The Rolls-Royce Corniche spans 1981–2002 with 9 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers up to 13 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
Is the Rolls-Royce Corniche a good car?
Short answer: yes — this one scores near the top of what we track. Our score for the Rolls-Royce Corniche is 4.5 out of 5, built from NHTSA crash-test results, how often it gets recalled and what owners actually complain about — not from reviews.
If you're choosing a year, 1981, 1982, 1983 score best in our data, and 2002, 2001 worst.
This page describes the model. It can't tell you whether that car has an open recall, a rolled-back odometer or a branded title — for that, run its number through our free VIN check.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Rolls-Royce Corniche is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2002 across multiple generations.
How to read a Rolls-Royce Corniche VIN — every digit explained
Every Rolls-Royce Corniche carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Rolls-Royce and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Corniche.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. The whole position-by-position breakdown — year codes 2001–2026, country codes, stamping locations — lives in our VIN decoder tool.
How many recalls does the Rolls-Royce Corniche have?
The Rolls-Royce Corniche has 9 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2002. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2001 Rolls-Royce Corniche recalls 1
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. FUEL VAPORS STORED IN THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM COULD ENTER A BODY CAVITY BEHIND THE ROCKER PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE.
Risk. IF VAPOR IS EMITTED AND COLLECTS IN THE CAVITY, THE RESULTING AIR/VAPOR MIXTURE COULD BE IGNITED IF THE CENTRAL WINDOW OPERATING MECHANISM IS ACTIVATED.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PLATED MILD STEEL EXTENSION PIPE TO THE LEAK DETECTION FILTER OF THE VEHICLE WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT ANY VAPOR EMANATING FROM THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM IS VENTED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 16, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ROLLS-ROYCE AT 1-800-777-6923.
2000 Rolls-Royce Corniche recalls 1
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. FUEL VAPORS STORED IN THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM COULD ENTER A BODY CAVITY BEHIND THE ROCKER PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE.
Risk. IF VAPOR IS EMITTED AND COLLECTS IN THE CAVITY, THE RESULTING AIR/VAPOR MIXTURE COULD BE IGNITED IF THE CENTRAL WINDOW OPERATING MECHANISM IS ACTIVATED.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PLATED MILD STEEL EXTENSION PIPE TO THE LEAK DETECTION FILTER OF THE VEHICLE WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT ANY VAPOR EMANATING FROM THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM IS VENTED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 16, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ROLLS-ROYCE AT 1-800-777-6923.
1987 Rolls-Royce Corniche recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. BENTLEY IS RECALLING 14 MY 1980-1982 BENTLEY T2, MY 1980-1987 CONTINENTAL, AND MULSANNE, MY 1980-1982 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW II, MY 1980 SILVER WRAITH II, MY 1980-1987 CORNICHE, SILVER SPIRIT AND MY 1981-1987 SILVER SPUR PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY, AVAILABLE AS A REPLACEMENT PART, HAS BEEN FOUND TO HAVE A DEFECT IN THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATION OF THE RUBBER HOSE. THE HOSE MAY DEGRADE UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BENTLEY AT 1-617-488-8500.
1986 Rolls-Royce Corniche recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. BENTLEY IS RECALLING 14 MY 1980-1982 BENTLEY T2, MY 1980-1987 CONTINENTAL, AND MULSANNE, MY 1980-1982 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW II, MY 1980 SILVER WRAITH II, MY 1980-1987 CORNICHE, SILVER SPIRIT AND MY 1981-1987 SILVER SPUR PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY, AVAILABLE AS A REPLACEMENT PART, HAS BEEN FOUND TO HAVE A DEFECT IN THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATION OF THE RUBBER HOSE. THE HOSE MAY DEGRADE UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BENTLEY AT 1-617-488-8500.
1985 Rolls-Royce Corniche recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. BENTLEY IS RECALLING 14 MY 1980-1982 BENTLEY T2, MY 1980-1987 CONTINENTAL, AND MULSANNE, MY 1980-1982 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW II, MY 1980 SILVER WRAITH II, MY 1980-1987 CORNICHE, SILVER SPIRIT AND MY 1981-1987 SILVER SPUR PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY, AVAILABLE AS A REPLACEMENT PART, HAS BEEN FOUND TO HAVE A DEFECT IN THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATION OF THE RUBBER HOSE. THE HOSE MAY DEGRADE UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BENTLEY AT 1-617-488-8500.
1984 Rolls-Royce Corniche recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. BENTLEY IS RECALLING 14 MY 1980-1982 BENTLEY T2, MY 1980-1987 CONTINENTAL, AND MULSANNE, MY 1980-1982 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW II, MY 1980 SILVER WRAITH II, MY 1980-1987 CORNICHE, SILVER SPIRIT AND MY 1981-1987 SILVER SPUR PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY, AVAILABLE AS A REPLACEMENT PART, HAS BEEN FOUND TO HAVE A DEFECT IN THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATION OF THE RUBBER HOSE. THE HOSE MAY DEGRADE UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BENTLEY AT 1-617-488-8500.
1983 Rolls-Royce Corniche recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. BENTLEY IS RECALLING 14 MY 1980-1982 BENTLEY T2, MY 1980-1987 CONTINENTAL, AND MULSANNE, MY 1980-1982 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW II, MY 1980 SILVER WRAITH II, MY 1980-1987 CORNICHE, SILVER SPIRIT AND MY 1981-1987 SILVER SPUR PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY, AVAILABLE AS A REPLACEMENT PART, HAS BEEN FOUND TO HAVE A DEFECT IN THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATION OF THE RUBBER HOSE. THE HOSE MAY DEGRADE UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BENTLEY AT 1-617-488-8500.
1982 Rolls-Royce Corniche recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. BENTLEY IS RECALLING 14 MY 1980-1982 BENTLEY T2, MY 1980-1987 CONTINENTAL, AND MULSANNE, MY 1980-1982 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW II, MY 1980 SILVER WRAITH II, MY 1980-1987 CORNICHE, SILVER SPIRIT AND MY 1981-1987 SILVER SPUR PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY, AVAILABLE AS A REPLACEMENT PART, HAS BEEN FOUND TO HAVE A DEFECT IN THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATION OF THE RUBBER HOSE. THE HOSE MAY DEGRADE UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BENTLEY AT 1-617-488-8500.
1981 Rolls-Royce Corniche recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. BENTLEY IS RECALLING 14 MY 1980-1982 BENTLEY T2, MY 1980-1987 CONTINENTAL, AND MULSANNE, MY 1980-1982 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW II, MY 1980 SILVER WRAITH II, MY 1980-1987 CORNICHE, SILVER SPIRIT AND MY 1981-1987 SILVER SPUR PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY, AVAILABLE AS A REPLACEMENT PART, HAS BEEN FOUND TO HAVE A DEFECT IN THE MATERIAL SPECIFICATION OF THE RUBBER HOSE. THE HOSE MAY DEGRADE UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BENTLEY AT 1-617-488-8500.
Best and worst years for the Rolls-Royce Corniche
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Rolls-Royce Corniche — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Rolls-Royce Corniche problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Rolls-Royce Corniche — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Rolls-Royce Corniche specifications & dimensions
The 1990–1993 Rolls-Royce Corniche measures 207″ long on a 120″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 5,247 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Rolls-Royce Corniche window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990–1993 | 207″ | 77″ | 60″ | 120″ | 5,247 lb |
| 1987 | 205″ | 72″ | 59″ | 120″ | 5,203 lb |
| 1984 | 204″ | 72″ | 60″ | 120″ | 5,335 lb |
| 1981 | 207″ | 73″ | 60″ | 120″ | 5,004 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Rolls-Royce Corniche cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Corniche holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 120 cu ft of passenger volume and 12 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Rolls-Royce Corniche tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Rolls-Royce Corniche get?
The Rolls-Royce Corniche returns up to 13 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $5,950/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2002 Rolls-Royce Corniche (5.4L 12-cyl) gets 13 mpg combined and costs about $5,950/yr to fuel, emitting 684 g/mi CO₂ — about $18,750 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Corniche | 11 | 15 | $5,950 | 684 | — | 5.4L 12-cyl | |
| 2001 Corniche | 10 | 15 | $6,400 | 741 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 2000 Corniche | 10 | 15 | $6,400 | 741 | — | 6.7L 8-cyl | |
| 1995 Corniche | 9 | 14 | $7,000 | 808 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 1994 Corniche | 9 | 14 | $7,000 | 808 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 1993 Corniche | 9 | 13 | $7,000 | 808 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 1992 Corniche | 9 | 13 | $7,000 | 808 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 1991 Corniche | 9 | 12 | $7,700 | 889 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 1990 Corniche | 9 | 12 | $7,700 | 889 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 1989 Corniche | 9 | 11 | $6,250 | 889 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 1988 Corniche | 8 | 10 | $6,900 | 987 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 1987 Corniche | 8 | 10 | $6,900 | 987 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 1986 Corniche | 7 | 10 | $7,800 | 1,111 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 1985 Corniche | 7 | 10 | $7,800 | 1,111 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 1984 Corniche | 7 | 10 | $7,800 | 1,111 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Corniche stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Corniche's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Rolls-Royce Corniche have? Power & range
The Rolls-Royce Corniche is offered with 1 powertrain — 5.4L 12-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8 | 5.4L · 12-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | RWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Rolls-Royce Corniche cost to own?
A Rolls-Royce Corniche depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Corniche is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Corniche loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $29,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Corniche ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Rolls-Royce Corniche safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Corniche yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
Compare model years like a dealer does.
- Full research report on any model year
- Market chart: how this model holds value
- Exact values with mileage adjustment
- Price-drop alerts on the trims you're watching
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
How many miles does a Rolls-Royce Corniche last?
A well-maintained Rolls-Royce Corniche typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Rolls-Royce Corniche’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Corniche’s VIN free →All Rolls-Royce Corniche model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Rolls-Royce Corniche — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Corniche | 0 | — | |
| 2001 Corniche | 1 recall | — | |
| 2000 Corniche | 1 recall | — | |
| 1995 Corniche | 0 | — | |
| 1994 Corniche | 0 | — | |
| 1993 Corniche | 0 | — | |
| 1992 Corniche | 0 | — | |
| 1991 Corniche | 0 | — | |
| 1990 Corniche | 0 | — | |
| 1989 Corniche | 0 | — | |
| 1988 Corniche | 0 | — | |
| 1987 Corniche | 1 recall | — | |
| 1986 Corniche | 1 recall | — | |
| 1985 Corniche | 1 recall | — | |
| 1984 Corniche | 1 recall | — | |
| 1983 Corniche | 1 recall | — | |
| 1982 Corniche | 1 recall | — | |
| 1981 Corniche | 1 recall | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Corniche?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Rolls-Royce Corniche.
How many recalls does the Corniche have?
9 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2002. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Rolls-Royce recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Corniche get?
Up to 13 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Corniche last?
A well-maintained Corniche typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Corniche reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Corniche is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Rolls-Royce Corniche warranty?
New Rolls-Royce models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Rolls-Royce dealer.
Where is the Rolls-Royce Corniche made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Corniche's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Rolls-Royce may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Corniche have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.