Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2016 Lamborghini Aventador

The Aventador S arrived with increased power to 730bhp and the Aventador SVJ followed with 759bhp. These later cars are more refined and reliable, with improved infotainment and reduced maintenance concerns.

What changed for 2016

  • •Aventador S with 730bhp
  • •SVJ with 759bhp
  • •Revised suspension and aerodynamics

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !ISR clutch wear on higher-mileage examples
  • !Mag-Ride damper leaks
  • !Carbon-ceramic brake costs
4
Known Issues
1
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

ISR Clutch Wear and Calibration Issues

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The Aventador uses a single-clutch automated manual rather than a dual-clutch gearbox, so heavy traffic, repeated reversing, and poor calibration can accelerate clutch wear or make the car unpleasant to drive.

Est. Repair Cost: £4,000–£8,000
Warning Signs:

Harsh take-up beyond the normal ISR character, Clutch slip under hard load, Gearbox warning lights or refusal to engage reverse

What to Inspect:
  • Ask for clutch wear or adaptation history
  • Drive the car in traffic and under full load
  • Confirm there are no gearbox or transmission warnings stored
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Oil and Coolant Seepage (High Heat)

ModerateCooling System

The massive V12 generates immense heat, which can eventually degrade rubber seals and plastic connectors in the cooling and oil systems.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,000–£3,000
Warning Signs:

Faint smell of coolant after a run, Small oil drops on the undertray, Low coolant warnings

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the rear of the engine bay for white residue
  • Check the condition of the main coolant expansion tank
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Nose-Lift and Front Suspension Hydraulic Leaks

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The front lift system is extremely useful on UK roads but adds hydraulic complexity. Leaks or tired components can leave the car slow to raise, noisy, or sitting unevenly.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,500–£4,000
Warning Signs:

Front lift works slowly or inconsistently, Fluid residue around front dampers, Knocks or suspension warnings from the front end

What to Inspect:
  • Cycle the lift several times in succession
  • Inspect the front damper area for oil
  • Check whether any lift components have already been replaced
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Electrical and Sensor Faults

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The Aventador's complex electronics are prone to intermittent warning lights, sensor failures, and infotainment malfunctions. The parasitic battery drain is significant — the 12V battery can flatten in 1–2 weeks of sitting, which cascades into multiple false ECU errors and can prevent the ISR gearbox from shifting to neutral.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£2,000
Warning Signs:

Random dashboard warning lights, Battery drains within 1–2 weeks of sitting, Infotainment screen freezes or goes black, Reverse camera or parking sensor malfunctions

What to Inspect:
  • Always use a battery conditioner when parked
  • Test all electrical systems during the inspection
  • Scan for stored fault codes across all modules
  • Check that the car can start and shift to neutral after standing
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Buying Tips for 2016 Lamborghini Aventador

  • ✓The SVJ is the most desirable variant but check for track use
  • ✓Verify the Mag-Ride dampers are not leaking
  • ✓Check the carbon-ceramic brake condition