2018 Aston Martin Vanquish
2018 Aston Martin Vanquish
Overview
The 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish represents the pinnacle of British luxury grand touring, blending exhilarating performance with exquisite craftsmanship. As a flagship model, its engineering is generally robust, focusing on delivering a refined and powerful driving experience. However, like any high-performance, low-volume exotic vehicle, certain areas may require more attention than a mainstream car. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns beyond standard maintenance, providing insights into potential areas of focus for owners and enthusiasts.
Engine
5.9L V12
Ignition Coil Failure
- Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, check engine light illumination, reduced engine power.
- Solution: Replacement of faulty ignition coil(s).
- Cost: $300 - $600 per coil
Oil Leaks (Valve Covers/Seals)
- Symptoms: Visible oil under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level.
- Solution: Replacement of valve cover gaskets or other seals.
- Cost: $800 - $1500
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP70)
Transmission Fluid Leaks
- Symptoms: Leaking fluid from transmission pan or cooler lines, shifting issues, potential overheating.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of leaking seals, lines, or pan gasket. Fluid flush and refill.
- Cost: $500 - $1200
Torque Converter Issues
- Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping gears, delayed engagement.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
- Cost: $1500 - $3000
Suspension
Adaptive Dampers
Electronic Damper Malfunction
- Symptoms: Harsh ride, clunking noises, suspension warning light, inconsistent damping.
- Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of faulty adaptive damper units.
- Cost: $1000 - $2500 per corner
Electrical
Infotainment System
Software Glitches/Freezing
- Symptoms: Screen freezing, unresponsive touch controls, audio issues, navigation problems.
- Solution: Software updates or potential replacement of the head unit.
- Cost: $500 - $2000
Battery Drain
No major issues reported for this configuration.
Exterior
Body Panels & Trim
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Interior
Leather Upholstery & Trim
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Climate Control System
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Summary Verdict
The 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish is a highly desirable supercar with a generally strong reliability record for its class. The V12 engine and automatic transmission are robust, though potential issues like ignition coil failures, oil leaks, and transmission fluid leaks can arise and are costly to repair. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the infotainment system and occasional battery drain, are also noted. Suspension components, especially the adaptive dampers, can be expensive if they fail. While interior and exterior elements are typically of high quality, owners should be aware of the potential for significant repair costs associated with the powertrain and electronics, which is characteristic of owning a low-volume, high-performance luxury vehicle.