2018 Aston Martin DB11

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints reported by 2018 Aston Martin DB11 owners, organized by category and specific configurations, presented in a markdown format suitable for your website.

The 2018 Aston Martin DB11 is a grand tourer that offers a blend of performance and luxury. It was available with two engine options: a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 600 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 sourced from AMG, generating 503 horsepower and 513 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the DB11’s stunning design, luxurious interior, and exhilarating performance. Common criticisms include some infotainment quirks, occasional electrical gremlins, and the high cost of maintenance.

Engine

5.2L Twin-Turbo V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of oil leaks originating from various engine seals and gaskets, particularly around the valve covers and timing chain cover. Visible oil drips under the car and the smell of burning oil may be present.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty seals and gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from hoses, radiator, or expansion tank. Visible coolant puddle under the car, overheating, or low coolant level warnings on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the leaking components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (AMG)

• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some reports indicate premature turbocharger failure, resulting in reduced power, excessive turbo noise (whining or screeching), and potentially check engine light illumination.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+ (depending on if one or both turbos need replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Complaints of occasional rough or jerky shifting, especially during low-speed maneuvers or when downshifting. Hesitation or delay when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: Some owners have reported improvement after a transmission fluid flush and adaptation reset. In more severe cases, valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid flush and reset: $500 - $800. Valve body replacement: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The DB11 uses adaptive dampers to adjust ride quality. Some owners have reported instances where the dampers fail, leading to a noticeably harsh or uneven ride, potentially accompanied by warning lights.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty damper(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per damper (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system, while aesthetically pleasing, has been known to exhibit glitches, including freezing, slow response times, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and navigation errors.
  • Solution: Software updates are often the first step. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $100-$300 (dealer cost). Infotainment unit replacement: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the battery draining prematurely, particularly when the car is left unused for extended periods. This can lead to difficulty starting the car or complete battery failure.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify parasitic drain. Possible culprits include faulty modules, improperly installed aftermarket accessories, or a failing battery. Replacement of the battery, if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Battery replacement: $500 - $1,000. Diagnosis and repair of parasitic drain: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The flush-mounted door handles are known to be problematic and fail to retract or extend as required. This can leave the vehicle unable to open or close.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door handles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ per handle (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Stitching Coming Undone
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor craftsmanship and/or improper stitching leading to the seams splitting and coming undone
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Aston Martin DB11 is a beautiful and powerful car, but like many high-end vehicles, it’s not without its potential issues. The severity of these issues ranges from minor infotainment glitches to more significant problems like turbocharger or transmission malfunctions. The cost to repair these issues can be substantial, especially given the specialized nature of the car and the need for qualified technicians. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor them into their purchasing decision and long-term maintenance plans. The most expensive issues are related to the engine and transmission with costs of $8,000+ for engine failures and $4,000+ for transmission.