2010 Audi Q5 Fuel System Problems
Fuel system complaints account for 32 of 99 total complaints (32%) on the 2010 Audi Q5, the highest share of any model year. NHTSA lists two related recalls (16V660000 and 18V818000) covering a cracked fuel pump flange, and the median mileage at failure was 94,000 miles.
- Fuel System complaints
- 32
- 32% of 99
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 94,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- Owners report a fuel pump flange that cracks, allowing gasoline to leak from the top of the tank near the exhaust pipe.
- Drivers describe strong fuel odor entering the cabin, sometimes strong enough to trigger household carbon monoxide alarms when the car is parked in a garage.
- Some owners report sudden loss of power and complete stalling while driving on the highway, with no warning.
- Multiple owners say recall parts for the fuel pump flange (campaign 16V660000) were unavailable for extended periods, leaving the defect unrepaired.
- A few complaints mention fuel fumes returning even after the dealer applied a patch to the gas tank flange.
When 2010 Audi Q5 fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 17, 2016, latest Sep 22, 2026.
Fuel System recalls for the 2010 Audi Q5
- NHTSA 18V818000Nov 19, 2018Fuel System5,987 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 16V660000Sep 13, 2016Fuel System143,214 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Remedy: 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.
Fuel System complaints by Q5 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are fuel system complaints on the 2010 Audi Q5?
- Fuel system issues make up 32 of 99 total complaints filed for the 2010 Audi Q5, or 32% of all complaints for that model year — the highest share among all Q5 model years listed.
- Is there a recall for the 2010 Audi Q5 fuel system?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recall 16V660000 (reported 2016-09-13) for a cracking fuel pump flange, and a follow-up recall 18V818000 (reported 2018-11-19) for vehicles previously repaired under the first recall that still needed the flange replaced with butyl tape.
- At what mileage do fuel system problems usually appear on the 2010 Q5?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for fuel system complaints on the 2010 Q5 is 94,000 miles.
- Were there any crashes or injuries linked to the fuel system issue?
- NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2010 Q5 lists 2 crashes and 2 injuries, with 0 fires reported.