2023 Aston Martin DBS

The 2023 Aston Martin DBS is a grand tourer known for its stunning design, luxurious interior, and exhilarating performance. Powered by a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, it produces 715 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. There are no other engine options available. All DBS models are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers often praise the DBS for its striking aesthetics, powerful engine, and refined driving experience. However, some common complaints include the infotainment system’s complexity, limited rear passenger space, and high price tag.

Engine

5.2L Twin-Turbocharged V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are sometimes reported from various engine seals and gaskets. Symptoms include visible oil puddles under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves locating the source of the leak and replacing the faulty gasket or seal. This may include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, or crankshaft seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaks can develop at hose connections, the water pump, or the radiator. This can lead to engine overheating and potential damage. Signs include visible coolant leaks, a sweet coolant smell, and low coolant levels.
  • Solution: Repairing coolant leaks involves replacing faulty hoses, tightening hose clamps, or replacing the water pump or radiator if they are the source of the leak.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the component that requires service.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported instances of rough or jerky shifting, particularly at lower speeds. This can manifest as harsh upshifts or downshifts, or a feeling of hesitation between gears.
  • Solution: This may be addressed with a software update or a transmission fluid flush. In more severe cases, valve body repair or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush) - $2500+ (valve body).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: When shifting from Park or Neutral into Drive or Reverse, there may be a noticeable delay before the transmission engages.
  • Solution: May be a sign of low transmission fluid or internal damage. Inspect fluid level and condition. If necessary, have the transmission inspected by a qualified technician. Possible repairs include fluid flush, valve body work, or complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush) - $8,000+ (transmission replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive dampers may experience failures, resulting in a harsh or uneven ride quality. Warning lights related to the suspension system may illuminate.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves scanning the suspension control module for fault codes. Faulty dampers must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per damper, depending on location and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may experience glitches, freezes, or connectivity problems. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In other cases, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $3,000+ (unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as those for tire pressure, parking assist, or the stability control system, can fail. This may trigger warning lights and affect vehicle functionality.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific sensor failure using a diagnostic scan tool and replace the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the sensor type and accessibility.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as those for parking assist can fail. This may trigger warning lights and affect vehicle functionality.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific sensor failure using a diagnostic scan tool and replace the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the sensor type and accessibility.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Trim Rattles/Creaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report minor rattles or creaks emanating from interior trim pieces, particularly on uneven road surfaces.
  • Solution: Addressing these issues involves locating the source of the noise and tightening or padding the affected trim panels. This is often a process of trial and error.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the severity and location.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2023 Aston Martin DBS, while a high-performance luxury vehicle, can be prone to certain issues, especially related to oil leaks, transmission behavior, infotainment systems, and sensor faults. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences like trim rattles to more significant problems like engine oil leaks or transmission malfunctions, which could result in considerable repair costs. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s service history and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician to identify any existing or potential problems.