Recall 12V166 affects 69 2010-2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles because the auxiliary water pump circuit board can overheat. Repair is free at a franchised Rolls-Royce dealer.
Rolls-Royce issued recall 12V166 for 69 2010-2011 Ghost vehicles with turbocharged engines because the electric auxiliary water pump circuit board can overheat. That heat can smolder the pump or start an engine compartment or vehicle fire, and the dealer repair will be free once Rolls-Royce makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The electric auxiliary water pump on the 2010-2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost helps move coolant through the turbocharged engine cooling system when extra circulation is needed. Coolant carries heat away from hot engine and turbocharger parts. The pump depends on a small circuit board, which is the electronic control piece that powers and manages the pump.
On affected Ghost vehicles, that circuit board can overheat. Once the electronics overheat, the pump is no longer operating within its intended temperature range. That is the defect Rolls-Royce is addressing in recall 12V166, and it involves the engine cooling system rather than a trim or convenience feature.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not wait for a sound, smell, or dashboard message to decide whether the vehicle is included. The VIN decides.
Who's affected?
The Ghost model years listed here share the same turbo/supercharger component.
| 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost | Turbo/supercharger |
|---|---|
| 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost | Turbo/supercharger |
| Units affected | 69 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An overheating auxiliary water pump can smolder in the engine compartment and lead to a vehicle fire. Confirm your VIN and schedule the recall repair soon. If you notice smoke, heat, or a burning smell, stop using the vehicle and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Rolls-Royce dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Rolls-Royce dealer to ask whether the free auxiliary-water-pump replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 12V166 when you call Rolls-Royce or the dealer.
- Avoid parking near structures if the engine compartment smells hot, smokes, or shows signs of pump overheating.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Rolls-Royce technician replaces the electric auxiliary water pump at no charge. Rolls-Royce reported that the safety recall began on May 9, 2012, so owners can ask a Rolls-Royce dealer to confirm campaign availability for the VIN and complete the pump replacement. The repair addresses the auxiliary water pump circuit board overheating condition described in campaign 12V166. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| April 10, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 9, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V166?
Recall 12V166 covers 69 2010-2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles with turbocharged engines. The electric auxiliary water pump circuit board can overheat, leading to smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire. Rolls-Royce dealers replace the auxiliary water pump for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Ghost is included in recall 12V166. If it is, contact a franchised Rolls-Royce dealer to schedule the auxiliary water pump replacement. Reference recall number 12V166 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Rolls-Royce dealers replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge, and the safety recall began on May 9, 2012.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The electric auxiliary water pump circuit board can overheat, which can lead to smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Rolls-Royce Ghost used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Ghost is included, then call a franchised Rolls-Royce dealer and reference recall number 12V166.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V166000 |
|---|---|
| Rolls-Royce customer service | 1-877-877-3735 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V166 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V166000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →