DB12 Issues - par for the course?
Discussion
After a year of lusting, I finally picked up a DB12 last month. The car lives up to the hype in almost all ways, and im very happy with the car overall. However, I’ve got a growing list of issues:
- Cabin rattles - the car rattles like its 30 years old and 200k miles. Both door cards, the center console, the start/stop button. On a bumpy road it sounds like a bag of spanners.
- Whistles - at speed (50 mph+) the car has some wind noise, but its more like a whistle which is very distracting and hard to cover up with music.
- The car will not start without the key in the cupholder - if i dont do this, i get a warning about the key not being found.
- The blind spot detection keeps showing a fault.
I know nothing (no matter the price) is perfect, i have plenty of experience there. But its hard to swallow that aston cant get on top of simple issues like this, especially at the price theyre charging today. The car is off back to the dealer to resolve these problems, and i hope they can cross everything off in one go.
How have others ownership (from new) experience been on the latest gen of cars?
- Cabin rattles - the car rattles like its 30 years old and 200k miles. Both door cards, the center console, the start/stop button. On a bumpy road it sounds like a bag of spanners.
- Whistles - at speed (50 mph+) the car has some wind noise, but its more like a whistle which is very distracting and hard to cover up with music.
- The car will not start without the key in the cupholder - if i dont do this, i get a warning about the key not being found.
- The blind spot detection keeps showing a fault.
I know nothing (no matter the price) is perfect, i have plenty of experience there. But its hard to swallow that aston cant get on top of simple issues like this, especially at the price theyre charging today. The car is off back to the dealer to resolve these problems, and i hope they can cross everything off in one go.
How have others ownership (from new) experience been on the latest gen of cars?
I've had my DB12 since January 2024.
Since then, it has been into the dealer probably half a dozen times to fix rattles (two of the speakers, centre console dial), replace wing mirror with non-working turn signal, replace oil hose thing (recall), get multiple software updates and have its first service.
It was a bit of a pain to have to bring it in so much for a new expensive car, but everything got sorted in the end. Hopefully year 2 will be smoother.
My latest issue is that the small panel cover behind the rear-view mirror is rattling – probably just needs a bit of rattle tape.
Since then, it has been into the dealer probably half a dozen times to fix rattles (two of the speakers, centre console dial), replace wing mirror with non-working turn signal, replace oil hose thing (recall), get multiple software updates and have its first service.
It was a bit of a pain to have to bring it in so much for a new expensive car, but everything got sorted in the end. Hopefully year 2 will be smoother.
My latest issue is that the small panel cover behind the rear-view mirror is rattling – probably just needs a bit of rattle tape.
Edited by atrossity on Tuesday 8th April 16:17
Curious what is the production(!) month of the car of the OP (delivery is certainly not the same as production, especially in the beginning, cars were stuck in the delivery chain for months(!) to solve many issues before delivery.
My DB12 is from production june 2024 (did not want an earlier car because of all the issues in the first half year of production). It had some of the same rattles (not on the doors, but near the rear view mirror). Most annoying where the software bugs and ommissions, happily most of that has been solved with the latest, big software update (jan/feb 2025, includes wireless Carplay and Android Auto, but also easy turn off EU regulation warnings, etc).
My DB12 is from production june 2024 (did not want an earlier car because of all the issues in the first half year of production). It had some of the same rattles (not on the doors, but near the rear view mirror). Most annoying where the software bugs and ommissions, happily most of that has been solved with the latest, big software update (jan/feb 2025, includes wireless Carplay and Android Auto, but also easy turn off EU regulation warnings, etc).
The car is likely early production. I bought it brand new but it was a showroom car and im fairly sure it had been there a while (July last year). After some long wait on parts the dealer has resolved everything and very good service. Now i can finally enjoy the car!
Ps. I also had to have the windscreen reinstalled as there was condensation under the VIN window. They said they are seeing some issues with the windscreen installation from factory which is now being done by robot. Just thought id mention in case anyone else runs into it
Ps. I also had to have the windscreen reinstalled as there was condensation under the VIN window. They said they are seeing some issues with the windscreen installation from factory which is now being done by robot. Just thought id mention in case anyone else runs into it
yes, ratteling seems the new feature made by Aston.
To sad, our complete new Vantage has the same issues.
- Sensor Center Brick housing behind the mirror are not isolatet right. Here, hard plastic rubs against hard plastic.
- Both Doorpanels - absolute horrible.
Even if my knee only lightly touches the panel, it creaks from all corners and ends.
- There is an extremely loud cracking noise in the passenger door, as if parts are loose behind the panel.
- Wind cheater sealing ist loose on the driver side door. They are only clued no fix part hold them.
- Passenger Speaker grill have serval dents.
- Center armrest cover make cracking noises too if i rest my arm on it
Clipped-in parts no longer have soft insulation (neoprene, for example). Metal clips rub against the pure plastic, and there are occasional points of contact between plastic and plastic without soft insulation materials.
The biggest noise came from the trunklid- i found a old post that show the two adjuster screws can be the issue.
LINK
I adress all issues to our dealer yet. If i got my 1st 3 months / 1500km ceckup service hopefully they can fixx all issues.
Otherwise, this is an absolute disgrace for a car manufacturer.
btw our older 2020 new Vantage have none of this rattle issues.
To sad, our complete new Vantage has the same issues.
- Sensor Center Brick housing behind the mirror are not isolatet right. Here, hard plastic rubs against hard plastic.
- Both Doorpanels - absolute horrible.
Even if my knee only lightly touches the panel, it creaks from all corners and ends.
- There is an extremely loud cracking noise in the passenger door, as if parts are loose behind the panel.
- Wind cheater sealing ist loose on the driver side door. They are only clued no fix part hold them.
- Passenger Speaker grill have serval dents.
- Center armrest cover make cracking noises too if i rest my arm on it
Clipped-in parts no longer have soft insulation (neoprene, for example). Metal clips rub against the pure plastic, and there are occasional points of contact between plastic and plastic without soft insulation materials.
The biggest noise came from the trunklid- i found a old post that show the two adjuster screws can be the issue.
LINK
I adress all issues to our dealer yet. If i got my 1st 3 months / 1500km ceckup service hopefully they can fixx all issues.
Otherwise, this is an absolute disgrace for a car manufacturer.
btw our older 2020 new Vantage have none of this rattle issues.
RoNNy379CH said:
yes, ratteling seems the new feature made by Aston.
To sad, our complete new Vantage has the same issues.
- Sensor Center Brick housing behind the mirror are not isolatet right. Here, hard plastic rubs against hard plastic.
- Both Doorpanels - absolute horrible.
Even if my knee only lightly touches the panel, it creaks from all corners and ends.
- There is an extremely loud cracking noise in the passenger door, as if parts are loose behind the panel.
- Wind cheater sealing ist loose on the driver side door. They are only clued no fix part hold them.
- Passenger Speaker grill have serval dents.
- Center armrest cover make cracking noises too if i rest my arm on it
Clipped-in parts no longer have soft insulation (neoprene, for example). Metal clips rub against the pure plastic, and there are occasional points of contact between plastic and plastic without soft insulation materials.
The biggest noise came from the trunklid- i found a old post that show the two adjuster screws can be the issue.
LINK
I adress all issues to our dealer yet. If i got my 1st 3 months / 1500km ceckup service hopefully they can fixx all issues.
Otherwise, this is an absolute disgrace for a car manufacturer.
btw our older 2020 new Vantage have none of this rattle issues.
Ronny its really disappointing to hear that on what is such a beautiful car you have chosen. I hope the dealer can fix it all and you can enjoy it - we all know how long you waited and how excited you wereTo sad, our complete new Vantage has the same issues.
- Sensor Center Brick housing behind the mirror are not isolatet right. Here, hard plastic rubs against hard plastic.
- Both Doorpanels - absolute horrible.
Even if my knee only lightly touches the panel, it creaks from all corners and ends.
- There is an extremely loud cracking noise in the passenger door, as if parts are loose behind the panel.
- Wind cheater sealing ist loose on the driver side door. They are only clued no fix part hold them.
- Passenger Speaker grill have serval dents.
- Center armrest cover make cracking noises too if i rest my arm on it
Clipped-in parts no longer have soft insulation (neoprene, for example). Metal clips rub against the pure plastic, and there are occasional points of contact between plastic and plastic without soft insulation materials.
The biggest noise came from the trunklid- i found a old post that show the two adjuster screws can be the issue.
LINK
I adress all issues to our dealer yet. If i got my 1st 3 months / 1500km ceckup service hopefully they can fixx all issues.
Otherwise, this is an absolute disgrace for a car manufacturer.
btw our older 2020 new Vantage have none of this rattle issues.
best of luck
Graze
RoNNy379CH said:
yes, ratteling seems the new feature made by Aston.
To sad, our complete new Vantage has the same issues.
- Sensor Center Brick housing behind the mirror are not isolatet right. Here, hard plastic rubs against hard plastic.
- Both Doorpanels - absolute horrible.
Even if my knee only lightly touches the panel, it creaks from all corners and ends.
- There is an extremely loud cracking noise in the passenger door, as if parts are loose behind the panel.
- Wind cheater sealing ist loose on the driver side door. They are only clued no fix part hold them.
- Passenger Speaker grill have serval dents.
- Center armrest cover make cracking noises too if i rest my arm on it
Clipped-in parts no longer have soft insulation (neoprene, for example). Metal clips rub against the pure plastic, and there are occasional points of contact between plastic and plastic without soft insulation materials.
The biggest noise came from the trunklid- i found a old post that show the two adjuster screws can be the issue.
LINK
I adress all issues to our dealer yet. If i got my 1st 3 months / 1500km ceckup service hopefully they can fixx all issues.
Otherwise, this is an absolute disgrace for a car manufacturer.
btw our older 2020 new Vantage have none of this rattle issues.
To sad, our complete new Vantage has the same issues.
- Sensor Center Brick housing behind the mirror are not isolatet right. Here, hard plastic rubs against hard plastic.
- Both Doorpanels - absolute horrible.
Even if my knee only lightly touches the panel, it creaks from all corners and ends.
- There is an extremely loud cracking noise in the passenger door, as if parts are loose behind the panel.
- Wind cheater sealing ist loose on the driver side door. They are only clued no fix part hold them.
- Passenger Speaker grill have serval dents.
- Center armrest cover make cracking noises too if i rest my arm on it
Clipped-in parts no longer have soft insulation (neoprene, for example). Metal clips rub against the pure plastic, and there are occasional points of contact between plastic and plastic without soft insulation materials.
The biggest noise came from the trunklid- i found a old post that show the two adjuster screws can be the issue.
LINK
I adress all issues to our dealer yet. If i got my 1st 3 months / 1500km ceckup service hopefully they can fixx all issues.
Otherwise, this is an absolute disgrace for a car manufacturer.
btw our older 2020 new Vantage have none of this rattle issues.
What an appalling and annoying list of faults on a brand new car.
Interesting that some other owners' cars might be affected. Could that open any questions about current production standards?
As you say, a disgrace especially considering the cost now of new Aston Martins and a great disappointment for you.
I have now owned my own Vantage, which only cost a fraction of today's price, for 14 years. It has never had a single squeak or rattle.
Recently bought a delightful, almost new E class for about half price, and again not one squeak or rattle.
Obviously, that is how it should be.
All I can suggest, is that you escalate your list of faults to Aston Martin HQ.
If your dealer is unable to resolve the problems, perhaps AM Gaydon can oversee the correct resolutions.
When Mr. Palmer was in charge, he took a direct interest in customer complaints. Don't know how it is now.
Do you have any legal rights in your country, to return the car if you want to?
Edited by Dewi 2 on Friday 16th May 09:15
Thanks for your words and help .
I'll keep you updated. Maybe AM HQ is a good option, if my car was not repaired to my satisfaction.
I also received an email survey about our Aston's satisfaction in April. I also addressed all the issues there. However, I haven't received any response yet.
My PPF specialist, buddy owns a 4.3 Vantage – build rock solid, no creaking too.
I'll keep you updated. Maybe AM HQ is a good option, if my car was not repaired to my satisfaction.
I also received an email survey about our Aston's satisfaction in April. I also addressed all the issues there. However, I haven't received any response yet.
My PPF specialist, buddy owns a 4.3 Vantage – build rock solid, no creaking too.
Edited by RoNNy379CH on Friday 16th May 09:32
Indeed, it's terrible to read such a list of faults. I'm also allergic to squeaks and rattles in a car, so I would go crazy reading this too. Hopefully they manage to solve it all, because that’s not allways an easy task.
A month ago, I took a test drive in the new Vanquish, and it also had a rattle near the rear-view mirror. Honestly, that's unacceptable for a car that costs half a million euros—especially for a demo vehicle! If you're handing a car over to a potential customer, it should be flawless, in my opinion.
Since last year, I own a Vantage Roadster—one of the last produced of the previous model—and it's put together very solidly. I haven’t experienced any rattles at all. So I’ll be keeping it for a while longer.
A month ago, I took a test drive in the new Vanquish, and it also had a rattle near the rear-view mirror. Honestly, that's unacceptable for a car that costs half a million euros—especially for a demo vehicle! If you're handing a car over to a potential customer, it should be flawless, in my opinion.
Since last year, I own a Vantage Roadster—one of the last produced of the previous model—and it's put together very solidly. I haven’t experienced any rattles at all. So I’ll be keeping it for a while longer.
yes these big sensor plastic brick have no insolation at all.
If you knock on it it feels very cheap plastic material too.
Our daily is a Volvo EX30 - this car feels like massive concrete brick. No rattle or noises here.
Since I'm very handy, I can repair my Vantage myself if necessary. It would be helpful to have the workshop drawings so I don't damage anything while disassembling it.
I would then check the entire interior and apply insulation to all clips, bolts, etc.
Missing insulation maybe a factory cost cut optimization?
:OT (not DB12 - its my 2025 Vantage)
here some of my issues
https://youtu.be/fHWfYpfBUfc
https://youtu.be/FTCCto1t5cg
https://youtu.be/hBcwtFWLP4s
https://youtu.be/JVOVD0CP_Ag
:OT END
If you knock on it it feels very cheap plastic material too.
Our daily is a Volvo EX30 - this car feels like massive concrete brick. No rattle or noises here.
Since I'm very handy, I can repair my Vantage myself if necessary. It would be helpful to have the workshop drawings so I don't damage anything while disassembling it.
I would then check the entire interior and apply insulation to all clips, bolts, etc.
Missing insulation maybe a factory cost cut optimization?
:OT (not DB12 - its my 2025 Vantage)
here some of my issues
https://youtu.be/fHWfYpfBUfc
https://youtu.be/FTCCto1t5cg
https://youtu.be/hBcwtFWLP4s
https://youtu.be/JVOVD0CP_Ag
:OT END
Edited by RoNNy379CH on Friday 16th May 11:27
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