2012 Aston Martin DB9
Alright, here is a breakdown of common issues and complaints associated with the 2012 Aston Martin DB9, formatted for your website. The 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is a grand tourer known for its elegant design, luxurious interior, and powerful performance. It boasts a naturally aspirated 5.9-liter V12 engine producing 470 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Owners often praise the car’s striking appearance, comfortable ride, and exhilarating engine sound. However, potential downsides include high running costs, potential for expensive repairs, and relatively dated technology compared to newer vehicles.
Engine
5.9L V12
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, timing chain cover, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil puddles under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected gaskets and seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+, depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from hoses, the water pump, or the radiator. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant puddles.
- Solution: Replacement of the leaking components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
- Check Engine Light
- Description/Symptoms: A check engine light may illuminate because of a variety of underlying causes.
- Solution: Troubleshoot the underlying cause, which may include replacing sensors or coils.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
- Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Reports of harsh or jerky shifting, especially during low-speed operation. This can be more pronounced when the transmission is cold.
- Solution: Fluid flush and filter change sometimes helps, but a valve body rebuild or replacement may be necessary in more severe cases.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3,000+, depending on the severity and required repair.
- Delayed Engagement
- Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement when shifting into drive or reverse. This means a noticeable pause before the car starts moving.
- Solution: Could be low fluid, valve body issues, or worn internal components. Requires diagnosis and potentially a transmission rebuild or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
6-Speed Manual
- Clutch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting, and a high clutch pedal engagement point.
- Solution: Clutch replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Adaptive Damper Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Failure of the adaptive dampers, leading to a rough ride, poor handling, and warning lights on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty dampers.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per damper (depending on location and labor).
- Suspension Bushing Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Worn suspension bushings can cause clunking noises, vague steering, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of the worn bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+, depending on which bushings need replacing.
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The car may experience a rapid battery drain, especially if left sitting for extended periods. This can be caused by parasitic draws from various systems.
- Solution: Diagnosing and addressing the parasitic draw. This might involve tracing faulty wiring, replacing a defective module, or fixing an issue with the alarm system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+, depending on the complexity of the problem.
- Sensor Failures
- Description/Symptoms: Sensors such as the TPMS sensors, O2 sensors, and parking sensors can fail over time.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Condensation buildup inside the headlight housings, reducing visibility and potentially damaging the headlight components.
- Solution: Removing and resealing the headlight housings. Sometimes replacement of the entire headlight unit is necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+, depending on the severity and whether the headlights can be resealed or need replacement.
- Door Handle Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Door handles, particularly the exterior ones, can become finicky or fail to operate correctly, sometimes due to issues with the internal mechanisms or electronics.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the door handle mechanism or associated electronic components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
Interior
- Navigation/Infotainment System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The older infotainment system can experience glitches, screen failures, and navigation problems. It’s often considered outdated by modern standards.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the head unit. Some owners opt for aftermarket systems to modernize the car.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
- Sticking Buttons
- Description/Symptoms: Some interior buttons may become sticky over time, especially those coated with a soft-touch material.
- Solution: Cleaning the buttons or, in severe cases, replacing them.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
Summary
The 2012 Aston Martin DB9 is a beautiful and exhilarating car, but it’s not without its potential issues. Common problems range from relatively minor (sensor failures, coolant leaks) to potentially expensive (transmission issues, adaptive damper failures). Electrical problems, particularly battery drain, and issues with the aging infotainment system are also frequently reported. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and budget accordingly for potential repairs. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to costly repairs, with expenses varying depending on the specific problem and the repair shop. Pre-purchase inspections by a qualified Aston Martin technician are highly recommended.