2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom
The 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom is the eighth generation of the iconic luxury sedan, representing the pinnacle of automotive opulence. It’s powered by a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, producing 563 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the Phantom for its unparalleled ride quality, handcrafted interior, and iconic design. Criticisms often center around the vehicle’s immense size, considerable fuel consumption, and the sheer cost of ownership and maintenance.
Engine
6.75L Twin-Turbocharged V12
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may develop from various engine seals and gaskets, including the valve cover gaskets and the oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the vehicle, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replacing the affected seals and gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from hoses, the water pump, or the radiator. This can lead to overheating and potential engine damage.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
- Rough Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing rough or delayed shifts, particularly when the transmission is cold.
- Solution: A software update may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or a complete transmission rebuild may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (software update) - $8,000+ (transmission rebuild)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system, which provides the Phantom’s signature “magic carpet” ride, can experience problems such as air leaks, compressor failure, or sensor malfunctions. Symptoms include the vehicle sitting unevenly, a bumpy ride, or error messages on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty air struts, compressor, or sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failure. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
- Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. Component replacement may be required in more severe cases.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $5,000+ (component replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Failures
- Description/Symptoms: Various sensors throughout the vehicle, such as parking sensors, can fail, leading to inaccurate readings or system malfunctions.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Automatic Door Closing Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The automatic door closing system can sometimes malfunction, causing the doors to not close completely or to close with excessive force.
- Solution: Adjusting or replacing the door closing mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof can experience issues such as getting stuck, failing to open or close properly, or leaking.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, track, or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom, while a pinnacle of luxury, is not immune to potential issues. Common problems include oil and coolant leaks in the engine, rough shifting in the transmission, air suspension malfunctions, infotainment system glitches, and issues with the automatic door closing system and sunroof. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs potentially reaching several thousand dollars. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into the overall cost of ownership.