2015 ASTON MARTIN DB9

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Metallic knocking from lower engine, especially on cold start, Oil pressure warning light, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Sudden loss of power

Fix: Complete engine teardown required. Most shops recommend short block replacement or full rebuild with all bearings, rod bolts, and machining. Expect 40-60 hours labor depending on whether you pull the engine or work in-chassis. This is the DB9's Achilles heel—inadequate oil flow during cold starts and aggressive driving before proper warm-up kills bearings prematurely.

Estimated cost: $18,000-35,000

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive blue smoke on startup, High oil consumption (1 qt per 500-800 miles), Misfires and rough idle, Loss of compression in one or more cylinders

Fix: Requires cylinder head removal and piston replacement. Often discovered during compression testing after oil consumption complaints. Ring lands crack from detonation or heat cycles. Budget 35-50 hours for pistons-all replacement including honing, new rings, gaskets, and timing chain service while you're in there.

Estimated cost: $12,000-22,000

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Harsh shifting or delayed engagement, Stuck in gear or limp mode, Transmission fault warnings on dash, Clunking into reverse

Fix: The Touchtronic II transmission is robust but the TCM can fail or require reprogramming. Sometimes it's just software updates (2 hours), but failed modules need replacement and adaptation. Also check transmission mounts—they collapse and cause harsh shifting that mimics TCM problems. Mount replacement is 3-4 hours.

Estimated cost: $800-3,500

Symptoms: Hesitation under acceleration, Stumbling at idle, Hard starting when hot, Check engine light with lean codes

Fix: The in-tank fuel filter gets neglected because it's not in the regular service schedule. Recommend replacement every 30,000 miles or if car has sat for extended periods. Requires dropping the fuel tank. Budget 4-5 hours. Contaminated fuel from storage is common with these low-mileage garage queens.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Symptoms: Door won't open from inside or outside, Door ajar warning stays on, Central locking intermittent, Manual release cable required to exit

Fix: The door latch assemblies fail mechanically—plastic gears strip or cables seize. This was recalled but many cars weren't fixed. Replacement latch assemblies with improved parts are available. Figure 3-4 hours per door including door panel removal and calibration.

Estimated cost: $800-1,500

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under car, Burnt smell from transmission area, Low fluid level warnings, Shifting becomes erratic

Fix: The cooler lines run along the undercarriage and develop leaks at crimp points or get damaged by road debris. Requires lift access and sometimes subframe dropping for proper replacement. 4-6 hours depending on which line fails. Don't ignore—running low on ATF will grenade the transmission.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200