Audi Recalls R8s To Fix Potential Fire Problem

Audi has announced the recall of 1,916 R8 Coupe and Spyder supercars to fix a potential fire problem. Because of problems with the transmission vent hose, it is possible that transmission fluid can leak out and fall on the hot engine, potentially causing a fire.

If there is one thing that is certain about the Audi R8, it is that it is a supercar that can handle. It is also a supercar that is much more affordable than a Bugatti Chiron or a Lamborghini Huracan. When you put the two together, you have a line of cars that is sought after because it can do things your basic two-seater or even your big SUV can’t do.

Recalls Will Put Cars Right

So, imagine how much the owners of a bit over 1,900 Audi R9 Coupes and Spyders want their vehicles to perform as they should. Right now, those coupes cannot. It seems that Audi has called back 1,916 of the supercars because the handling may cause a fire.

To be exact, the recall covers 2017-18 Audi R8 Coupe and Spyder (convertible) supercars. The problem is due to the transmission. The automaker said in its recall paperwork that there are some “high speed” and “maneuvering” situations that could cause transmission fluid to leak out the tranny ventilation hose.

Now, since transmission fluid is an organic that is also highly flammable, you can imagine what a bunch of fluid spilling onto a hot engine part might do. It could be the cause of a fire that sparked the supercar recall, in the first place. As you can tell, it’s not a good thing if this were to happen.

However, it won’t because the automaker plans to fix it. As is usual with recalls, owners do have to bring their vehicles back to their dealerships for repairs. Dealership technicians will replace the current vent hose with a new double vent hose. That should take care of the problem. The work is free as are the parts. Audi will begin notifying owners on Oct. 31.

Unsold Cars Must Be Repaired, Too

Dealers must take care of the recall on any vehicles remaining on their lots before they are saleable.

Sources: Jalopnik, MSN Autos