Aston Martin DB9 6.0 V12 Mk1

This is arguably the most common significant issue on the DB9 V12. The gasket between the engine block and the timing chain cover fails with age, allowing oil to weep and eventually drip. The repair cost is almost entirely labor: the front subframe must be partially dismantled to access the timing cover, requiring 12-20 hours of work. Aston Martin dealers typically quote around €4,000-4,500, while independent specialists charge approximately €3,000. Parts cost is modest (around €300 for gaskets and sealant). Many owners tolerate minor seepage by monitoring the oil level, but significant leaks can contaminate the accessory drive belts. The leak can reappear after several years as the new gasket ages. Pre-2009 cars are most commonly affected.

The V12 uses 12 individual ignition coil packs. Failures cause misfires, rough running, and engine management lights. The coils themselves are not expensive (around €30-50 each using aftermarket Jaguar-compatible units, or €80-100 each for OEM), but accessing them requires removal of both intake manifolds. This makes labor the primary cost driver: getting the manifolds off and back on costs around €1,000-1,200 in labor alone at a specialist, before parts. A full set of 12 coils and spark plugs costs approximately €600-800 in parts. Most specialists recommend replacing all 12 coils and plugs simultaneously to avoid repeated disassembly. Coil failures typically begin around 60,000-80,000 km.

This is a near-universal issue affecting the DB9 and V8 Vantage. The adhesive silicone bead was applied at the factory as a dashed line with gaps, and lights were often overtightened during assembly, cracking the seal with no visual damage. Once water enters, it corrodes the LED circuit boards, causing individual LED sections to fail. A replacement taillight from Aston Martin costs approximately €1,000-2,000 per lamp. However, specialist repair shops can rebuild the LED assemblies for €150-500 per light. A common preventive fix is drilling small drainage holes in the bottom of the housing and resealing with clear silicone. Aston Martin issued service bulletin SB0286 acknowledging the problem but never provided a permanent factory solution. Later production taillights (post-2012) have improved sealing.

The V12 cooling system is complex and early cars (2004-2008) are most susceptible. Radiators can deform and eventually crack, hoses develop bulges and cracks, and thermostat gaskets deteriorate after 5-7 years. A failed thermostat that sticks closed causes overheating, while one stuck open prevents the engine from reaching operating temperature. Checking the thermostat and cooling fans during a pre-purchase inspection is essential. A new OEM radiator costs approximately €800-1,200, with labor of 3-5 hours. Thermostat replacement is more modest at €300-500. A complete coolant system overhaul (new radiator, hoses, thermostat, coolant) runs approximately €1,500-2,500 at a specialist.

Early DB9s use Multimatic dampers that are known to develop oil leaks and valving problems with age. Symptoms include a noticeably softer or bouncy ride on the affected corner, and visible oil misting on the damper body. OEM replacement dampers from Aston Martin cost approximately €500-800 each. Several owners have upgraded to Bilstein B4 or B6 aftermarket units, which are significantly cheaper (€40-200 each) and offer improved durability, though ride quality may differ from the original specification. A full set of four dampers fitted at a specialist costs approximately €1,500-2,000 with OEM-quality units, or up to €3,500 at a dealer with factory parts. Many owners consider Bilstein conversions a permanent improvement over the original Multimatic dampers.

The electronic door control modules cause erratic behavior: windows not operating, one door locking while the other unlocks, or the interior door handle not releasing. Pre-2010 cars are most affected. A recall for 2010-2015 models addressed the interior door unlocking mechanism that could trap occupants when the car was locked from outside. Dealer replacement of both door modules runs approximately €2,000-3,000 (modules must be replaced in pairs as updated units are incompatible with older ones). Independent specialists can often resolve the issue for €500-1,000. A temporary workaround is pulling and resetting the relevant fuse.

The DB9 has a well-documented high parasitic draw that will flatten a battery within 1-2 weeks if the car is not driven regularly. The factory-fitted Eurowatch tracker exacerbates this problem significantly when its internal battery fails, increasing parasitic draw from a normal 8 mA to over 300 mA. The failing tracker can also randomly prevent the car from starting. Aston Martin no longer uses Eurowatch because of these problems. The solution is to have a specialist disable or remove the tracker (approximately €150-250 including reflash), as simply pulling the fuse prevents the car from starting. A quality trickle charger (CTEK MXS 5.0 or 7.0) is considered essential equipment for any DB9 that is not driven daily.

A recall (RA-14-0013) affects DB9 models manufactured between July 2006 and November 2014. The electronic control module for the driver and front passenger seat heaters can fail, preventing the heaters from being turned off. If the module fails, the seat could overheat and smolder, creating a burn risk. The recall remedy installs an additional safety module that interrupts power if the control module fails. This repair is free under the recall, but if it was never completed, the additional module and installation cost approximately €300-800. Always verify this recall has been completed.