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2016 Rolls-Royce Wraith

The 2016 Rolls-Royce Wraith is a luxury grand tourer coupe known for its opulent interior, powerful engine, and iconic styling. It is equipped with a 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 624 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Wraith for its smooth ride, effortless acceleration, and handcrafted interior. Criticisms often focus on its substantial size and weight, which can make it feel less agile than smaller coupes, as well as its high price tag and potentially costly maintenance.

Engine

6.6L Twin-Turbocharged V12

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various points in the engine, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals is the typical solution. Turbocharger line leaks may require replacing the lines themselves.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+, depending on the source of the leak and labor involved
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from hoses, radiator, or expansion tank. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant puddles.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking component, such as a hose, radiator, or expansion tank.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1500+, depending on the source of the leak and labor involved
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

  • Rough or Delayed Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifts, particularly when the transmission is cold.
    • Solution: In some cases, a software update can resolve the issue. More severe cases may require transmission service or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $8,000+, depending on the severity and whether a software update, service, or replacement is needed.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The Wraith utilizes an air suspension system for a smooth ride. Common issues include leaks in the air struts or compressor failure, resulting in a sagging vehicle, uneven ride height, or a “suspension fault” warning.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking air struts or faulty compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $5000+, depending on the component needing replacement and labor involved.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Glitches
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (based on BMW’s iDrive) can experience glitches, including freezing, slow response times, or intermittent functionality.
    • Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve these issues. In some cases, the head unit may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $3000+ depending on if a software update is needed or if the entire unit needs replacing
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The complex electrical system can sometimes cause excessive battery drain, particularly if the vehicle is not driven regularly.
    • Solution: Ensuring the battery is fully charged and testing for parasitic draws. Replacing a faulty battery or addressing the source of the parasitic draw.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+, depending on the cause of the drain and components needing replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Automatic Door Closing Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The Wraith features automatic door closing. Some owners have reported malfunctions, where the doors fail to close completely or require multiple attempts.
    • Solution: Inspecting and adjusting the door latch mechanism or replacing faulty actuators.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+, depending on the specific component needing repair or replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Trim and Upholstery Loosening
    • Description/Symptoms: Certain trim pieces or sections of upholstery may become loose or detached over time.
    • Solution: Reattaching the trim or upholstery using appropriate adhesives or fasteners.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+, depending on the extent of the damage and labor involved.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Rolls-Royce Wraith, while a pinnacle of luxury and performance, can present owners with several potential issues. Engine and transmission problems, while not exceedingly common, can be costly to repair. Suspension and electrical issues are more frequently reported, with repairs ranging from moderate to expensive. Interior and exterior problems are typically less severe but can still impact the ownership experience. It’s crucial for potential buyers to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected before purchase and to budget for potential maintenance costs commensurate with a high-end luxury vehicle.

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