Own an Aston Martin? Expect These 5 Common Repairs

 Posted on October 24, 2025 in Exotic Car Maintenance

Owning an exotic car like an Aston Martin often comes with certain quirks associated with British precision. While no one would dispute that Aston Martins are exquisitely handcrafted for performance and elegance, even the most celebrated models share a handful of recurring service issues.

When you know what to expect from your Aston Martin exotic car, you can keep it running as it should, save thousands in repairs, and preserve its resale value. Although the newer models of Aston Martins – particularly those developed with Mercedes-AMG – are becoming more reliable, it helps to know the five most common service issues you are likely to deal with when you own an Aston Martin.

Whether you own an Aston Martin or another type of exotic car, our Forest Hill, MD exotic vehicle technicians can service and maintain your car for as long as you own it. You will enjoy touring our state-of-the-art facility. If you are just now considering purchasing an exotic vehicle, you can take advantage of our comprehensive pre-purchase inspections to be sure you are getting everything you pay for.

The Engineering Complexity and Beauty of the Aston Martin

The "Power, Beauty, Soul" philosophy is central to the Aston Martin identity. Power represents the high-performance engineering in every Aston Martin car. Beauty is evident in the elegant designs, and soul represents the human touch and passion invested by the craftspeople who build Aston Martins.

Much of the assembly process is performed by hand by skilled technicians; for example, the interiors are hand-stitched, and custom paint finishes are applied by hand. While mass-produced cars have limited options, this human-led assembly allows for almost limitless customization. Owners who have the "Q by Aston Martin" service can customize nearly every detail of their vehicle.

What Could Possibly Go Wrong with an Aston Martin?

While it is true that many parts of the Aston Martin manufacturing process are done by hand, others are automated. The five most common service issues that Aston Martin owners may experience include:

Electrical System Glitches and Battery Drain

Owners of Aston Martins may experience random warning lights, infotainment system shutdowns, and malfunctioning sensors due to the extra-sensitive onboard computers. Owners should avoid prolonged storage without disconnecting or conditioning the battery, and engage in periodic ignition cycling (turning the car’s ignition on and off without starting the engine, resetting the vehicle’s electrical system and computer).  

Excessive Clutch and Transmission Wear, Especially on Sportshift Models

Aston Martin owners may notice jerky shifts or have to replace the clutch prematurely because the automated manual models (Sportshift I & 2) are notoriously delicate. Early fluid service intervals reduce the stress, while some owners may choose upgraded clutches or conversion kits to a full manual.

Radiator Failures and Cooling System Glitches

Owners may find their Aston Martins overheating during idle or during drives at higher speeds, along with visible coolant leaks. Tight engine bay heat cycles and hose corrosion can be dealt with by replacing coolant at least every three years and inspecting hoses regularly. Early Vantage models and the DB9 may benefit from upgraded aluminum radiators.

Bushing and Suspension Wear

Aston Martin owners may notice "clunking" noises, uneven tire wear, and a "loose" feel to the steering. The cause is heavy aluminum components paired with soft bushings (for ride comfort). Periodic inspections at least every 10,000 miles, and polyurethane upgrades for high-performance driving can cure or prevent these issues.

Valve Cover Gasket Failures and Oil Leaks

It is common for Aston Martin owners to smell oil near the engine or see residue around the exhaust manifolds because the high operating temperatures in the V8 and V12 engines can degrade rubber gaskets prematurely. Gaskets should be replaced every 30,000 miles, and only factory-approved lubricants should be used.

Contact a Baltimore, MD Exotic Car Maintenance and Repair Expert

Your Aston Martin deserves expert attention, not generic repairs. Whether you need repair or maintenance services or a full inspection before the next season, we can provide factory-level diagnostics and tailored care for your exotic car. A Forest Hill, MD exotic car maintenance and repair expert from Rosso Service will ensure your vehicle receives the highest level of care. We are factory-certified and specially trained in all categories by Maserati, Lamborghini, and Ferrari. Call 410-638-2886 to schedule your appointment.