2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage

The 2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is a hand-built British sports car celebrated for its stunning design, luxurious interior, and exhilarating performance. The car is equipped with a potent 6.0L V12 engine producing 510 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. Some owners appreciate the car’s exclusivity, raw power, and classic styling. On the other hand, some criticisms include the car’s high maintenance costs and relatively dated infotainment system.

Engine

6.0L V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various points on the engine, including valve covers, oil pan gaskets, and timing chain covers. This can lead to oil consumption, decreased performance, and potential engine damage if left unattended. Visible oil on the engine block or oil spots on the ground are common symptoms.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty gaskets or seals. Thoroughly clean the affected area and monitor for recurrence.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the location and complexity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The V12 engine utilizes individual coil packs for each cylinder. These can fail over time, leading to misfires, rough idling, and decreased performance. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to misfires will typically be present.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty coil pack(s). It is often recommended to replace all coil packs at the same time for preventative maintenance.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on how many coil packs are replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Vacuum Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leaks can develop in the intake manifold or vacuum lines, leading to poor engine performance, rough idling, and potential stalling. A hissing sound may be audible.
  • Solution: Locate and repair the source of the leak. This may involve replacing cracked or damaged hoses, gaskets, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

• Clutch Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Due to the high torque output of the V12 engine and the car’s sporty nature, the clutch can wear prematurely, especially with aggressive driving. Symptoms include clutch slippage, difficulty shifting, and a high clutch pedal engagement point.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, and potentially the flywheel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Linkage Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The gear shifter can become sticky and hard to move between gears. This is due to wear in the linkages.
  • Solution: Replacing the gear shifter linkage and bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive dampers can leak, causing changes in handling characteristics and ride quality. A visual inspection may reveal oil leaking from the dampers. The car may also display warning lights.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty damper(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ depending on the number of dampers needing replacement and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive battery drain, especially when the car is not driven regularly. This can result in a dead battery and difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Investigate for parasitic draws in the electrical system. Potential causes include faulty modules, aftermarket accessories, or a failing battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The door lock actuator can fail, causing a door lock to fail.
  • Solution: Replacing the door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Condensation can build up inside the headlight housings, reducing visibility and potentially damaging the bulbs.
  • Solution: Removing the headlight housings and drying them out, resealing the housings, or replacing the housings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the severity of the condensation and the chosen solution.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation/Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can be slow, outdated, and prone to glitches.
  • Solution: Unfortunately, there is no easy solution for this. Some owners have opted to replace the system with aftermarket options.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $2,000+ depending on the chosen solution.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Heated Seat Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The heated seats may fail to activate or provide adequate heat. This can be due to a faulty heating element or control module.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is a desirable vehicle but, like many high-performance cars, it can present its share of issues. The most commonly reported problems involve engine oil leaks, clutch wear, and electrical issues. The severity and cost of repairs can range from minor and relatively inexpensive fixes (e.g., replacing a coil pack) to major and costly repairs (e.g., clutch replacement or resolving major oil leaks). Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchasing decision and budget. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Aston Martin mechanic is highly recommended.