Aston Martin · 2007-2012
DBS
Known issues.
The DBS shares much with the DB9 but with more brake and tyre load, more heat, and fewer owners willing to use the car hard enough to expose issues early. Consumables and cooling should be watched closely. 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 DBS
Ownership snapshot
A well-used, well-serviced DBS is often a calmer ownership proposition than a static one that has spent years on show. The car does not like neglect disguised as preservation.
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, DBS / DBS Superleggera, 2007–2024McGurk prints one row for both the 2007–2012 DBS and the later Superleggera. Air filters £242 + VAT, differential oil £343 + VAT and pollen filters £120 + VAT. Gearbox oil is POA. | £653 + VAT | excluding VAT | Aston Martin V8 and V12 servicing — McGurk Performance Cars | |
| First annual service, DBS (2007–2014) on the shared menuThe tenth service on that shared menu is £1,195 including VAT. | £975 | including VAT | Aston Martin fixed-price servicing — Sytner Aston Martin | |
| 10,000-mile service, V12 (1999–2016) menuThis is the V12 menu, not a DBS-only column. | £790 | including VAT | Independent Aston Martin servicing — Aston Workshop |
What to watch for
13 issues01Brake wear and judder under fast-road use
Shudder under braking, pulsing pedal, or reduced confidence after a few heavy stops.
All DBS variants, especially cars driven enthusiastically.
Brake wear and judder under fast-road use
Shudder under braking, pulsing pedal, or reduced confidence after a few heavy stops.
All DBS variants, especially cars driven enthusiastically.
- Driveability
- Stop hard use immediately if vibration is obvious.
- DIY or specialist
- Inspection only for most owners; proper correction is specialist work.
Early warning signs
- Front axle feels busy under motorway-speed braking
- Pad wear accelerates faster than expected
- Discs show heavy lipping or surface cracking
Likely root causes
- Heavy brake load from a fast, heavy GT
- Fluid not fresh enough for use pattern
- Pads and discs nearing the end of their useful life
Typical cost context
- Inspection and fluid service are manageable.
- Full axle consumables are firmly a high-cost ownership item.
Prevention
- Inspect brakes before long trips and any spirited road event.
- Do not stretch fluid intervals.
- Avoid ignoring a slight pulse that is clearly getting worse.
02Battery weakness and low-voltage side effects
Stored warnings, poor cranking, or random behaviour in comfort and convenience systems.
All years, particularly on collector-owned cars.
Battery weakness and low-voltage side effects
Stored warnings, poor cranking, or random behaviour in comfort and convenience systems.
All years, particularly on collector-owned cars.
- Driveability
- Usually manageable, but repeated poor starts should be fixed promptly.
- DIY or specialist
- DIY-safe for testing and tender care.
Early warning signs
- The car needs a tender to stay happy even after use
- The battery is several years old but still being trusted
- Starting speed falls off noticeably in colder weather
Likely root causes
- Old battery
- Low-use storage pattern
- Charging or earth connection issues
Typical cost context
- Battery replacement is cheap insurance compared with chasing false faults.
- Charging-system diagnosis adds cost but is still minor compared with other DBS jobs.
Prevention
- Use a tender as standard.
- Replace weak batteries before winter.
- Check charging output when the car is serviced.
03Cooling system age-related weakness
Temperature rise in traffic, coolant smell, or signs of staining around cooling components.
All cars as they age.
Cooling system age-related weakness
Temperature rise in traffic, coolant smell, or signs of staining around cooling components.
All cars as they age.
- Driveability
- Stop driving if temperature climbs or coolant loss is obvious.
- DIY or specialist
- Inspection only. Repairs are specialist territory.
Early warning signs
- Coolant level changes between services
- The fan runs frequently in moderate traffic
- Heat soak seems to affect restart behaviour
Likely root causes
- Ageing hoses or seals
- Thermostat and cooling component wear
- Neglected cooling service history
Typical cost context
- Preventative hose and thermostat work is far cheaper than an overheating event.
- Overheating with follow-on engine concerns becomes a major ownership event.
Prevention
- Treat cooling components as age-related service items.
- Do not dismiss occasional coolant smell.
- Inspect the system annually.
04Tyre age and rear-axle harshness from neglected driveline mounts
Rear-end clunk, driveline take-up harshness, or a car that feels coarse at low speed.
More common on older, little-used cars.
Tyre age and rear-axle harshness from neglected driveline mounts
Rear-end clunk, driveline take-up harshness, or a car that feels coarse at low speed.
More common on older, little-used cars.
- Driveability
- Usually driveable, but harsh driveline take-up should not be ignored.
- DIY or specialist
- Inspection is safe; corrective work should be specialist-led.
Early warning signs
- A small thunk appears when taking up drive
- The car feels tighter on fresh tyres but still unsettled over broken surfaces
- Mounts and bushes look original despite age
Likely root causes
- Driveline mount wear
- Rear suspension bush age
- Tyres hardened with age
Typical cost context
- Diagnosis and selective bush work can be moderate.
- A wider rear suspension refresh raises the bill.
Prevention
- Use tyre date codes, not only tread depth, to judge condition.
- Inspect rear mounts and bushes during annual service.
- Deal with the first clunk before it becomes the car's 'character'.
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 DBS cars within the 3 July 2006 to 5 November 2014 window named in RA-01-0019. This page is the 2007–2012 DBS, not the later DBS Superleggera.
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 DBS cars within the 3 July 2006 to 5 November 2014 window named in RA-01-0019. This page is the 2007–2012 DBS, not the later DBS Superleggera.
- 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.
06Front lower suspension-arm cam bolts
Recall RA-04-0014 covers certain 2007–2008 DBS Coupé cars in North America, together with the same-era DB9 and V8 Vantage. The front bottom suspension-arm cam bolt could crack along its shank and allow the lower control arm to move.
Certain 2007–2008 DBS Coupé cars. The record is marked North America only.
Front lower suspension-arm cam bolts
Recall RA-04-0014 covers certain 2007–2008 DBS Coupé cars in North America, together with the same-era DB9 and V8 Vantage. The front bottom suspension-arm cam bolt could crack along its shank and allow the lower control arm to move.
Certain 2007–2008 DBS Coupé 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.
07Battery 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 DBS cars in the 2005–2009 range named by RA-18-0026. The DBS generation on this page is 2007–2012, so only the overlap can apply.
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 DBS cars in the 2005–2009 range named by RA-18-0026. The DBS generation on this page is 2007–2012, so only the overlap can apply.
- Driveability
- Stop if electrical power is lost or the cable is visibly damaged.
- 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 where the seat travel meets the cable
Likely root causes
- Battery supply cable routing that can be damaged at full rearward seat 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.
08Touchtronic II park pawl may not engage
Recall RA-07-0028 covers certain 2009–2012 DBS cars with the six-speed Touchtronic II automatic. A communication error between the engine and transmission modules can leave the park pawl disengaged.
Certain 2009–2012 DBS cars with six-speed Touchtronic II.
Touchtronic II park pawl may not engage
Recall RA-07-0028 covers certain 2009–2012 DBS cars with the six-speed Touchtronic II automatic. A communication error between the engine and transmission modules can leave the park pawl disengaged.
Certain 2009–2012 DBS cars with six-speed Touchtronic II.
- Driveability
- Do not rely on Park until the VIN has been checked against the campaign.
- 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
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.
09Double-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 2010–2012 DBS 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 2010–2012 DBS 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.
10Throttle pedal arm may break
Aston Martin recalled certain cars because a manufacturing error can allow the throttle pedal arm to break.
RA-03-0017 names 2009–2012 DBS cars. The RA-03-0016 summary retrieved from the archive names DB9, Virage, V8 Vantage, V12 Vantage and Rapide, so this card uses RA-03-0017 for the DBS.
Throttle pedal arm may break
Aston Martin recalled certain cars because a manufacturing error can allow the throttle pedal arm to break.
RA-03-0017 names 2009–2012 DBS cars. The RA-03-0016 summary retrieved from the archive names DB9, Virage, V8 Vantage, V12 Vantage and Rapide, so this card uses RA-03-0017 for the DBS.
- 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-03-0017: Throttle Pedal Lever - Incorrect Material Specification and Adjustment of the Footwell Scuff-Plate on Left Hand Steering Vehicles — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
11Gear-change cables can leave the bracket
TSB-02-81 says gear-change cables held by spring-loaded sleeves can come out of the bracket above the transaxle, after which some gears cannot be selected. The record also names DB9 and V8 Vantage.
DBS, with no model years listed in the archived summary.
Gear-change cables can leave the bracket
TSB-02-81 says gear-change cables held by spring-loaded sleeves can come out of the bracket above the transaxle, after which some gears cannot be selected. The record also names DB9 and V8 Vantage.
DBS, 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
- Some gears cannot be selected
Likely root causes
- A gear-change cable leaving the bracket above the transaxle.
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
- TSB-02-81: Gear-Change Cable Retention (NHTSA record 10028144) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; checked 2026-10-27.
12Automatic transmission wiring harness
TSB-18-0292 says some DBS automatic cars have a transmission harness that can become defective because of a manufacturing fault. The record says the failure does not occur frequently, and that an overlay harness has been made. No model years are listed.
Some DBS automatic cars. No model years are listed.
Automatic transmission wiring harness
TSB-18-0292 says some DBS automatic cars have a transmission harness that can become defective because of a manufacturing fault. The record says the failure does not occur frequently, and that an overlay harness has been made. No model years are listed.
Some DBS automatic cars. No model years are listed.
- 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 transmission electrical fault
- The record does not list a specific warning message
Likely root causes
- A manufacturing fault in the transmission electrical harness on some automatic DBS cars.
Typical cost context
- No retail price is stated. The record says the failure is not frequent.
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-18-0292: DBS Automatic Transmission Wiring Harness (NHTSA record 10034808) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; checked 2026-10-27.
13Fuel tank difficult to fill
SB-10-0409V2 records a fuel-filling problem. The factory header names DB9, DBS, Virage and Vanquish Volante. The archived summary does not describe the cause.
DBS, as named in the factory header, with no finer split in the summary.
Fuel tank difficult to fill
SB-10-0409V2 records a fuel-filling problem. The factory header names DB9, DBS, Virage and Vanquish Volante. The archived summary does not describe the cause.
DBS, as named in the factory header, with no finer split 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.
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 .
- Aston Martin fixed-price servicing — Sytner Aston Martin. Checked .
- Independent Aston Martin servicing — Aston Workshop. Checked .
Frequently asked questions
What makes the DBS costlier than a DB9 to keep right?
Mostly the performance envelope. The DBS tends to use tyres, brakes, and sometimes clutches harder, and buyers often pay more to keep cosmetic details correct.
Should buyers be wary of low-mileage DBS cars?
Yes, for the same reason as other older Astons: inactivity can hide weak batteries, stale fluids, and age-related faults.
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.