Audi R8 recalls

11 official safety recalls for the Audi R8 from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Driver airbag inflator may rupture

    Reported February 25, 2026Model years 2014–2017DVSA recall R/2026/08921,352 vehicles affected

    The airbag inflator housing may rupture when the airbag deploys, releasing metal fragments that could cause life-threatening injuries. The airbag unit will be replaced free of charge.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    Replacing Takata driver airbag
    Defect
    The safety of our customers and the reliability and long-term service life of our models represent our top priority. For this reason Audi conducts programmes to constantly monitor the quality of its products.Extensive analyses have found that the gas generator housing for your vehicle’s front airbag may in extremely rare cases be overloaded and even burst when the front airbag is triggered. If this were to happen small metal parts could become dislodged from the housing and potentially cause life-threatening injury to a vehicle occupant.
    Remedy
    As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace the airbag unit. The work required will take approximately two hours and will of course be performed free of charge. Please note for organisational reasons the Audi Centre may require your vehicle for longer they will advise you of this at the point of booking.

  2. Front airbag inflator housing may burst

    Reported February 1, 2023Model years 2016DVSA recall R/2023/05421 vehicles affected

    When a front airbag deploys, its inflator housing may burst. As a precaution, the driver-side airbag unit will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may burst on vehicles manufactured within a limited period.
    Defect
    If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may burst on vehicles manufactured within a limited period.
    Remedy
    As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace the airbag unit on the driver side.

  3. Passenger airbag gas generator could burst

    Reported October 14, 2022DVSA recall R/2023/1231 vehicle affected

    In a crash that triggers the passenger airbag, its gas generator could burst. The front passenger airbag unit will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    The airbag gas generator on the passenger side of an affected vehicle could burst in the event of an accident in which the airbag is triggered.
    Defect
    The airbag gas generator on the passenger side of an affected vehicle could burst in the event of an accident in which the airbag is triggered.
    Remedy
    Replace the front passenger airbag unit.

  4. Front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly

    Reported July 27, 2022Model years 2016NHTSA campaign 22V5430001,216 vehicles affected

    The front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly. An explosion can send metal fragments at occupants, and improper deployment may fail to restrain them, increasing injury risk in a crash. Dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
    Defect
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.
    Consequence
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
    Remedy
    Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69DY and 61C1.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

  5. Gearbox oil level may be too low

    Reported April 13, 2022Model years 2021DVSA recall R/2022/1291 vehicle affected

    The gearbox oil level may be insufficient. Dealers will check the level and top it up if necessary.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    THE LEVEL OF OIL IN THE GEARBOX MAY BE INSUFFICIENT
    Defect
    The level of oil in the gearbox may be insufficient.
    Remedy
    The gear oil level on the affected vehicles must be checked and topped up if necessary.

  6. Transmission may have insufficient oil

    Reported April 6, 2022Model years 2021–2022NHTSA campaign 22V2250008 vehicles affected

    Low transmission oil can cause clutch slippage and, in some driving situations, an oil leak. Slippage can cause loss of drive power, and leaked oil near hot exhaust parts can increase fire risk. Dealers will inspect and correct the oil level as needed, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:LUBRICANT
    Defect
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022 R8 Spyder and 2021-2022 R8 Coupe vehicles. The gearbox may have an insufficient amount of transmission oil, which can lead to clutch slippage, and in certain driving situations, a transmission oil leak.
    Consequence
    Clutch slippage can cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash. A transmission oil leak in the presence of hot exhaust components can increase the risk of fire.
    Remedy
    Dealers will inspect and correct the transmission oil level, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 37O1.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

  7. Driver air bag inflator may explode

    Reported January 11, 2019Model years 2017NHTSA campaign 19V014000119,394 vehicles affected

    Excessive pressure may cause the driver air bag inflator to explode when deployed, sending metal fragments into the vehicle and potentially seriously injuring or killing occupants. Dealers will replace the inflator with an alternative one, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
    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).
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  8. Gearbox breather may leak oil

    Reported September 21, 2018Model years 2015–2017DVSA recall R/2018/255968 vehicles affected

    Oil may leak from the gearbox breather during track driving and extreme manoeuvres. Smoke may result, and a vehicle fire cannot be ruled out. The single breather pipe will be replaced with a dual breather pipe.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    POSSIBLE OIL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR AT THE GEARBOX BREATHER
    Defect
    it is possible that oil leakage may occur at the gearbox breather when the vehicle is being driven on a racetrack and extreme driving manoeuvres are being undertaken. As a result smoke may be produced and a vehicle fire cannot be ruled out.
    Remedy
    On the vehicles affected the single breather pipe for the gearbox breather system must be replaced by a dual breather pipe.

  9. Gearbox ventilation hose may leak fluid

    Reported September 17, 2018Model years 2017–2018NHTSA campaign 18V6390001,916 vehicles affected

    Transmission fluid may leak from the gearbox ventilation hose after high-speed driving and manoeuvres. If it reaches hot engine parts, a fire could result. Dealers will replace the hose with a double ventilation hose free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
    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.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  10. Fuel hose may leak

    Reported August 22, 2011DVSA recall R/2011/100483 vehicles affected

    The fuel hose may contact the heat shield and become damaged, which could cause a fuel leak. The hose will be inspected and replaced if necessary.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL MAY LEAK
    Defect
    Fuel hose may come into contact with the heat shield. This could cause damage to the fuel hose in isolated cases can lead to fuel leaks.
    Remedy
    Inspection of fuel hose and replace if necessary.

  11. Fuel line may rub against the heat shield

    Reported August 1, 2011Model years 2011–2012NHTSA campaign 11V390000920 vehicles affected

    The fuel supply line may rub against the engine compartment heat shield and develop a small leak. Fuel near an ignition source could cause a fire. Dealers will inspect the line and replace it if damaged, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
    Defect
    VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 AUDI R8 SPYDER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 18, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 22, 2011. THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE MAY CONTACT AND RUB AGAINST THE HEAT SHIELD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMALL FUEL LEAK.
    Consequence
    A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
    Remedy
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL LINE FOR DAMAGE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
    Notes
    VOLKSWAGEN SAFETY RECALL NO. 20Q8/K1.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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