2021 Aston Martin DBS

The 2021 Aston Martin DBS is a grand tourer known for its striking design, luxurious interior, and exhilarating performance. It comes equipped with a potent 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 715 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission mounted at the rear of the car. Drivers often praise the DBS for its beautiful styling, powerful engine, and engaging driving dynamics. However, some criticisms include its relatively high price point and the potential for expensive maintenance and repairs.

Engine

5.2L Twin-Turbo V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various engine seals and gaskets, including the valve cover gaskets and the oil pan gasket. Visible oil drips underneath the car, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings are common symptoms.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking seals and gaskets. This typically involves removing surrounding components to access the affected areas.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, whistling noises from the engine bay, and potential turbocharger failure. This may stem from oil starvation or mechanical wear within the turbocharger units.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the affected turbocharger(s). Diagnosis includes inspecting the turbochargers for damage and checking oil lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts, particularly between certain gears. This may be more noticeable during cold starts or under heavy acceleration.
  • Solution: Performing a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. In more severe cases, valve body repair or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable delay between shifting into drive or reverse and the car actually moving. This can be accompanied by a clunking noise.
  • Solution: The problem could be caused by low transmission fluid, worn clutch packs, or a faulty valve body. Depending on the problem, this could require a fluid flush, replacing clutch packs or valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Error messages related to the adaptive damping system. Uneven ride quality, with one or more corners feeling excessively stiff or soft.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the specific damper(s) that are malfunctioning and replacing them. The control module may also need to be checked.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ per damper
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, lagging, or crashing of the infotainment system. Bluetooth connectivity issues, navigation problems, and unresponsive touch screen are common complaints.
  • Solution: Software updates from Aston Martin might resolve some glitches. More complex issues may require replacement of the infotainment system unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven regularly. This can lead to difficulty starting the car or a completely dead battery.
  • Solution: Diagnose parasitic draw. Possible causes include aftermarket equipment, or a faulty module in the vehicle staying awake while it is turned off.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Trim Pieces Loosening
  • Description/Symptoms: Trim pieces, particularly on the dashboard or door panels, can become loose or detached over time.
  • Solution: Re-attaching or replacing the affected trim pieces. This may involve using adhesive or replacing clips.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Aston Martin DBS, while a stunning and high-performing vehicle, does have some reported issues. Engine oil leaks and turbocharger problems are significant concerns that can be expensive to address. Transmission issues such as rough shifting can detract from the driving experience. Electrical glitches and interior trim problems are also common complaints. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially costly repairs.