Aston Martin · 2004-2016
DB9
Known issues.
The DB9 is a mature, useable V12 GT, but most examples are now old enough for age-related faults to matter as much as mileage. Cooling, ignition, and water ingress are the headline areas to watch. Factory campaigns and published service prices added on 27 October 2026 are sourced on this page. A campaign describes the cars it names, not a fault rate for every example.
What to watch forLiving with the DB9
Ownership snapshot
The healthiest DB9s are used frequently enough to keep seals, batteries, and fluids alive, but not run on a shoestring. A thick history file is worth more than cosmetic perfection.
Indicative service and repair costs
These are published menu figures from the named page, retrieved on the date shown. They are not a quote for a particular car, and extra diagnosis or parts change the bill.
| Item | Published price | VAT | Retrieved | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual service, DB9 V12, 2004–2015Air filters £242 + VAT, differential oil £343 + VAT and pollen filters £120 + VAT. Gearbox oil on this row is POA. | £653 + VAT | excluding VAT | Aston Martin V8 and V12 servicing — McGurk Performance Cars | |
| 10,000-mile service, V12 (1999–2016) menuThe V12 (2004–2016) parts menu lists spark plugs at £1,200 including VAT and front pads and discs from £995. | £790 | including VAT | Independent Aston Martin servicing — Aston Workshop | |
| First annual service on the shared V12-era menuThe DB9 is named on this Sytner menu. The tenth service is £1,195 including VAT. | £975 | including VAT | Aston Martin fixed-price servicing — Sytner Aston Martin |
What to watch for
14 issues01Cooling system ageing and thermostat complaints
Temperature creeping in traffic, weak cabin heat, or coolant level changes without an obvious external leak.
All DB9 years, especially older cars on original hoses, expansion components, or thermostats.
Cooling system ageing and thermostat complaints
Temperature creeping in traffic, weak cabin heat, or coolant level changes without an obvious external leak.
All DB9 years, especially older cars on original hoses, expansion components, or thermostats.
- Driveability
- Stop driving if the temperature climbs unexpectedly or coolant loss is obvious.
- DIY or specialist
- Inspection only for owners. Repair work is specialist territory.
Early warning signs
- The temperature gauge moves more in traffic than it used to
- Coolant smell after a hot run
- Evidence of dried coolant staining around hoses or joints
Likely root causes
- Ageing hoses and seals
- Thermostat sticking or slow to react
- Cooling system components nearing the end of their service life
Typical cost context
- A hose or thermostat job can be moderate if caught early.
- An overheating event with follow-on diagnosis is far more expensive and should be avoided.
Prevention
- Inspect the cooling system annually, not only when the gauge moves.
- Keep old coolant service records in mind instead of assuming low mileage means low risk.
- Treat any coolant smell seriously.
02Coil, plug, and vacuum-related rough running
Slight misfire, uneven idle, sluggish part-throttle response, or emissions-related warning lights.
Across the range, especially ageing cars or cars used mostly for short trips.
Coil, plug, and vacuum-related rough running
Slight misfire, uneven idle, sluggish part-throttle response, or emissions-related warning lights.
Across the range, especially ageing cars or cars used mostly for short trips.
- Driveability
- Gentle driving may be possible, but do not ignore persistent misfire or emissions warnings.
- DIY or specialist
- Basic checks are realistic; diagnosis and deeper access are usually better with a specialist.
Early warning signs
- Hot idle becomes slightly lumpy
- The car feels less smooth under gentle acceleration
- Stored mixture or misfire codes appear before the warning becomes permanent
Likely root causes
- Ageing ignition components
- Vacuum hose leaks or brittle rubber lines
- General tune-up items left beyond sensible age
Typical cost context
- A straightforward ignition refresh is usually a medium-cost job.
- Long diagnostic time rises if multiple small age-related faults overlap.
Prevention
- Refresh ignition service items on age as well as mileage.
- Inspect brittle hoses during routine maintenance.
- Do not keep clearing a warning without identifying the cause.
03Water ingress around door and boot seals
Musty cabin smell, damp carpets, condensation, or electronic oddities after heavy rain.
Older coupes and Volantes, especially cars stored outside or infrequently checked.
Water ingress around door and boot seals
Musty cabin smell, damp carpets, condensation, or electronic oddities after heavy rain.
Older coupes and Volantes, especially cars stored outside or infrequently checked.
- Driveability
- Usually driveable, but damp electrical areas can create wider faults if ignored.
- DIY or specialist
- Inspection and drain cleaning are owner-safe. Persistent leaks usually need specialist attention.
Early warning signs
- Light fogging inside the car after rain
- Boot trim feels slightly damp
- Drain holes show signs of blockage
Likely root causes
- Aged or poorly seated seals
- Blocked drains
- Previous body or glass work not finished properly
Typical cost context
- Cleaning drains and reseating trim is relatively minor.
- Interior drying and electrical fault tracing raise costs quickly if left too long.
Prevention
- Keep drains clear and seals clean.
- Investigate cabin condensation early.
- Do not store wet carpets inside the car.
04Touchtronic shift quality decline from overdue service or adaptation drift
Lazy or abrupt shifts, hesitation when selecting drive, or a gearbox that feels less smooth than it should.
Touchtronic cars, especially those with patchy fluid history.
Touchtronic shift quality decline from overdue service or adaptation drift
Lazy or abrupt shifts, hesitation when selecting drive, or a gearbox that feels less smooth than it should.
Touchtronic cars, especially those with patchy fluid history.
- Driveability
- Usually driveable if shifts are merely poor, but avoid repeated harsh manoeuvres and investigate early.
- DIY or specialist
- Garage-only for meaningful diagnosis and service.
Early warning signs
- Cold shifts feel reluctant
- The gearbox seems to pause longer than normal when manoeuvring
- Previous owners describe the behaviour as 'normal' without service evidence
Likely root causes
- Aged fluid or missed service interval
- Adaptation values drifting over time
- Underlying electrical or low-voltage issues
Typical cost context
- A fluid service and recalibration is far cheaper than waiting for a major gearbox complaint.
- Hard faults or repeated adaptation failures raise the bill sharply.
Prevention
- Maintain fluid service history even if mileage is low.
- Keep battery voltage strong.
- Do not normalise poor shift quality on a test drive.
Sources
- SB-19-0392V2: Ground Cable Modification for the Automatic Transmission — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
05Seat heaters may not switch off
On the affected cars, the electronic control module for the driver and front passenger seat heaters may fail, so the heaters cannot be turned off.
Certain 2006–2014 DB9 cars manufactured from 3 July 2006 to 5 November 2014, as named in RA-01-0019.
Seat heaters may not switch off
On the affected cars, the electronic control module for the driver and front passenger seat heaters may fail, so the heaters cannot be turned off.
Certain 2006–2014 DB9 cars manufactured from 3 July 2006 to 5 November 2014, as named in RA-01-0019.
- Driveability
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- A seat stays hot after the heater control is switched off
- A hot seat with no deliberate heater request
Likely root causes
- Failure of the seat-heater electronic control module, as described in recall RA-01-0019.
Typical cost context
- Where the published campaign applies, the remedy is described as free of charge. That does not cover a vehicle outside the VIN list, or other work found at the same visit.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- RA-01-0019: Seat Heaters may Overheat — NHTSA manufacturer recall report; checked 2026-10-27.
06Throttle pedal arm may break
Aston Martin recalled certain cars because a manufacturing error can allow the throttle pedal arm to break.
RA-03-0016 names DB9 cars manufactured from 14 May 2012 to 10 April 2013. RA-03-0017 names 2008–2014 DB9 cars. Confirm the VIN.
Throttle pedal arm may break
Aston Martin recalled certain cars because a manufacturing error can allow the throttle pedal arm to break.
RA-03-0016 names DB9 cars manufactured from 14 May 2012 to 10 April 2013. RA-03-0017 names 2008–2014 DB9 cars. Confirm the VIN.
- Driveability
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- A change in pedal feel
- The pedal no longer returns normally
Likely root causes
- Incorrect material specification of the throttle pedal arm, as described in the named recall.
Typical cost context
- Where the published campaign applies, the remedy is described as free of charge. That does not cover a vehicle outside the VIN list, or other work found at the same visit.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- RA-03-0016: Throttle Pedal Lever - Incorrect Material Specification — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
- RA-03-0017: Throttle Pedal Lever - Incorrect Material Specification and Adjustment of the Footwell Scuff-Plate on Left Hand Steering Vehicles — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
07Double-locked doors may not open from inside
On the affected cars, the interior door unlocking mechanism may not work after the vehicle has been locked from the outside.
Certain 2010–2015 DB9 cars, as named in RA-01-0021.
Double-locked doors may not open from inside
On the affected cars, the interior door unlocking mechanism may not work after the vehicle has been locked from the outside.
Certain 2010–2015 DB9 cars, as named in RA-01-0021.
- Driveability
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- A door that will not release from the inside after an exterior lock
- A double-lock function that does not match the expected behaviour
Likely root causes
- The interior unlocking mechanism may not function when the car was locked from outside, as described in recall RA-01-0021.
Typical cost context
- Where the published campaign applies, the remedy is described as free of charge. That does not cover a vehicle outside the VIN list, or other work found at the same visit.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- RA-01-0021: Double-Locked Doors cannot be Opened/FMVSS 206 — NHTSA manufacturer recall report; checked 2026-10-27.
08Touchtronic II park pawl may not engage
Recall RA-07-0028 covers certain 2009–2016 DB9 cars with the six-speed Touchtronic II automatic. A communication error between the engine and transmission control modules can leave the park pawl disengaged.
Certain 2009–2016 DB9 cars with six-speed Touchtronic II. Also named for 2009–2012 DBS, 2010–2015 Rapide, 2012 Virage and 2014 Vanquish.
Touchtronic II park pawl may not engage
Recall RA-07-0028 covers certain 2009–2016 DB9 cars with the six-speed Touchtronic II automatic. A communication error between the engine and transmission control modules can leave the park pawl disengaged.
Certain 2009–2016 DB9 cars with six-speed Touchtronic II. Also named for 2009–2012 DBS, 2010–2015 Rapide, 2012 Virage and 2014 Vanquish.
- Driveability
- Do not rely on Park until the campaign has been checked. Use the parking brake and a level surface, and follow the owner notice.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- The car can move when Park is selected
- A warning related to the transmission or park lock
Likely root causes
- A communication error between the engine control module and the transmission control module.
Typical cost context
- Where the published campaign applies, the remedy is described as free of charge. That does not cover a vehicle outside the VIN list, or other work found at the same visit.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- RA-07-0028: 6-Speed Touchtronic II Automatic Transmission Park Lock Problem — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
09Automatic transmission may shift to neutral
Recall RA-07-0018 covers certain 2014 DB9 Coupé and Volante cars, and Rapide S cars, manufactured from June 2013 to July 2014 with an automatic transmission. A faulty circuit board can let the transmission shift to neutral without driver input.
Automatic DB9 Coupé and Volante cars manufactured from June 2013 to July 2014.
Automatic transmission may shift to neutral
Recall RA-07-0018 covers certain 2014 DB9 Coupé and Volante cars, and Rapide S cars, manufactured from June 2013 to July 2014 with an automatic transmission. A faulty circuit board can let the transmission shift to neutral without driver input.
Automatic DB9 Coupé and Volante cars manufactured from June 2013 to July 2014.
- Driveability
- Stop using the car if drive drops out, and ask a dealer to check RA-07-0018 against the VIN.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- A shift to neutral with no selector input
- A sudden loss of drive
Likely root causes
- A faulty circuit board in the affected transmissions.
Typical cost context
- Where the published campaign applies, the remedy is described as free of charge. That does not cover a vehicle outside the VIN list, or other work found at the same visit.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- RA-07-0018: Transmission Shift To Neutral — NHTSA manufacturer recall report; checked 2026-10-27.
10Battery supply cable can be damaged by the seat
Recall RA-18-0026 covers certain 2005–2009 DB9 and DBS cars. The battery supply cable may be damaged when the driver’s seat is moved fully rearward.
Certain 2005–2009 DB9 cars, and DBS cars of the same stated years.
Battery supply cable can be damaged by the seat
Recall RA-18-0026 covers certain 2005–2009 DB9 and DBS cars. The battery supply cable may be damaged when the driver’s seat is moved fully rearward.
Certain 2005–2009 DB9 cars, and DBS cars of the same stated years.
- Driveability
- If the car loses electrical power or there are signs of cable damage, stop and have it checked. Do not keep forcing the seat through a damaged cable.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- Electrical faults after the seat has been moved fully back
- Damage or rubbing at the cable where the seat travels
Likely root causes
- The battery supply cable routing can be damaged by the seat at full rearward travel.
Typical cost context
- Where the published campaign applies, the remedy is described as free of charge. That does not cover a vehicle outside the VIN list, or other work found at the same visit.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- RA-18-0026: Change to the Battery Supply Cable Routing — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
11Front lower suspension-arm cam bolts
Recall RA-04-0014 covers certain 2007–2008 DB9 Coupé and Volante cars in North America. The front bottom suspension-arm cam bolt could crack along its shank and allow the lower control arm to move.
Certain 2007–2008 DB9 Coupé and Volante cars. The record is marked North America only.
Front lower suspension-arm cam bolts
Recall RA-04-0014 covers certain 2007–2008 DB9 Coupé and Volante cars in North America. The front bottom suspension-arm cam bolt could crack along its shank and allow the lower control arm to move.
Certain 2007–2008 DB9 Coupé and Volante cars. The record is marked North America only.
- Driveability
- Have a suspected cracked suspension bolt checked before further use.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- A change in steering or tracking
- A knock from the front suspension
Likely root causes
- A front lower suspension-arm cam bolt that could crack along its shank.
Typical cost context
- Where the published campaign applies, the remedy is described as free of charge. That does not cover a vehicle outside the VIN list, or other work found at the same visit.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- RA-04-0014: Front Bottom Suspension Arm Cam-bolts - North America Only — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
12Gear-change cables can leave the bracket
The record for TSB-02-81 says the gear-change cables are held in a bracket above the transaxle by spring-loaded sleeves. If a cable comes out of the bracket, some gears cannot be selected. The record also names the DBS and V8 Vantage, and it does not list model years.
DB9, DBS and V8 Vantage, with no model years listed in the archived summary.
Gear-change cables can leave the bracket
The record for TSB-02-81 says the gear-change cables are held in a bracket above the transaxle by spring-loaded sleeves. If a cable comes out of the bracket, some gears cannot be selected. The record also names the DBS and V8 Vantage, and it does not list model years.
DB9, DBS and V8 Vantage, with no model years listed in the archived summary.
- Driveability
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- One or more gears cannot be selected
- The gear lever moves without the expected engagement
Likely root causes
- A gear-change cable leaving its spring-loaded sleeve in the bracket above the transaxle.
Typical cost context
- No retail price is stated in the archived summary.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- TSB-02-81: Gear-Change Cable Retention (NHTSA record 10028144) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; checked 2026-10-27.
13Fuel tank difficult to fill
Service bulletin SB-10-0409V2 is titled as a fuel-filling problem. The factory header names DB9, DBS, Virage and Vanquish Volante. The archived public summary does not describe the cause.
DB9, DBS, Virage and Vanquish Volante, as named in the factory header. No finer year split is in the summary.
Fuel tank difficult to fill
Service bulletin SB-10-0409V2 is titled as a fuel-filling problem. The factory header names DB9, DBS, Virage and Vanquish Volante. The archived public summary does not describe the cause.
DB9, DBS, Virage and Vanquish Volante, as named in the factory header. No finer year split is in the summary.
- Driveability
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- The archived public summary does not list a separate owner symptom beyond the document title and applicability note.
Likely root causes
- This card does not add a cause that the archived summary does not state.
Typical cost context
- No retail price is stated.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- SB-10-0409V2: Fuel Filling Problem — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
14Incorrect differential oil level from production
Quarantine notice QN-07-0016 says an incorrect quantity of oil was put in the differential during production. The factory model field names Vanquish and DB9 2014 model year, automatic transmission only.
2014 model year automatic DB9, and the equivalent Vanquish cars named in the notice. Refer to the VIN appendix.
Incorrect differential oil level from production
Quarantine notice QN-07-0016 says an incorrect quantity of oil was put in the differential during production. The factory model field names Vanquish and DB9 2014 model year, automatic transmission only.
2014 model year automatic DB9, and the equivalent Vanquish cars named in the notice. Refer to the VIN appendix.
- Driveability
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- Differential noise or a low oil level found at a service
- The notice itself does not list an owner symptom
Likely root causes
- The wrong quantity of differential oil was installed in production.
Typical cost context
- No retail price is stated. McGurk lists a DB9 differential oil change at £343 + VAT, which is a menu service and not this production check. Retrieved 27 October 2026.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- QN-07-0016: Incorrect Oil Level for the Differential — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
No matching issues
Try a different symptom or severity.
Severity reflects potential impact, not fault frequency. Diagnosis and regional labour rates affect the final repair cost.
Sources and research
The sources below were checked on the dates shown. They support what this page says about the car. They do not show how often a fault occurs, or the condition of one particular vehicle. Where a build year, production total or service figure is still uncertain, confirm it against the factory record and the VIN.
- Aston Martin V8 and V12 servicing — McGurk Performance Cars. Checked .
- Independent Aston Martin servicing — Aston Workshop. Checked .
- Aston Martin fixed-price servicing — Sytner Aston Martin. Checked .
Frequently asked questions
What is the smartest first inspection on a DB9?
Cooling system condition, battery health, and evidence of regular service work. Those three quickly tell you whether the car has been looked after properly.
Are DB9 issues usually age-related or mileage-related?
Age-related faults are often the bigger story now, especially on low-mileage cars that have spent long periods stored.
Are the prices on this page a quote?
No. They are menu figures from the named specialist or dealer page, retrieved on 27 October 2026, with VAT labelled only as that page states it. A workshop can change a figure, and any extra diagnosis or parts are extra.