2017 Aston Martin Rapide

The 2017 Aston Martin Rapide S is a luxury grand tourer known for its sleek design, powerful performance, and luxurious interior. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 552 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. All Rapide S models came equipped with an 8-speed Touchtronic III automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Rapide S for its distinctive styling, engaging driving experience, and the sound of its V12 engine. Common criticisms include its relatively tight rear seating, aging infotainment system, and higher running costs associated with maintaining a high-performance luxury vehicle.

Engine

6.0L V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are a known issue on this engine, often stemming from valve cover gaskets, oil cooler lines, or the rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, the smell of burning oil, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals. Depending on the location, this can be a labor-intensive job.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Individual coil packs can fail, leading to misfires, rough running, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty coil pack(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per coil pack.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Touchtronic III Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported occasional rough shifting, hesitation between gears, or delayed engagement, particularly when cold.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid change and software update can resolve the issue. In other instances, valve body repair or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid/software) to $3,000+ (valve body)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive dampers can sometimes fail, leading to a warning light on the dashboard and a noticeable degradation in ride quality. The car may feel bouncy or unstable.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty damper(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500 per damper.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of batteries draining quickly, especially if the car is left unused for extended periods.
  • Solution: Diagnose parasitic drain and address the underlying cause (e.g., faulty module, aftermarket accessories). Consider using a battery tender when the car is not in use.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (navigation, audio, etc.) can be prone to glitches, freezing, or slow response times.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In severe cases, the head unit may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) to $2,000+ (head unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The flush-mounted door handles can sometimes fail to present or retract properly.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the door handle mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500 per handle.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Trim Piece Delamination
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported delamination of the leather or other trim pieces on the dashboard or door panels.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the affected trim piece.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the extent of the damage and material involved.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The electric seat motors can fail, preventing the seat from adjusting properly.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the faulty motor(s) or seat control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000 per seat.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Aston Martin Rapide S, while a desirable vehicle, does have a number of potential issues that prospective owners should be aware of. Engine oil leaks and coil pack failures can be common. Electrical problems such as battery drain and infotainment glitches can be annoying. Suspension and interior trim issues can affect the driving experience and aesthetics. The cost of repairing these issues can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, highlighting the importance of a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Although the vehicle has no recalls at this time, keeping up on preventative maintenance can help prevent these common issues.