DecodedCars2017 Audi R8 Spyder
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 5.2L 10-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 14 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 17 MPG combined, 16% below the 2017 two seaters average of 20.3 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Audi R8 Spyder is a two seaters offered with a 5.2L 10-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (14 city / 22 highway), 16% worse than the 2017 two seaters average of 20.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file.
What changed for 2017
- Engine dropped: 4.2L 8-cyl
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 R8 Spyder →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R8 Spyder | 5.2L 10-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -16% | $4,850 | 519 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder.
Similar 2017 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Audi R8 Spyder (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2017 Audi R8 | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Jaguar F-Type | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jan 11, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V014000 · 119,394 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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).
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Sep 17, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V639000 · 1,916 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If leaked transmission fluid contacts hot engine parts, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2017 Audi R8 Spyder is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2017 Audi R8 Spyder buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Audi R8 Spyder. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other R8 Spyder years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 R8 Spyder | 17 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 R8 Spyder | 17 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 R8 Spyder | 16 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 R8 Spyder | 16 | – | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →