2002 Aston Martin Vanquish

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints associated with the 2002 Aston Martin Vanquish, categorized for clarity.

The 2002 Aston Martin Vanquish, a stunning grand tourer, boasted a 5.9-liter V12 engine producing 460 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. It was available exclusively with a six-speed automated manual transmission (often referred to as a “flappy paddle” or “ASM” transmission). Owners often praise the Vanquish for its beautiful design, luxurious interior, and the exhilarating sound of its V12 engine. Common complaints include the unrefined automated manual transmission, potential electrical gremlins, and the high cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

5.9L V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, and oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, low oil levels, and the smell of burning oil.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal. Thoroughly cleaning the affected area is recommended to ensure proper sealing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light illumination. Diagnostic codes will typically indicate which cylinder is misfiring.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty coil pack(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per coil pack replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automated Manual (ASM)

• Clutch Wear/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty engaging gears, jerky gear changes, transmission malfunction warnings.
  • Solution: Clutch replacement, potentially including resurfacing or replacing the flywheel. Software updates may improve clutch engagement in some cases, but replacement is often necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+ depending on shop rates and parts used.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Hydraulic Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slow or failed gear changes, transmission malfunction warnings, inability to select gears. The ASM system relies on a hydraulic pump to build pressure for gear actuation.
  • Solution: Replacing the hydraulic pump. It’s also recommended to check for leaks in the hydraulic lines and accumulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ depending on parts availability and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Actuator Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty selecting gears, jerky shifts, transmission errors on the dash. The actuators are responsible for physically engaging and disengaging gears.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the faulty actuator(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ depending on the extent of the repair and the specific actuator involved.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Damper Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive dampers can leak or fail, leading to a poor ride quality, knocking noises, and suspension warning lights.
  • Solution: Damper replacement. Often done in pairs (front or rear) to maintain balance.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per pair replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the instrument cluster display, including gauges and warning lights.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster. Some specialized repair shops can rebuild the original cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical issues, including intermittent faults, warning lights, and malfunctioning components. The wiring harnesses in these cars can become brittle and corroded over time.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing damaged sections of the wiring harness. This can be a time-consuming and expensive repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the extent of the damage.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sticky Buttons/Surfaces
  • Description/Symptoms: Many of the plastic trim pieces and buttons in the interior develop a sticky or tacky surface over time.
  • Solution: Refinishing or replacing the affected parts. Some owners attempt to clean the sticky coating off, but this is often a temporary fix.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the number of parts affected and the chosen repair method.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Aston Martin Vanquish is a beautiful and powerful car, but it’s essential to be aware of the potential issues before purchasing one. The most significant concerns revolve around the automated manual transmission, which can be expensive to repair. Electrical gremlins and suspension problems are also common. While the engine itself is generally reliable, oil leaks are not uncommon. Potential buyers should factor in high maintenance costs and the need for specialized repairs when considering a Vanquish. The severity and cost of these issues can range from minor annoyances to major financial burdens, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended.