2024 Aston Martin DBS

The 2024 Aston Martin DBS represents the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s grand touring prowess, offering a blend of breathtaking performance and handcrafted luxury. It’s powered by a potent 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, producing a staggering 759 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. This engine is exclusively paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the DBS is lauded for its stunning design, exhilarating performance, and opulent interior, some owners have voiced concerns about certain aspects, including electrical gremlins and occasional software glitches. Reliability issues and high maintenance costs are also commonly cited as drawbacks.

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (usually a Mercedes-Benz sourced system) occasionally freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes entirely. This can affect navigation, audio, and vehicle settings.
  • Solution: A software update from the dealership can sometimes resolve the issue. In more severe cases, replacement of the head unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $500+ (depending on warranty coverage and if a replacement head unit is needed, which can be very expensive)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Tire Pressure Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty readings or outright failure of parking sensors or the tire pressure monitoring system. This can result in inaccurate warnings or no warnings at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor. Requires diagnostic testing to identify the specific sensor causing the problem.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ per sensor (depending on location and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Trunk Lid Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Automatic trunk lid not opening or closing correctly; gets stuck, requires excessive force, or fails entirely.
  • Solution: Check for obstructions, lubricate hinges, check for proper hydraulic fluid level. If the problem persists, have the motor or hydraulic components inspected and/or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Leather Shrinkage/Delamination
  • Description/Symptoms: Leather on dashboard or door panels shrinking or delaminating from the underlying material. Especially noticeable in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Professional re-wrapping or replacement of the affected leather panel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ (depending on the extent of the damage and the panel involved)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Stitching Coming Undone
  • Description/Symptoms: Stitching on interior leather panels comes undone or frays.
  • Solution: Professional repair of the stitching or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Engine

5.2L Twin-Turbocharged V12

• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Pan)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks originating from the valve cover gaskets or the oil pan. This can result in oil spots under the car and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gasket or resealing the oil pan.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ (depending on the location and complexity of the repair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noises, loss of power, or boost fluctuations that may be due to issues with the turbochargers.
  • Solution: Inspect the turbochargers for damage or leaks, and replace or repair as necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000-$6000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts, particularly at lower speeds. Hesitation or delays when accelerating or downshifting.
  • Solution: Check transmission fluid level and condition. A software update or a transmission service (fluid and filter change) may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body issues or internal damage may require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $8,000+ (depending on the severity of the issue and the necessary repairs)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2024 Aston Martin DBS, while a remarkable vehicle, exhibits some recurring issues. Electrical glitches with the infotainment system and sensors seem to be the most frequent complaints. Oil leaks from the engine and rough shifting from the transmission are also notable concerns. The severity and cost of these issues can vary significantly, with some being relatively minor and easily addressed with software updates or sensor replacements, while others may require more extensive and expensive repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor in higher-than-average maintenance costs when considering a DBS.