2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

Porsche 918 Spyder
Pictured: 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Platinum Silver Metallic SCD 24. Photo: MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Two Seaters
Body styles
/Weissach Package
Engines
4.6L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Plug-in Hybrid
MPG (best)
22 combined · 20 city / 24 hwy
Length
183.1 in
Curb weight
3,693 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder is a two seaters offered with a 4.6L 8-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 183 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,693 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 24 highway), 6% better than the 2015 two seaters average of 20.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file.

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
/Weissach Package183.1 in76.4 in46.1 in107.5 in–3,693 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
918 Spyder Plug-in Hybrid4.6L 8-cylAutomatic (AM-S7)All-Wheel Drive20 / 24 / 22+6%$3,750277
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.8 MPG2015 Two Seaters average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder.

Similar 2015 two seaterss

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Porsche 918 Spyder (this car)22 MPGNot rated6
2015 Porsche 91123 MPGNot rated2
2015 Audi R817 MPGNot rated0
2015 Jaguar F-Type23 MPGNot rated3
2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG15 MPGNot rated0
2015 Audi R8 Spyder17 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (6)

Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Suspension › Rear · May 3, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V287000 · 305 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder vehicles. The connecting shafts of the longitudinal and transverse control arms may fail due to stress corrosion cracking, impacting vehicle handling.
Risk
If the control arm connecting shafts crack, affecting vehicle handling, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the longitudinal and transverse control arms, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2018. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ04.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint · Dec 9, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V885000 · 306 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2015 918 Spyder vehicles manufactured November 6, 2013, to July 27, 2015. The affected vehicles have front lower control arms that may crack at the ball joint.
Risk
A cracked lower control arm may affect vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began on February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AG09.
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage · Jul 8, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V520000 · 306 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid Electric vehicles manufactured February 2, 2015 through July 1, 2015. In the affected vehicles, incorrect screws might have been used when re-installing and/or re-securing the seat belt mount or the seat belt reel during vehicle service.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the incorrect bolts may not keep the seat belts properly anchored to the car, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the seat belt mount and seat belt reel attaching bolts, free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2016. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AG04.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly · Jun 1, 2015 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 15V335000 · 223 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2015 918 Spyder vehicles manufactured February 25, 2014, to April 29, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the wiring harness for the left rear radiator fan may contact an engine heat insulation plate.
Risk
If the harness contacts the insulation plate, the harness may chafe and result in an electrical short which could increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness and secure it to a coolant tube using a tie-wrap clip, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2015. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porche's number for this recall is AF05. Note: The wiring harness could short and result in a fire even when the vehicle is unattended. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Dec 23, 2014 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 14V816000 · 39 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2015 Porsche 918 vehicles manufactured February 25, 2014, to September 18, 2014. The front lower control arms may fracture.
Risk
The fracture of a lower control arm while the vehicle is being drivem increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began on May 29, 2015. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AF01. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until it has been remedied.
Suspension › Rear · Jul 28, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V457000 · 5 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars of North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2015 918 Spyder vehicles manufactured May 7, 2014, to June 18, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with rear-axle control arms that may break, causing difficulty controlling the vehicle.
Risk
If the control arms break, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the control arms, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AE03.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

No owner complaints for the 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder in NHTSA's database since 2015.

Used 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  4. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →