2018 Rolls-Royce Wraith

The 2018 Rolls-Royce Wraith is a luxury coupe known for its opulent features, powerful engine, and smooth ride. It comes exclusively with a 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, producing 624 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Wraith for its exceptional build quality, luxurious interior, and effortless performance. Common dislikes include the high cost of ownership, large size making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and complex electronics that can sometimes be finicky.

Engine

6.6L Twin-Turbo V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may develop from various engine seals and gaskets, leading to oil consumption and potential engine damage if left unaddressed. Common areas include valve cover gaskets and the oil pan gasket.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking seals and gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from hoses, radiator, or water pump. Can lead to overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the component.

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jerky gear changes, particularly at lower speeds.
  • Solution: A software update from Rolls-Royce might resolve the issue in some cases. In other instances, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 (software update) - $7,000+ (rebuild).
• Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable delay between shifting into drive or reverse and the transmission engaging.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement may help. If the problem persists, valve body issues or internal damage may require more extensive repairs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system fails to maintain proper ride height, leading to a noticeably lower stance and a rougher ride. An error message may appear on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Gradual loss of air pressure in one or more air struts, causing the vehicle to lean to one side or exhibit uneven ride height.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking air strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+ per strut.

Electrical

• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen may freeze, reboot unexpectedly, or exhibit various software glitches. Bluetooth connectivity issues are also common.
  • Solution: Software updates are often the first step. In some cases, the entire infotainment unit may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $5,000+ (unit replacement).
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the vehicle is not driven regularly. This can lead to difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Testing and replacement of the battery. Also, checking for parasitic draws on the electrical system and addressing the cause, which could involve faulty modules or wiring issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: Parking sensors might fail to detect obstacles, leading to false alarms or a complete lack of functionality.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per sensor.

Exterior

• Automatic Door Closing Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The automatic door closing feature may malfunction, causing the doors to not close properly or to close with excessive force.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the door closing mechanism, which may involve replacing motors or sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per door.

Interior

• Sunroof/Moonroof Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof or moonroof may become stuck, make unusual noises, or fail to open or close completely.
  • Solution: Lubrication of the tracks and mechanism. In some cases, the motor or entire sunroof assembly may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
• Navigation System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Incorrect locations, outdated maps, or complete system failure.
  • Solution: Map updates or replacement of the navigation module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (map update) - $3,000+ (module replacement).

Summary

The 2018 Rolls-Royce Wraith, while a pinnacle of luxury, is not without its potential issues. Engine oil and coolant leaks, transmission harshness, and air suspension problems are notable concerns that can lead to significant repair costs. Electrical issues, particularly with the infotainment system and battery drain, can also be frustrating. While some problems may be minor, others can be expensive to fix, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection essential.