Own an Aston Martin? These 5 Repairs Will Shock You

What's it really like to own an Aston Martin? The answer is- it’s a dream. The build quality, the design expertise and the sheer presence of the things all combine to make what are already remarkable vehicles into truly unforgettable experiences. But there’s a price and we’re not just talking about the upfront cost of the thing. Working out the actual cost of ownership of an Aston is a bit of an exercise in itself, but one thing is fairly certain: servicing and maintaining a car like this is not quite the same as, say, a super-moistured Skoda.

Maintenance and repairs are inevitably a large part of the ownership experience for any Aston Martin but with a little knowledge of what work is required, why it is necessary, the extent of the job and how best to prepare for it, an owner can be far better equipped to manage their car and make the right decisions. 

This guide highlights the five most common repairs that will be required and is particularly recommended for potential buyers who want to gain an understanding of the realities of AM ownership and for current owners looking to improve their knowledge of common issues and how to deal with them.

1. Suspension Wear & Adaptive Damper Failure

High performance luxury cars are designed with precise handling. Suspension systems in these cars are adjusted in order to achieve a balance between comfort and high performance. This is true with the new line of Aston Martin DB11 and Vantage models.

Why It Happens

• Performance tuned suspension components wear faster.
• Adaptive dampers are electronically controlled and more complex.
• Rough road conditions accelerate wear.
• Aggressive driving or track use increases stress.

Common Symptoms

• Clunking noises over bumps
• Uneven tire wear
• Warning lights related to suspension
• Reduced ride comfort

What Makes It Expensive?

Aston Martin suspension components are made to exacting standards and in some cases are model specific. Because these parts are designed for a bespoke production vehicle they are not always compatible with mass produced Aftermarket models. Therefore items such as adaptive dampers, bushings and control arms are not compatible with standard off the shelf production vehicles.

How to Prevent It

• Try to avoid potholes and harsh road conditions whenever possible.
• Perform alignment checks annually.
• Replace worn bushings early before damaging other components.
• Consider upgraded performance bushings if you drive aggressively.

2. Brake System Replacement (Especially Carbon Ceramic)

Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) are a proven technology in which Aston Martin has extensive experience. Indeed braking performance is a key element in any high performance car and is present right across the Aston Martin product range- from the V8 Vantage to the DBS Superleggera.

Why It Happens

• High-performance braking systems generate extreme heat.
• Carbon ceramic rotors wear over time.
• Heavy driving- specially in city traffic or track use, accelerates wear.

Common Symptoms

• Squealing or grinding noises
• Vibration during braking
• Increased stopping distance
• Visible wear on rotors

Why It Shocks Owners

Carbon ceramic brake replacements can be substantially more expensive than traditional steel rotors. Even on lower spec models, the cost of OEM brake parts is heavily influenced by material costs and by the brand name.

How to Reduce Costs

• Avoid aggressive braking usage.
• Replace brake pads before they excessively wear rotors.
• Check braking components at every service interval.

3. Electrical System & Sensor Issues

Modern Aston Martins are electronic manufacturing vessels, being the home to thousands of components including entertainment systems, driving modes, sensors and electronic control modules.

Well, all that electronic kit is much the same as that used in some very expensive German numberplates we have seen, such as those used in the new Aston Martin DBX.

Why It Happens

• Heat exposure under the hood
• Aging wiring or connectors
• Software glitches
• Sensor calibration issues

Common Problems

• Infotainment malfunctions
• Dashboard warning lights
• Parking sensor failures
• Battery drain issues

Why It’s Costly

Some diagnostic tests will require the use of some special test tools. Some control modules and sensors may also need to be replaced and may require reprogramming and the use of the dealer computer.

Prevention Tips

• Keep battery health monitored.
• Avoid aftermarket electrical modifications without professional guidance.
• Update software when available.
• Address warning lights immediately.
  

4. Oil Leaks & Engine Gasket Wear

All of our Aston Martin engine work is carried out with the primary goal of maintaining the artistry and balance of power and refinement that these incredible engines offer. As with all modern cars, as the miles accumulate the gaskets that seal the engine components start to fail and inevitably the engine will begin to leak oil.

Some services need to be done more frequently on certain models. A good example is an engine oil change. This is particularly true with high output V8 and V12 engines such as those used in the Aston Martin Rapide.

Why It Happens

• High operating temperatures
• Engine vibration
• Natural wear of seals and gaskets
• Extended oil change intervals

Warning Signs

• Oil spots under the car
• Burning oil smell
• Low oil levels
• Engine warning light

Why It Surprises Owners

Even small leaks can require labor-intensive repairs due to engine layout. Performance engines are tightly packaged, meaning parts access can take significant time.

Prevention

• Stick to recommended oil change intervals.
• Use manufacturer-grade oil.
• check seals during routine maintenance.
• Fix minor leaks early before they get worse.

5. Clutch Replacement (Manual & Automated Systems)

Although newer Aston Martins feature advanced automatic transmissions, some models include automated manual systems or traditional manual gearboxes.

Why It Happens

• High torque engines increase clutch stress.
• Aggressive driving accelerates wear.
• Stop and go traffic shortens clutch lifespan.

Signs of Wear

• Slipping during acceleration
• Burning smell
• Difficulty shifting gears
• High engagement point

Repair Complexity

Clutch replacement in high-performance sports cars often involves significant labor hours. In some cases, the transmission must be removed entirely.

How to Extend Clutch Life

• Avoid riding the clutch.
• Use smooth gear transitions.
• Reduce aggressive launches.
• Service transmission components regularly.
  

Why These Repairs Feel “Shocking”

Aston Martin ownership isn’t just about buying a car - it’s about maintaining a hand-built luxury performance machine.

What makes repair costs feel high?

• Specialized engineering
• Limited production parts
• Premium materials
• Skilled labor requirements
• Import sourcing delays

However, these repairs are not unexpected failures. They are normal maintenance realities of high-performance vehicles.

Smart Ownership- How to Prepare Financially

If you own or plan to own an Aston Martin:

• Budget for annual maintenance beyond standard servicing.
• Build relationships with trusted specialists.
• Use high-quality replacement components.
• Avoid delaying small repairs.
• Keep full service record documents to maintain resale value.

Luxury cars need constant and careful attention. Routine maintenance is less expensive than repairs that become necessary in case of an emergency.

Should These Repairs Stop You From Buying One?

Not necessarily.

Aston Martin vehicles offer:

• Timeless design
• Exceptional driving dynamics
• Strong brand heritage
• Collector value

The key is awareness. When you understand potential repairs in advance, ownership becomes far less stressful.

Luxury ownership is about informed decisions - not surprises.

Final Thoughts

We have written extensively about the Aston Martin experience and all the rewards that come with it. Of course, with all of the incredible benefits of owning such an incredible car, comes a huge amount of duty of care. Ensuring your Aston Martin is kept in the best possible condition is crucial in maintaining not only its on-road performance, but also to pre-empt and prevent potential issues. Common ones we see include- Suspension wear, Brake pad replacements, Electrical faults, Oil leaks and Clutch replacements

The bad news is that it can happen to even the best of vehicles. The good news is that with proper care, high quality replacements and regular maintenance it can be fixed.

If you are looking for Genuine or Performance Aston Martin Parts we encourage you to purchase from a qualified parts source. Exotic Auto Parts is qualified to deal with the premium aftermarket as well as the vast needs of Aston Martin parts for all models of both modern and vintage cars.

Because luxury isn’t just about driving - it’s about maintaining excellence.