The poster child of modern supercars. The naturally aspirated V12 is considered bulletproof and one of Lamborghini's most reliable powertrains. The main ownership challenges center around the ISR single-clutch gearbox (jerky at low speeds, prone to leaks on early cars), expensive routine maintenance (major 15,000 mile service costs up to 18,000), and consumables like carbon-ceramic brakes and staggered Pirelli tires. 2012-2013 models had stiffer suspension and more electrical/gearbox issues - 2015+ is the sweet spot. Battery drain is inherent if not driven regularly. Verify all recalls (engine stall, fuel tank contact, brake disc bolts on SV) are completed.
Transmission seal leaks on early cars, can lead to gearbox replacement · more· less
Early Aventadors (2012-2013) had a known machining problem causing transmission seal leaks. Lamborghini acknowledged this and worked on fixes for later production. Some owners who didn't catch the leak in time ended up with blown transmissions. Forum reports mention SVJ owners going through 3 gearboxes. A gearbox replacement runs approximately £28,500 (€33,000+) at dealers, though warranty may cover it on recent cars. Seal repairs alone are less expensive but still require significant labor due to the mid-engine layout.
Clutch replacement€8,000 - €15,000
Single-clutch ISR wears depending on driving style, especially with launch control · more· less
The ISR single-clutch automated manual requires careful driving at low speeds to preserve clutch life. Under normal driving, clutches can last 40,000+ miles - one owner reported 70,000+ miles on original clutch. However, excessive launch control devastates clutch life: one customer destroyed their OEM clutch with just 12 launches. Pre-purchase, check clutch percentage - under 40% indicates replacement is needed soon. Parts alone are approximately €1,200-1,800 for a rebuild kit, but labor is extensive. Total replacement costs range from €8,000 at specialists to €15,000+ at dealers.
Front lift system failure€1,500 - €10,000
Hydraulic pump, solenoids, or hoses fail causing inability to raise front end · more· less
The front lift system is essential for navigating speed bumps and steep driveways - owners describe it as "the only option I cannot live without." The system uses a pump motor, gear pump, solenoids and hydraulic lines. A defective pump motor (approximately €250 for parts) causes total failure. The control block behind the passenger side panel is difficult to diagnose without Lamborghini computers. If issues aren't addressed promptly, hoses can burst leaving you stranded. Complete aftermarket replacement systems (KW HLS, Cargraphics) cost around €10,000. Simpler repairs run €1,500-3,000.
Engine wiring harness degradation€2,000 - €5,000
Electrical issues cause jerkiness, power loss, inability to rev above 2,000 rpm · more· less
Primarily affects 2012 models. Owners report electrical issues related to the engine wiring harness resulting in engine jerkiness, sudden power loss, and the inability to rev above 2,000 rpm. These issues were largely resolved in later production years. Wiring harness replacement requires 10-20 hours of labor at dealership rates (€175+/hour), plus parts. Later model years (2014+) are much less susceptible.
Battery drain€300 - €800
Battery dies within 1-2 weeks if car not driven or on trickle charger · more· less
This is a design characteristic rather than a fault. The Aventador's advanced electronics draw significant power even when parked. Without a trickle charger, expect a dead battery within 7-14 days. Some cars came from the factory with Varta batteries already 5 years old - near their expiry date. When the battery dies, the electronic transmission lock can prevent shifting out of first gear. Solution: always use an official Lamborghini battery conditioner. The car uses an H5 sized AGM battery, and replacements run €300-800 depending on source.
Suspension shock absorber failure€3,500 - €21,000
Early 2012-2013 cars had overly stiff suspension causing premature wear · more· less
The suspension on early 2012/2013 Aventadors was too stiff, which could cause other components to break and led to a "bouncier ride." Lamborghini improved the suspension compliance from 2014 onwards. OEM front shock replacement costs approximately €21,000 for parts alone (part number 470412019AA). Shock rebuilds are available through specialists like Nagengast (Poland) for approximately €900 per shock. MagneRide-equipped variants add complexity.
Carbon-ceramic brake replacement€10,000 - €20,000
CCB rotors and pads last 50,000-80,000 km in normal use, but very expensive to replace · more· less
The Aventador comes standard with carbon-ceramic brakes. Individual OEM rotors cost approximately €5,000-5,500 each. Rotors and pads together run around €15,000 in parts alone, plus labor. Total brake job costs €10,000-20,000+ depending on whether you're replacing just pads or full rotors. Iron rotor conversion kits (GiroDisc) offer a more cost-effective alternative for track use but change the driving character. In normal street use, CCB rotors can last 80,000+ km.
Catalytic converter failure€3,000 - €8,000
The V12 has 4 catalytic converters; unburnt fuel can damage them over time · more· less
The Aventador LP700 has 4 catalytic converters in the two CAT pipes. Symptoms of clogged converters include limited performance at high speed, irregular engine running, unusual exhaust odor, poor fuel economy, and check engine light. Unburnt fuel igniting in the catalytic converter destroys the inner lining. Fault codes P0420-P0424 or P0430-P0434 indicate converter issues. Aftermarket options like Fabspeed offer direct replacement converters. OEM replacement is expensive; verify oxygen sensors aren't the cause before replacing converters.
Robust V12, but supercar ownership costs apply
The Aventador is considered one of Lamborghini's most reliable cars - the naturally aspirated V12 is robust and engines regularly exceed 100,000 km. However, the ISR gearbox (especially on 2012-2013 cars) and high labor costs for any mid-engine work make proper pre-purchase inspection essential. 2015+ models offer the best balance of refinement and reduced risk.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Lamborghini dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Look for 9,000 mile/12 month service intervals.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear. Rear 355/25ZR21 tires wear faster. Full set costs €3,500-5,000.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds from V12.
Body condition
Check carbon fiber panels for cracks, stone chips on front splitter.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including varied speeds to get gearbox up to temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Check clutch percentage with diagnostic tool
Under 40% indicates replacement needed soon (€8,000-15,000). Ask how many launch control starts the car has done.
Test ISR gearbox at low speeds
Drive slowly in parking lot - some jerkiness is normal, but excessive clunking or hesitation indicates problems. Check for gearbox warning lights.
Test front lift system
Activate lift and verify it raises and lowers smoothly. Listen for pump whine. System should auto-lower above 40 km/h.
Check for transmission fluid leaks
Look under car for any fluid trails. Early 2012-2013 cars had known seal issues that could lead to catastrophic failure.
Interior door handle mechanism (2020 SVJ)Verify completed
Hood hinge screws - SVJ Coupe (2018-2021)Verify completed
Contact Lamborghini customer service (1-866-681-6276 in US, or your local dealer) with VIN to verify all applicable recalls have been completed. The engine stall and fuel tank recalls are particularly important.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years, unlimited km)Expired on all LP700-4
Lamborghini extended warranty1-2 years additional available
Selezione (CPO) warranty extension12+ months if eligible
All LP700-4 models are outside their original 3-year warranty. Extended warranty options are available through Lamborghini dealers - one owner was quoted €7,000 for an additional year on a certified pre-owned car. For Selezione eligibility, the car must be under 10 years old with less than 70,000 km and pass 150 inspection tests.
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.