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2017 Rolls-Royce Dawn

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2017 Rolls-Royce Dawn is a luxury convertible renowned for its opulent interior, smooth ride, and powerful performance. Powered by a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine producing 563 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it delivers effortless acceleration. Some like the supreme comfort and bespoke customization options while some dislike the large size and considerable fuel consumption. Another popular complaint about the Rolls-Royce Dawn is its considerable price tag, and high repair costs.

Engine

6.6L Twin-Turbo V12

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may originate from various engine seals and gaskets, including the valve cover gaskets and the oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, the smell of burning oil, and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets and seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from hoses, the radiator, or the water pump. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant puddles.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking hoses, radiator, or water pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

  • Rough Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or jerky shifting, particularly at lower speeds.
    • Solution: Software update or transmission fluid flush. In some cases, valve body replacement might be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (for fluid flush) - $3,000+ (for valve body replacement)
  • Transmission Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips when changing gears.
    • Solution: Inspect the transmission and repair as needed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000+
  • Delayed Engagement
    • Description/Symptoms: Delay in engaging the transmission when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
    • Solution: Inspect the transmission and repair as needed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000+

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension compressor may fail, leading to a sagging suspension, uneven ride height, and error messages on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Air Strut Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Air struts can develop leaks, causing the vehicle to sit unevenly or the suspension to deflate overnight.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking air strut.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+ per strut

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Glitches
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (including navigation, audio, and climate control) may experience glitches, freezing, or slow response times.
    • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the infotainment system unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can lead to a dead battery, especially if the vehicle is not driven regularly.
    • Solution: Identify and address the source of the drain (e.g., faulty module, parasitic drain) or replace the battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (battery replacement) / $500 - $2,000+ (diagnosing and fixing the drain)
  • Sensor Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors (e.g., parking sensors, tire pressure sensors) may fail, leading to error messages or malfunctioning systems.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor

Exterior

  • Convertible Top Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The convertible top mechanism may experience issues, such as slow operation, failure to fully open or close, or water leaks.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the convertible top mechanism components, seals, or hydraulic system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+
  • Lighting Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Headlights, taillights, or other exterior lights may experience failures or malfunctions.
    • Solution: Replace faulty bulbs, ballasts, or lighting assemblies.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+

Interior

  • Electrical Component Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Issues with the power windows, power door locks, or seat adjustments.
    • Solution: Replace faulty switches, motors, or wiring.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per component

Recalls

  • NHTSA Recall Number: 18V535000
    • Component(s): Electrical System
    • Description: Instrument Panel Lighting may be insufficient
  • NHTSA Recall Number: 18V324000
    • Component(s): Air Bag
    • Description: Front Airbags may not deploy properly
  • NHTSA Recall Number: 18V193000
    • Component(s): Fuel System, Gasoline
    • Description: Fuel Leak
  • NHTSA Recall Number: 20V043000
    • Component(s): Fuel System, Gasoline
    • Description: Fuel Pump may fail
  • NHTSA Recall Number: 17V709000
    • Component(s): Engine Cooling
    • Description: Coolant Pump may short circuit and cause a fire
  • NHTSA Recall Number: 22V489000
    • Component(s): Brakes
    • Description: Brake hoses may leak
  • NHTSA Recall Number: 24V161000
    • Component(s): Exterior Lighting
    • Description: Headlight low beam may not illuminate

Summary

The 2017 Rolls-Royce Dawn presents owners with a range of potential issues, from engine and transmission concerns to suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior problems. The severity and cost of these issues can vary significantly, with some repairs potentially reaching several thousand dollars. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection. The numerous recalls highlight the importance of checking vehicle history and ensuring all recalls have been addressed.

Rolls-Royce, Dawn
Rolls-Royce Dawn 2017
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