VehicleVerdict

2017 Audi R8 Spyder problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other R8 Spyder years?

R8 Spyder NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted1 complaint2011: 1 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints
R8 Spyder NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R8 Spyder years to avoid →

Does the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V014000AirbagsJanuary 11, 2019 · 119,394 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Passat, 2015-2016 Eos, 2015-2017 CC, 2016-2017 TT Roadster, TT Coupe, 2017 Audi R8 Coupe, and R8 Spyder vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298; Audi owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69S8 (Audi) and 69Y5 (Volkswagen).

18V639000TransmissionSeptember 17, 2018 · 1,916 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Audi R8 Spyder and R8 Coupe vehicles. Transmission fluid may leak from the gearbox ventilation hose after certain high speed and maneuvering situations.

Consequence

If leaked transmission fluid contacts hot engine parts, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single gearbox ventilation hose with a double ventilation hose, free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 34J1.

2017 Audi R8 Spyder — common questions

Is the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.