn't in a high-humidity priority zone—despite having parts in stock. Some owners reported dealers suggested buying a new car as the "solution" instead of fixing the existing one.
One separate complaint involved an airbag malfunction diagnosed at 67,000 miles that required airbag and piston replacement. Another owner reported faulty airbag inflation and a warning light but questioned why the recall applied to the Cabriolet but apparently not the 2-door coupe version.
The core issue: parts unavailability, geographic prioritization that leaves some owners stranded, and manufacturer/dealer finger-pointing on who's responsible for getting you fixed.
Same Audi A5 airbags reports on nearby years: 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Takata airbag recall parts shortage and delayed repair
Owners received Takata airbag recall notices (NHTSA campaigns 16V078000 and 18V082000) but faced months to years of delay obtaining replacement parts. Audi dealers confirmed parts were unavailable or on allocation, with no clear timeline for availability. Some owners reported waiting 7+ months with no repair appointment scheduled. Geographic allocation prioritized high-humidity zones; owners in lower-priority zones faced indefinite waits. Some dealers refused to repair vehicles due to P6 status (geographic priority).
When: Recall notices received 2016-2018; repair delays ongoing through 2017-2018
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notice received but parts unavailable; Dealer unable to schedule repair appointment; No timeline provided for parts availability; Geographic allocation preventing repairs in non-priority zones
Codes mentioned: 16V078000, 18V082000
Repairs/costs cited: Audi dealers (various locations) confirmed parts not available for replacement; some owners reported parts would not be available for over 2 months or longer. One dealer refused repair based on P6 status (non-humid area designation).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata recall campaigns 16V078000 and 18V082000. Audi deferred responsibility to NHTSA for parts allocation. Some dealers offered purchase of new vehicle as 'solution' instead of repairing existing vehicles.
Airbag malfunction requiring replacement
One owner reported that an oil warning indicator illuminated, leading to dealer diagnosis of airbag malfunction requiring replacement along with pistons. Vehicle was repaired but manufacturer was not notified of the actual failure.
When: Approximately 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil warning indicator illuminated; Airbag malfunction diagnosed
Repairs/costs cited: Airbags and pistons were replaced at dealer.
Faulty airbag inflation and airbag warning light
One owner reported front airbag faulty inflation with airbag warning light on. Owner questioned why recall applied to A5 Cabriolet but not the 2-door coupe variant, suggesting inconsistent recall scope.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light on; Faulty inflation concern
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued but apparently applied inconsistently between body styles (Cabriolet vs. Coupe)
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Audi a5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v082000 (air bags). The dealer (Audi buffalo, 5255 genesee st, bowmansville, ny 14026, 716-683-3343) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Audi a5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v078000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Audi a5. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 16v078000 (air bags). 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Audi a5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v078000 (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 contact called town Audi at (201) 227-6524 (400 south dean street, englewood, nj 07631) where it was…
Takata recall I received a notice in february 2016 regarding the recall but as of today october 21 I still have not received the repair notice. I have called numerous Audi dealers as well as the Audi worldwide number who told me they do not have parts and are waiting. I asked when they expect to get parts and they did not know at all. I contacted NHTSA and I was told they did not know when…
Dealership states parts are available but will not complete because of p6 status car is not now in a humid area
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Audi a5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v078000 (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 contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no remedy. VIN tool confirms…
Had airbags trouble with your 2010 Audi A5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2010 Audi A5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 66,779 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Audi/A5.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.