IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre

The Spectre launched in the UK as the world's first ultra-luxury all-electric super coupe, introducing twin electric motors (577bhp), 102kWh battery, 0.25 Cd aerodynamics, and illuminated Spirit digital interface.

What changed for 2023

  • •UK debut of the first all-electric production Rolls-Royce on Architecture of Luxury platform
  • •Dual-motor electric all-wheel drive generating 577bhp and 900Nm of instant torque
  • •Implementation of decoupled active anti-roll bar system for straight-line isolation

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Rapid tyre tread wear across inner edges on heavy 23-inch bespoke wheel fitments
  • !Surface corrosion on steel brake discs due to high reliance on regenerative braking
  • !Integrated Brake System (IBS) module software warning light advisory
3
Known Issues
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Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Integrated Brake System (IBS) Module Electronic Signal Fault (DVSA Recall R/2024/335)

SeriousBrakes

The Spectre uses an electro-hydraulic Integrated Brake System (IBS) module combining brake actuation, brake booster, and dynamic stability control into a compact unit. On 240 UK vehicles built between September 2022 and July 2024, electronic signal interference within the module can cause an unexpected loss of hydraulic brake assistance. While basic mechanical braking remains operational, pedal force required to stop rises sharply and ABS/DSC features are disabled, necessitating dealer module replacement under DVSA recall R/2024/335.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Manufacturer recall / £1,800–£3,200 out-of-warranty replacement)
Warning Signs:

Brake system warning indicator illuminated on digital instrument display, Sudden unexpected increase in brake pedal effort required to bring vehicle to a halt, Temporary loss of ABS and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) driver assistance features, Active DVSA safety recall notification R/2024/335 on UK vehicle check

What to Inspect:
  • Verify whether DVSA recall R/2024/335 has been closed on the UK government recall portal
  • Check service history for documentation proving replacement of the integrated brake module
  • Scan the electronic braking control unit for stored signal interference diagnostic codes
  • Test emergency braking pedal resistance and assist during low-speed trial stops
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated
Official Recalls & Reference Documents:

Front Electric Motor Ground Cable Adhesive Contamination (DVSA Recall R/2024/022)

SeriousElectrics & Electronics

On affected Spectres built between October and December 2023, manufacturing adhesive residue was left on the cable connector eyelet of the ground cable connecting the front electric motor to the aluminium vehicle chassis. This adhesive residue can compromise electrical ground continuity, creating electrical resistance that increases thermal load and could pose an electrical failure or fire hazard. DVSA safety recall R/2024/022 mandates dealer inspection and removal of adhesive residue.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Manufacturer recall / £350–£750 specialist inspection and repair)
Warning Signs:

High-voltage electrical system warning light displayed on instrument panel, Safety recall advisory active on DVSA online database (Recall reference R/2024/022), Potential increased resistance in front electric motor grounding circuit, Intermittent electrical error codes logged in drive motor management unit

What to Inspect:
  • Check the vehicle identification number against DVSA recall campaign R/2024/022
  • Examine dealer service stamps confirming the front motor ground cable inspection was performed
  • Verify that the grounding eyelet has been cleaned of adhesive residue and torqued to specification
  • Scan the high-voltage electrical management unit for stored chassis grounding DTCs
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated
Official Recalls & Reference Documents:

High Curb Weight Inner Tyre Shoulder Wear & Brake Disc Glazing

ModerateBrakes

Weighing 2,890 kg with instant 900 Nm electric torque and rear-wheel steering, the Spectre places tremendous strain on its bespoke 23-inch tyres, frequently wearing inner tyre shoulders down in under 15,000 miles. Furthermore, because regenerative braking handles over 90% of routine slowing, the massive steel friction brake discs and pads are rarely exercised, leading to surface corrosion, pitting, and friction material glazing in wet UK road salt conditions.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,100–£2,500
Warning Signs:

Severe wear along the inner tyre shoulders on 23-inch bespoke Pirelli or Goodyear tyres, Grinding or scraping noise from steel brake discs during hard mechanical braking, Brake pedal vibration or judder when slowing from higher motorway speeds, Visual pitting, corrosion rings, or uneven glaze across front and rear brake disc faces

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect inner tyre tread depths on full steering lock; outer tread can disguise worn inner shoulders
  • Examine steel brake disc surfaces through 23-inch wheels for corrosion banding and lip wear
  • Verify whether the vehicle has been subjected to frequent high-friction mechanical stops to deglaze pads
  • Check wheel alignment and camber angles against factory electric vehicle chassis settings
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre

  • Ensure all high-voltage safety campaigns and software firmware updates have been completed
  • Test high-power DC rapid charging capability to confirm full 195kW charge rates are accepted
  • Inspect the expansive Starlight doors and illuminated dashboard fascia for uniform illumination