2018 Aston Martin Vantage

The 2018 Aston Martin Vantage marked a significant redesign, ushering in a more modern aesthetic and a potent powertrain. The car is powered by a Mercedes-AMG sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 503 horsepower and 505 lb-ft of torque. It was initially offered with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. A 7-speed manual transmission was later introduced for the 2020 model year. People generally praise the Vantage for its striking design, engaging driving dynamics, and the thrilling sound of its V8 engine. However, some criticisms include a cramped interior, limited storage space, and a firm ride.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. This can be caused by the wastegate actuator failing or internal turbocharger component failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected turbocharger(s) and related gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, often near the valve cover gaskets, timing cover, or oil pan. Burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets or seals. Cleaning of the affected area.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed ZF Automatic Transmission

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts, particularly between certain gears. Hesitation when accelerating or changing gears.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and fill using the correct fluid specification may alleviate the issue in some cases. In other cases, valve body replacement or full transmission replacement may be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush) - $8,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Fluid Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible transmission fluid leaks, often from the pan gasket or seals. Difficulty shifting or slipping gears.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets or seals. Topping off the transmission fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride quality, clunking noises from the suspension, error messages related to the adaptive damping system.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the affected damper(s). Replacement of the faulty damper(s) and calibration of the suspension system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per damper.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes frequently. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In other cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $3,000+ (infotainment unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not in use. This can lead to difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the parasitic drain. Replacement of the faulty component causing the drain. A common cause can be the security system or an aftermarket accessory that was not properly wired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, or other driver assistance systems may malfunction or provide false alerts.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the faulty sensor(s). Replacement of the affected sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Trim Rattles/Creaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or creaking noises from the interior trim panels, especially on rough roads.
  • Solution: Tightening or replacement of loose fasteners. Application of felt tape or other materials to reduce friction between panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the severity and location of the rattles.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Aston Martin Vantage, while a stunning and exhilarating sports car, does exhibit some common issues. Engine issues like turbocharger failures and oil leaks can be expensive to address. Transmission problems with the ZF automatic, as well as electrical glitches and suspension component malfunctions, also contribute to the potential ownership costs. While some fixes are relatively minor, others can be quite costly, making it essential to thoroughly inspect any used Vantage and be aware of potential maintenance expenses.