Certain 2017-2018MY Audi R8s Recalled Stateside Over Fire Concerns

The second-gen Audi R8 has been subjected to a recall conducted by Volkswagen Group of America.

Included in this safety campaign are 1,916 units of both the Coupe and Spyder body styles, from the 2017-2018MY, produced between December 7, 2015 and November 14, 2017.

In the affected cars, transmission fluid may leak from the gearbox ventilation hose when the vehicles are being driven under extreme conditions. The possible scenarios include high-speed driving and maneuvering, which are often seen at racetracks.

Also Read: Audi Takes Its Facelifted R8 To The Nurburgring

If it leaks, the fluid could come in contact with hot engine parts producing smoke and, in more extreme cases, leading to a fire. Audi states that if this happens, then drivers may notice a hot oil odor and/or smoke.

The automaker is aware of single fire cases on racetracks since May this year, and after an internal investigation that determined the cause, eventually decided to go through with the recall.

Owners have already started being notified of the issue and the safety campaign will officially commence on October 31. After scheduling a meeting with authorized dealers, technicians will replace the single gearbox ventilation hose with a double ventilation hose, which was already introduced in newer cars last year. All work will be carried out free of charge.

Until then, R8 owners can contact the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 if they have any questions about this safety campaign.