2015 Aston Martin Rapide

The 2015 Aston Martin Rapide S is a luxury grand tourer known for its stunning design, powerful performance, and handcrafted interior. Powered by a 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 552 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, it delivers exhilarating acceleration and a distinctive exhaust note. The Rapide S is exclusively equipped with a Touchtronic III 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the car’s elegant styling, luxurious interior appointments, and engaging driving experience. Common criticisms include the infotainment system’s dated technology, relatively small rear seats for a four-door car, and high running costs associated with maintenance and fuel consumption.

Engine

6.0L V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks originating from various points on the engine, including valve covers and oil pan gaskets. May result in visible oil drips, burning smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacement of leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the location and complexity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks are often seen around the thermostat housing or water pump areas. This can lead to overheating if not addressed.
  • Solution: Repair or replace leaking hoses or housing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ depending on the source and severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Touchtronic III 8-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifting between gears, especially during cold starts or under heavy acceleration. May also be accompanied by a clunking noise.
  • Solution: Fluid change, mechatronic unit replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 for fluid change, $2,000 - $5,000+ for mechatronic unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable delay between selecting a gear and the transmission engaging. May be more pronounced when shifting from park to drive or reverse.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunction of the adaptive damping system, resulting in a rough or bouncy ride. May trigger warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty dampers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per damper.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain, leading to difficulty starting the car or complete battery failure.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of parasitic drain sources and repair/replacement of faulty components (e.g., control modules, relays).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ for diagnosis, $200 - $1,000+ for repair depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, or general unresponsiveness of the infotainment system. Navigation and audio functions may be affected.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of infotainment module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for software update, $1,000 - $3,000+ for module replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Problems with the door handles failing to present or retract properly.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the door handle mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per door handle.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation system software glitch
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle can experience an erroneous vehicle location reading in the navigation system.
  • Solution: Dealer to update navigation system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Covered under recall
  • Recalls: RC-R011657-SM (Issued March 30, 2017)

Summary

The 2015 Aston Martin Rapide S, while a stunning and high-performing vehicle, can present owners with a range of potential issues. Engine oil leaks and transmission issues like harsh shifting are among the most common mechanical complaints, potentially leading to costly repairs. Electrical glitches, particularly those affecting the infotainment system, are also a concern. Suspension problems can affect ride quality, while exterior issues with door handles can be inconvenient. Overall, while the Rapide S offers a unique driving experience, prospective buyers should be aware of the potential for expensive maintenance and repairs.