Chris Woodyard

USA TODAY

Somehow, a supercar doesn't seem quite so super when it's being called back for recall repairs.

Such is the case with rare, wonderful Porsche's 918, a $845,000 plug-in hybrid marvel that has encountered a potential defect involving its front axle. Porsche isn't disclosing the exact nature of the defect, citing a "supplier relationship" that it fears damaging.

Being a supercar, the sports cars will get the royal treatment. There are only 43 of them in North America, part of 205 worldwide. Each owner will be contacted to arrange for the recall repair, contrasting with the experience of mainstream owners who have to hope that manufacturers can somehow track them down to mail them their recall notice.

The 918 will never be terribly popular. Only 918 are being made.