Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
2011-2017Last updated: March 2026
2011-2017 · 6.5L V12 L539 naturally aspirated (700 hp) ISR 7-speed automated manual
The Aventador LP700-4 was Lamborghini's flagship V12 supercar and successor to the Murcielago. Its 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 produces 700 hp and is paired with a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis and pushrod suspension derived from Formula 1. The LP700-4 designation covers the base Aventador from 2011 until the Aventador S replaced it in 2017, though higher variants (LP720, LP750 SV) share the same platform.
Robust naturally aspirated V12
Carbon monocoque, no rust concerns
ISR single-clutch gearbox wear
Cooling fans vulnerable to debris
Buy if: You want a V12 Lamborghini flagship with a reliable engine and can budget for supercar-level servicing and consumables.
Avoid if: You plan to drive frequently in city traffic (ISR clutch wear) or cannot afford annual maintenance costs exceeding €6,000.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
Known Issues most common first
Single-clutch automated manual wears faster than dual-clutch, especially in stop-and-go traffic · more· less
The Aventador's ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) 7-speed gearbox uses a single-clutch design for faster shift times but at the cost of clutch longevity. A Lamborghini service manager estimates 25,000-30,000 km average clutch life, though owners who avoid city driving and launches report 50,000-70,000+ km on the original clutch. Clutch replacement requires dropping the gearbox, and Lamborghini dealers charge €8,000-10,000. Specialist shops can do it for €5,000-7,000. The clutch wear can be monitored via diagnostics. Avoid excessive reversing on inclines, stop-and-go traffic, and launch control starts to extend clutch life significantly.
Stones kicked up by rear wheels jam the cooling fans, a well-known design flaw · more· less
This is described as a 'very very very common problem' on Aventador forums. Stones and debris kicked up by the rear wheels can lodge between the rear cooling fan blades and their housing, preventing the fans from operating. When driving below 50 km/h, the engine relies on these fans for cooling, so a jammed fan leads to rapid overheating in traffic. Lamborghini dealers charge approximately €500 to remove debris and inspect for damage, but if the fan motor or blades are damaged, replacement costs €1,500-2,500. A popular owner fix is installing fine mesh screens behind the rear wheels in front of the fan inlets. This is a design weakness that Lamborghini never fully addressed across the LP700 production run.
Early cars suffer from brittle wiring insulation causing misfires and power loss · more· less
The 2011-2014 Aventador LP700 models are prone to engine wiring harness issues where insulation degrades from heat exposure. Symptoms include engine jerkiness, misfires, power loss, and the inability to rev above 2,000 rpm. This can trigger limp mode and multiple error codes. Replacing the engine wiring harness is labor-intensive due to the mid-engine layout, with dealers charging €5,000-8,000 and specialists €3,000-5,000. Post-2014 models received improved harness routing and materials. If buying a 2012-2014 car, verify whether the harness has been replaced or updated.
Hydraulic pump or actuators fail, leaving the nose unable to raise over speed bumps · more· less
The front lift system raises the nose by approximately 40 mm to clear speed bumps and steep driveways. The hydraulic pump, lines, and actuators can fail over time, particularly if the system is used frequently. Symptoms include slow or incomplete lift, failure to respond, and hydraulic fluid leaks. The pump motor alone costs approximately €1,500 as a part, with labor adding €500-1,000. If the full hydraulic circuit needs repair including actuators, costs reach €3,000-5,000. Always test the lift system during a pre-purchase inspection as it is essential for daily usability.
Battery dies within 7-14 days if car is not driven or connected to a trickle charger · more· less
The Aventador draws significant parasitic current from its electronics when parked, draining the 12V battery within 1-2 weeks. A dead battery is more than an inconvenience on the Aventador: the ISR gearbox can get stuck in gear and refuse to shift to neutral without electrical power. This means the car cannot be pushed or flat-towed. Lamborghini recommends using their official battery conditioner whenever the car is parked for more than a few days. A quality CTEK charger works equally well. Battery replacement costs €300-500 for the part, plus labor to access it. The real risk is cascading electrical errors and dashboard warning lights after a deep discharge.
Hydraulic actuators controlling gear selection can leak or fail, causing gear engagement issues · more· less
The ISR gearbox relies on hydraulic actuators for clutch engagement and gear selection. Over time, seals can degrade and leak hydraulic fluid, leading to slow shifts, incomplete gear engagement, or complete transmission failure. Lamborghini dealers typically recommend replacing the entire unit (€8,000-12,000), but specialist rebuilds of the actuator unit cost €3,000-5,000 and have proven reliable. This issue is less common than on the older E-gear Gallardo system, but it does occur on higher-mileage Aventadors, particularly those that have experienced battery drain events which stress the system.
Robust V12, but supercar servicing costs are unavoidable
The Aventador's L539 V12 engine is genuinely robust and has proven capable of high mileage when properly maintained. The main cost drivers are the ISR single-clutch gearbox (clutch replacement is essentially a when, not if), the cooling fan design vulnerability, and early-model electrical issues. Post-2014 cars are notably more refined with fewer electrical problems. Budget for the clutch and keep the car on a battery tender between drives.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
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Service history
Complete Lamborghini dealer or authorized specialist records are essential. Verify major service milestones including valve clearance checks.
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Cold start
Start the engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds from the V12 during the first 30 seconds. The engine should settle into a smooth, even idle.
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Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including both low-speed town driving and highway speeds. The ISR gearbox needs to be tested at operating temperature in all modes (Strada, Sport, Corsa).
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Underbody inspection
Inspect the carbon monocoque and underbody panels for scrape damage. Check the front splitter and rear diffuser for cracks or repairs.
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Check ISR clutch wear percentage via diagnostics
A Lamborghini diagnostic tool can read the clutch wear percentage. Below 30% remaining means replacement is imminent (€5,000-10,000). Use this as a negotiation point.
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Test the front lift system
Activate the front lift multiple times. It should raise smoothly and hold position. Listen for unusual pump noises or observe if it lowers on one side.
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Check for cooling fan debris
Look through the rear wheel arches for stones or debris lodged in the cooling fan housings. Ask if mesh screens have been installed as a preventive measure.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Fuel vapor circuit fire risk (2012-2017 all Aventador models)
Critical - verify completed
Engine stall during downshift - ECU software update (2012-2018)
Verify completed
Headlight aiming defect (2012 models, built Jul 2011 - Apr 2012)
Verify completed
Contact Lamborghini with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The fuel vapor circuit recall is particularly important as it addresses a fire risk during hard driving with a full tank. Lamborghini dealers perform recall work free of charge.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / unlimited km)
Expired on all LP700 models
Extended warranty
Available through Lamborghini dealers, typically €3,000-5,000/year
Corrosion warranty
Not applicable (carbon monocoque and aluminum, no steel body panels)
All Aventador LP700 models are now well outside their original 3-year factory warranty. Lamborghini offers extended warranty programs through their dealer network, but coverage exclusions can be significant. Always read the fine print, particularly regarding clutch wear and oil leaks.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.