Disappointed new DB12 owner...have we just been unlucky?
Discussion
So we've finally been fortunate enough to buy our dream car, a DB12 Volante.
Unfortunately it's not been the experience we hoped for. After spending time looking for a good second hand car, we were offered a new car at a good price...which sounded too good to be true. It turns out it was...
From the first drive off the forecourt we experienced electrical glitches (one of which was blind spot warning fault, another was that only scotching hot air coming from the vents). The car experienced more issues (electric brake failure amongst others). The main dealer was quick to respond, the car towed back for a new battery and other fixes. Other issues, boot not closing properly and windows not going up unless the door was open.
We had 2 days trouble free motoring before more electrical issues. Towed away again very quickly. To be fair to the dealer they have been good at keeping up to date, but ultimately we've lost faith in the car as it's simply not of a satisfactory quality or fit for purpose.
We've decided to reject the car and waiting for our money back.
Have we just been unlucky? Or do we bin the idea of an Aston Martin and go for something else? I'm hoping the former...but not holding my breath!
Unfortunately it's not been the experience we hoped for. After spending time looking for a good second hand car, we were offered a new car at a good price...which sounded too good to be true. It turns out it was...
From the first drive off the forecourt we experienced electrical glitches (one of which was blind spot warning fault, another was that only scotching hot air coming from the vents). The car experienced more issues (electric brake failure amongst others). The main dealer was quick to respond, the car towed back for a new battery and other fixes. Other issues, boot not closing properly and windows not going up unless the door was open.
We had 2 days trouble free motoring before more electrical issues. Towed away again very quickly. To be fair to the dealer they have been good at keeping up to date, but ultimately we've lost faith in the car as it's simply not of a satisfactory quality or fit for purpose.
We've decided to reject the car and waiting for our money back.
Have we just been unlucky? Or do we bin the idea of an Aston Martin and go for something else? I'm hoping the former...but not holding my breath!
Not a great start to Aston Martin ownership—and frankly, not at all in line with my experience of other models from the brand.
Months ago, I spoke with a well-known main dealer who told me the DB12 was arriving with a long list of faults, mostly electrical. Many needed over 24 hours of software updates to resolve. That’s unacceptable for any car, let alone one in the DB12’s price bracket.
These kinds of issues should never make it past PDI. That’s what it’s there for.
You’ve absolutely done the right thing—the car clearly isn’t fit for purpose. That said, in my experience this isn’t typical of AM as a whole. The DB12 launch seems to be the outlier, not the rule.
Months ago, I spoke with a well-known main dealer who told me the DB12 was arriving with a long list of faults, mostly electrical. Many needed over 24 hours of software updates to resolve. That’s unacceptable for any car, let alone one in the DB12’s price bracket.
These kinds of issues should never make it past PDI. That’s what it’s there for.
You’ve absolutely done the right thing—the car clearly isn’t fit for purpose. That said, in my experience this isn’t typical of AM as a whole. The DB12 launch seems to be the outlier, not the rule.
Not a good start at all, and not a great example thats for sure, I cant believe those kind of issues are not picked up at PDI and road test 
I'm on my 3rd car since 2007, have covered 170k miles and never been let down by the car. Some minor niggles and replaced components like air con compressor, but mostly consumables during that time. No different to owning any premium car and putting 50-80k miles on it. None of mine have been new though, the newest was 6 months old ex demo, so plenty of time for any issues to be sorted.
Certainly give it another try
I'm on my 3rd car since 2007, have covered 170k miles and never been let down by the car. Some minor niggles and replaced components like air con compressor, but mostly consumables during that time. No different to owning any premium car and putting 50-80k miles on it. None of mine have been new though, the newest was 6 months old ex demo, so plenty of time for any issues to be sorted.
Certainly give it another try
I think, unfortunately, that some of this is par for the course with this kind of car. I say that with a true love of AML and supercars in general, however quality has never been a strong point for (relatively) small scale manufacturers that handbuild cars. That doesn't excuse it, but from my ownership experiences (not just AML!) this is the reality of these cars, along with the running costs!
My current Vantage (owned from new in 2019) has had a fairly impressive number of warranty claims for all sorts of issues, however they have all been resolved with great customer service from AM Nottingham. The warranty, both factory and extended, has been great and has quickly approved all claims, so no real complaints from me here other than the minor inconvenience.
I have no personal experience of owning the latest gen cars, however reading through this forum both electrical issues and fit and finish/rattles seem commonplace. I have no doubt that once these teething issues are sorted they'll be great cars, all credit to AML for developing their own infotainment software in-house, with no doubt limited resources. If the latest CarPlay that has launched on DBX is backwards compatible with these cars (which it sounds like it is), then in theory this functionality would replace the in-built AMI system with everything being controlled through CarPlay. Perhaps this will be more reliable?
By far the most reliable sports/supercars I've ever owned are Porsche, I haven't had a single warranty claim across 3 cars owned from new, and I've used them for trackdays quite happily. 911's are absolutely fantastic all-rounders and are easily daily driveable, however given the choice vs a DB12 I know which I would choose.
My current Vantage (owned from new in 2019) has had a fairly impressive number of warranty claims for all sorts of issues, however they have all been resolved with great customer service from AM Nottingham. The warranty, both factory and extended, has been great and has quickly approved all claims, so no real complaints from me here other than the minor inconvenience.
I have no personal experience of owning the latest gen cars, however reading through this forum both electrical issues and fit and finish/rattles seem commonplace. I have no doubt that once these teething issues are sorted they'll be great cars, all credit to AML for developing their own infotainment software in-house, with no doubt limited resources. If the latest CarPlay that has launched on DBX is backwards compatible with these cars (which it sounds like it is), then in theory this functionality would replace the in-built AMI system with everything being controlled through CarPlay. Perhaps this will be more reliable?
By far the most reliable sports/supercars I've ever owned are Porsche, I haven't had a single warranty claim across 3 cars owned from new, and I've used them for trackdays quite happily. 911's are absolutely fantastic all-rounders and are easily daily driveable, however given the choice vs a DB12 I know which I would choose.
Welcome to our little corner of Pistonheads, Dave.
'we were offered a new car at a good price...which sounded too good to be true. It turns out it was...
Sorry that you had such great disappointment, but after that bad start, you have probably been right to return the car.
When problems like that occur, anyone would wonder whether further faults might repeatedly arise.
Hopefully, it is probably an isolated bad car. Owners on here don't report too many faults.
My own experience during 14 years of ownership has been better than I had expected. Apart from the routine, only about three very minor items have ever needed attention. Every early summer after the annual winter hibernation, not a single fault has occurred.
Most Astons seem to be used as 'occasional toys', because comfortable transport is more pleasant for regular driving and also makes a good contrast to sports cars, so perhaps you might reconsider a used Aston Martin. The model that I chose was a 'brand new' looking 2 year old. The cost must have been just a tiny fraction of your car, therefore easily justifying occasional use ownership.
There is now magnificent value amongst the 2009 to 2018 era Aston Martins, including the very powerful V12 Vantage S and Vanquish models. Find a cosseted, lightly used example and it should provide years of enjoyment. Pop on a dateless registration and who can tell the age?
Edited by Dewi 2 on Thursday 5th June 12:30
Sorry to hear about your issues.
I don’t think AM are any worse for reliability than any of the high end low volume cars.
I’ve run a 2014 Vantage V12S for 10 years. In that time it’s had one new piece of window trim, one rear light due to condensation, a new hand brake cable and most recently, a windscreen washer motor. No other problems, so far…….fingers crossed.
Perhaps have a look at a late model Vanquish Volante? None of the Euro 6 etc software problems, a proven naturally aspirated Aston Martin V12 engine, with the sound to match, beautiful full carbon fibre body and a lovely interior. With Apple Car Play added it would give you all the tech you’d probably need.
It’s worth hanging in there
I don’t think AM are any worse for reliability than any of the high end low volume cars.
I’ve run a 2014 Vantage V12S for 10 years. In that time it’s had one new piece of window trim, one rear light due to condensation, a new hand brake cable and most recently, a windscreen washer motor. No other problems, so far…….fingers crossed.
Perhaps have a look at a late model Vanquish Volante? None of the Euro 6 etc software problems, a proven naturally aspirated Aston Martin V12 engine, with the sound to match, beautiful full carbon fibre body and a lovely interior. With Apple Car Play added it would give you all the tech you’d probably need.
It’s worth hanging in there
davear99 said:
So we've finally been fortunate enough to buy our dream car, a DB12 Volante.
Unfortunately it's not been the experience we hoped for. After spending time looking for a good second hand car, we were offered a new car at a good price...which sounded too good to be true. It turns out it was...
From the first drive off the forecourt we experienced electrical glitches (one of which was blind spot warning fault, another was that only scotching hot air coming from the vents). The car experienced more issues (electric brake failure amongst others). The main dealer was quick to respond, the car towed back for a new battery and other fixes. Other issues, boot not closing properly and windows not going up unless the door was open.
We had 2 days trouble free motoring before more electrical issues. Towed away again very quickly. To be fair to the dealer they have been good at keeping up to date, but ultimately we've lost faith in the car as it's simply not of a satisfactory quality or fit for purpose.
We've decided to reject the car and waiting for our money back.
Have we just been unlucky? Or do we bin the idea of an Aston Martin and go for something else? I'm hoping the former...but not holding my breath!
it's sad, have you thaught of geting a db11 used with a good diferential checked or a dbs? can't you buy another model, its not justice to aml but i understand your worries, if i was you i pick another model, they worth it, really Unfortunately it's not been the experience we hoped for. After spending time looking for a good second hand car, we were offered a new car at a good price...which sounded too good to be true. It turns out it was...
From the first drive off the forecourt we experienced electrical glitches (one of which was blind spot warning fault, another was that only scotching hot air coming from the vents). The car experienced more issues (electric brake failure amongst others). The main dealer was quick to respond, the car towed back for a new battery and other fixes. Other issues, boot not closing properly and windows not going up unless the door was open.
We had 2 days trouble free motoring before more electrical issues. Towed away again very quickly. To be fair to the dealer they have been good at keeping up to date, but ultimately we've lost faith in the car as it's simply not of a satisfactory quality or fit for purpose.
We've decided to reject the car and waiting for our money back.
Have we just been unlucky? Or do we bin the idea of an Aston Martin and go for something else? I'm hoping the former...but not holding my breath!
Unfortunately this doesn’t surprise me. I was at my local AM MD a couple of weeks ago discussing this very subject. It still seems that cars are being delivered to dealers with software issues and the responsibility is being shifted to them to get the updates installed. No excuse for a car being delivered to the end customer like this though. From what I was told it’s mainly DB12 and new new Vantage that are affected but I would assume the latest AM developed OS/software is the same across all the new models. It’s such a shame as this shouldn’t be too difficult to prevent. But it’s silly basic things like this that will put people off. BRM.
I am on other AM forums as well as this one. Frankly, I hear (read) common stories like this one about the quality/integrity of the DB12. Many nightmare stories about software failures causing myriad issues, some of which dealers are either slow or unable to respond; partly, BC the AM mother ship is slow or unable to support.
In one example, a new DB12 owner left the dealership and acquired a CEL before he arrived home. Car went back to the dealership where it has been sitting for several weeks and still no resolution. I can't imagine that scenario if it were my situation to own.
As much as I like the changes to the DB12, especially the interior, I find myself quite satisfied with my DB11...especially the V12 part. Not that the V8 is anything negative. I had this engine in an AMG GTS before my DB11 and I love it. I just have an inherent weakness for 12 cylinder engines.
In one example, a new DB12 owner left the dealership and acquired a CEL before he arrived home. Car went back to the dealership where it has been sitting for several weeks and still no resolution. I can't imagine that scenario if it were my situation to own.
As much as I like the changes to the DB12, especially the interior, I find myself quite satisfied with my DB11...especially the V12 part. Not that the V8 is anything negative. I had this engine in an AMG GTS before my DB11 and I love it. I just have an inherent weakness for 12 cylinder engines.
I've had my DB12 since January 2024 (I was among the first). It was delivered to my dealership in December 2023 but stuck there for a few weeks so it could get its first software update (which required an AM IT guy to fly out from Gaydon to do apparently these guys were touring the world updating DB12s back at the start of 2024).
I've had the following niggles during my ownership:
Since the last software update, I had a one-off issue where the car could not change driving mode. And then another day the screens randomly weren't coming on, though I could still drive. I've since learned that pressing and holding the volume roller for 7 seconds reboots the system. Maybe that would have helped. But the vast majority of my driving is problem-free.
I'm a few software versions behind now, but I'll probably wait until CarPlay Ultra is available until I bother going into the dealership yet again.
Anyway, all in all, the experience has had its annoyances for sure, but otherwise has been great. Reading my list above probably sounds like I'm moaning, but really, most of my memories to date are of memorable road trips and fun days out. The DB12 is probably the best looking car in the world imo, and driving it is a pleasure (my main criticism is the turbo lag at low speeds in GT mode - putting it in Sport+ helps!)
There is a good DB12 Facebook group in which people discuss issues. In an ongoing chat thread about the software, you can see people's feedback from the latest versions, etc.
I've had the following niggles during my ownership:
- Speaker rattles (multiple speakers) - all fixed now. This was the most annoying niggle.
- Other cabin rattles - most have been fixed, there is one panel remaining, I will get it looked at next time I'm in dealer.
- Once way back over a year ago, the parking brake did not release while stuck in traffic. Turning the car off and back on fixed it. It then happened again another time soon after. I've had multiple software updates since then and it hasn't happened at all for a long time, so presumably it was just software.
- A few times last year, the check engine light came on for no apparent reason. Nothing seemed wrong. My dealership couldn't find anything. It might have been fixed by software updates since, who knows.
- For a while, the software had various obvious bugs e.g. Home Screen UI tiles would sit on top of the reversing camera view, obscuring it. Things like that. Annoying, but eventually fixed with further software updates.
- Oil hose recall + replacement - nothing bad happened to me, but it had to be done.
- I had to get a wing mirror replaced - I did not notice the issue personally, but I was told by dealer the indicator light was faulty. Annoyingly, the first two replacements AM sent got damaged in transit, and so it took a while to get it all sorted.
- Like I said, multiple software updates. Including one that apparently required a module hardware upgrade. Every software update takes a full day (or overnight), and if it does not succeed, has to be started anew.
- The AM mobile app and my car's tracker can be a little squirrelly sometimes.
- I tend to leave the battery maintainer plugged in, just in case, which can sometimes feel a bit tiresome connecting and disconnecting so much.
Since the last software update, I had a one-off issue where the car could not change driving mode. And then another day the screens randomly weren't coming on, though I could still drive. I've since learned that pressing and holding the volume roller for 7 seconds reboots the system. Maybe that would have helped. But the vast majority of my driving is problem-free.
I'm a few software versions behind now, but I'll probably wait until CarPlay Ultra is available until I bother going into the dealership yet again.
Anyway, all in all, the experience has had its annoyances for sure, but otherwise has been great. Reading my list above probably sounds like I'm moaning, but really, most of my memories to date are of memorable road trips and fun days out. The DB12 is probably the best looking car in the world imo, and driving it is a pleasure (my main criticism is the turbo lag at low speeds in GT mode - putting it in Sport+ helps!)
There is a good DB12 Facebook group in which people discuss issues. In an ongoing chat thread about the software, you can see people's feedback from the latest versions, etc.
Edited by atrossity on Thursday 5th June 21:22
Minglar said:
Unfortunately this doesn t surprise me. I was at my local AM MD a couple of weeks ago discussing this very subject. It still seems that cars are being delivered to dealers with software issues and the responsibility is being shifted to them to get the updates installed. No excuse for a car being delivered to the end customer like this though. From what I was told it s mainly DB12 and new new Vantage that are affected but I would assume the latest AM developed OS/software is the same across all the new models. It s such a shame as this shouldn t be too difficult to prevent. But it s silly basic things like this that will put people off. BRM.
Very unfortunate. Disappointing for car owners and reflects badly on AML.
When we first read that 30 IT contractors were creating a brand new Aston Martin software infotainment system, I thought goodness.
Certainly a bold plan to break free from Mercedes-Benz, although perhaps understandable, because M-B do not appear to want other manufacturers using their most recent software. Mixing temporary external workers and computer programming is hardly ideal. Think NHS; Post Office; Air Traffic Control; National Offenders; Emergency Services Network, the list is very long, even including a space rocket with coding errors that caused failure after launch.
Reading on here, I thought the early software teething troubles had been overcome, so it is such a shame that we are now told AML have released cars to dealers, then sold on to retail customers before everything is working correctly.
I think it is fairly common now, for software updates to go automatically to each car. Someone mentioned here about their Aston Martin having to go to the main dealer for an update, which took many hours to download.
Do these technical troubles affect all the new Aston Martin models?
Because cars are like phones now and always having improvements my car every other day tells me it’s had a new update for something
Just the way all cars are built now and a lot of it is information going back so they when and why things stop working
Not sure what will happen in 20 years when the car tech is so out of date!!
Just the way all cars are built now and a lot of it is information going back so they when and why things stop working
Not sure what will happen in 20 years when the car tech is so out of date!!
Simpo Two said:
Jon39 said:
Someone mentioned here about their Aston Martin having to go to the main dealer for an update, which took many hours to download
How can that be? Is it 100 terrabytes delivered over damp string?
And why does it need updating anyway?
Three questions, to which I can only offer politicians' answers, so that won't be of any help at all to you. -
However, a couple of posters have previously provided some clarification about this matter, although they did seem to think, that all the software issues had been resolved in January 2024, a year and a half ago.
With these new cars now costing a huge amount of money, not good.
( Personal note - I would like BAT to stop going up. A pause now might avoid over excitement.
Nowt as strange as folk. The so called City 'experts' had the first 6 months of 2024 to make their purchases, when all of that time the yield was nudging 10%. )
My DB12 Coupe had only one minor wind noise issue resolved at first service, I recently swapped that for a Volante which has been trouble free. The latest software launched a few months ago improved the driver experience no end, I have no hesitation in saying this is a fabulous car. I experienced more issues with my DB11s, but the key consideration is that the dealer, with AML assistance on one occasion, fixed any problems quickly. Fortunately, nothing ever kept me off the road but I've enjoyed great service and accept the odd issue from a hand-built product that is a joy to own. By contrast, my 2024 RRS has required 4 visits, the last being 2 weeks off the road, all for a failed camera. My experience of AML is that between the dealer and AML they will not let you down.
As a few of you know we have had our new DB12 Volante for 2 months now and I’m surprised to report it’s been pretty good near damn perfect.
It’s gone back for a new window regulator (as the window doesn’t go up and comes back down again sometimes, thinking there is a trapped hand in it, and also squeaky brakes. Otherwise as solid and as perfect as they come. Yes we got a good deal with lots of and yes they will depreciate but we love it
This is the courtesy car we got whilst in for 2 days
It’s gone back for a new window regulator (as the window doesn’t go up and comes back down again sometimes, thinking there is a trapped hand in it, and also squeaky brakes. Otherwise as solid and as perfect as they come. Yes we got a good deal with lots of and yes they will depreciate but we love it
This is the courtesy car we got whilst in for 2 days
Stark999 said:
As a few of you know we have had our new DB12 Volante for 2 months now and I m surprised to report it s been pretty good near damn perfect.
It s gone back for a new window regulator (as the window doesn't t go up and comes back down again sometimes, thinking there is a trapped hand in it) and also squeaky brakes. Otherwise as solid and as perfect as they come. Yes we got a good deal with lots off and yes they will depreciate but we love it
This is the courtesy car we got whilst in for 2 days
It s gone back for a new window regulator (as the window doesn't t go up and comes back down again sometimes, thinking there is a trapped hand in it) and also squeaky brakes. Otherwise as solid and as perfect as they come. Yes we got a good deal with lots off and yes they will depreciate but we love it
This is the courtesy car we got whilst in for 2 days
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