2012 Aston Martin DBS

The 2012 Aston Martin DBS is a grand tourer known for its stunning design, powerful V12 engine, and luxurious interior. The DBS was offered as a coupe or a Volante (convertible). All 2012 DBS models came with the 6.0-liter V12 engine, producing 510 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. It was available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. Drivers and enthusiasts alike love the car’s throaty exhaust note and refined handling, while common complaints center on high maintenance costs and occasional electronic glitches.

Engine

6.0L V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations on the engine, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks on the engine, oil spots under the car, and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the source of the leak and the labor involved.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, and check engine light illumination. Often specific to individual cylinders.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty ignition coil.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per coil, depending on labor and parts.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Six-Speed Manual

• Clutch Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears, high clutch pedal engagement point.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+ depending on labor and parts quality.
  • Recalls: None Found

Six-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable and often jarring shifts between gears, hesitation during acceleration, occasional slipping. This could be related to the valve body.
  • Solution: Could range from a transmission flush and software update to valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3000+ depending on the severity and repair needed.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride quality, suspension warning light, clunking noises from suspension components.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty damper.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+ per damper, including labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies quickly, especially when the car is not driven for a few days. Difficult to start the car.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the parasitic draw, often caused by a faulty module or wiring issue. Replacing the battery if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation and/or radio system may experience freezes, glitches, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Software update, or in severe cases, replacement of the infotainment system unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for software; $1000+ for replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing, reducing visibility.
  • Solution: Replacing the headlight housing seal, or in some cases, the entire headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ per headlight.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sticking Buttons/Controls
  • Description/Symptoms: Certain buttons on the center console or dashboard become sticky or unresponsive.
  • Solution: Cleaning the affected buttons or replacing the faulty control panel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation System Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation system may experience freezing, and GPS signal errors.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Aston Martin DBS, while a beautiful and powerful car, can be prone to certain issues that owners should be aware of. Engine oil leaks and ignition coil failures, and transmission issues are among the most common and can be costly to repair. Electrical gremlins such as battery drain and infotainment system problems are also prevalent. Suspension issues like adaptive damper failure can further contribute to the overall cost of ownership. The issues are moderately severe. The cost to fix can range from a couple hundred to several thousand dollars.