Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
Top speed (322 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2016
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the DB9 consistently praised as a beautiful, classically styled grand tourer that delivers a sublime sense of occasion, comfort, and a sonorous V12 engine note.
6 problems reported (2 very frequent, 1 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentExtremely high maintenance and repair costs
Described as "heinously expensive to run," with repair bills for a single year potentially reaching $40,000 USD.
- Very frequentAutomated manual "Sportshift" transmission problems
Clunky operation, expensive clutch wear and replacement, complex and costly actuator system repairs.
- RecurrentElectrical gremlins
Various minor issues often attributed to the car sitting or low battery voltage.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedCorrosion on rear subframe
Specifically noted on early Vanquish models sharing similar architecture, a repair cited at approximately $5,000 USD.
- IsolatedV12 engine "tick"
A potentially serious issue on early 450hp engines, with repair costs cited up to $38,000 at a specialist.
- IsolatedBody and trim issues
Rear light seals can leak; backup light bulbs are integrated into expensive LED units requiring full replacement.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" model year or trim. Discussions suggest later models (post-2010) may benefit from refinements and resolved early issues. The Volante (convertible) is noted to sometimes sell for less than the coupe, potentially representing a value opportunity. The manual transmission is very frequently recommended over the automated manual "Sportshift" transmission, which is criticized for its clunky operation and expensive clutch repairs.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Porsche 911 Turbo S, Ford GT and Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG.
Is the DB9 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the DB9 consistently praised as a beautiful, classically styled grand tourer that delivers a sublime sense of occasion, comfort, and a sonorous V12 engine note. Long-term owner reports indicate deep satisfaction with the car's character and driving experience for touring and special occasions. However, a strong and very frequent theme is the significant and potentially ruinous cost of maintenance, repairs, and parts, which is framed as the inherent trade-off for owning a hand-built, low-volume luxury vehicle. Depreciation is noted as steep, making used examples appear affordable to purchase but expensive to maintain. The consensus positions the DB9 as a rewarding "heart over head" choice for enthusiasts who prioritize emotional appeal and grand touring comfort over cutting-edge performance or bulletproof reliability, provided they have a significant budget for upkeep or access to a trusted independent specialist.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a comfortable, long-distance grand tourer rather than a hard-edged sports car. Frequently compared favorably to contemporary Ferrari and Lamborghini models for its comfort and touring capability, though acknowledged as less capable on a track. Within the Aston Martin lineup, it is seen as the purer GT car compared to the more sport-focused DBS and V8 Vantage. Compared to the Bentley Continental GT, it is viewed as more driver-focused and visually elegant but less overtly luxurious. The Jaguar XK is noted as a more affordable and common relation with similar grand touring intent. Its naturally aspirated V12 engine is highlighted as a key differentiator from modern turbocharged competitors, with an expectation it will become a future classic.
Recommended configurations
A manual transmission is strongly and very frequently recommended to avoid the costs and driving experience issues associated with the automated manual Sportshift gearbox. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with the VH platform is essential. Service history is critical. An independent specialist mechanic is recommended over dealer servicing for cost savings. The car must be kept on a battery maintainer to prevent electrical issues from low voltage. It should be driven regularly, not left to sit. An extended warranty is suggested if available and financially sensible. For those considering it as an only car, the V8 Vantage is sometimes suggested as a more practical alternative due to its hatchback design.
General recommendations
Suitable for enthusiasts who value design, engine sound, and grand touring comfort over ultimate performance or low running costs. Ideal as a second or third car for weekend drives, European tours, and club events. Not recommended as a primary daily driver for those with a limited maintenance budget or low tolerance for repair downtime. Essential to budget significantly for annual maintenance and unexpected repairs, with annual costs cited from $3,150 and potentially much higher. Purchase price should be a fraction of the total cost of ownership. Focus on finding a well-documented example with a known service history. Join owner communities and forums for technical support and specialist recommendations. Verify the condition of known failure points like the clutch (if Sportshift), rear subframe (for corrosion), and suspension components during inspection.
Remarks
The DB9 is part of Aston Martin's VH platform generation, sharing fundamentals with the Vanquish, DBS, and Virage. Much of the maintenance philosophy and cost structure is common across these models. Owner satisfaction is highly dependent on managing expectations around reliability and cost; those who budget for upkeep and use independent specialists report high enjoyment. The perception of unreliability is noted to be somewhat overstated, with many cars being fundamentally solid if properly maintained, though parts and labor remain expensive due to the car's original price point and low production volume. The community notes that values have bottomed out and may be stable or rising due to the car's classic design and naturally aspirated V12 engine, positioning it as a potential future classic. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions and numerous ancillary comments.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2015Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2014 | 1 | 6 | electrical system |
| 2009 | 2 | 5 | fuel system |
| 2007 | 4 | 3 | engine and engine cooling |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices16 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2015 · latches/locks/linkagescampaign 15V846000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 DB9, 2010-2012 DBS, 2010-2016 V8 Vantage, 2012 Virage, 2010-2016 Rapide, 2014-2016 Vanquish, 2011-2016 V12 Vantage, and 2012-2013 V12 Zagato vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with interior door unlocking mechanisms that may not function when the vehicle has been locked from the outside. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
2015 · power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)campaign 17V796000
Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2009-2016 DB9, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2015 Rapide, 2012 Virage, and 2014 Vanquish vehicles equipped with a 6-Speed Touchtronic II Automatic Transmission. A communication error between the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) can cause the transmission park pawl to not engage.
2014 · latches/locks/linkagescampaign 15V846000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 DB9, 2010-2012 DBS, 2010-2016 V8 Vantage, 2012 Virage, 2010-2016 Rapide, 2014-2016 Vanquish, 2011-2016 V12 Vantage, and 2012-2013 V12 Zagato vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with interior door unlocking mechanisms that may not function when the vehicle has been locked from the outside. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
2014 · power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)campaign 17V796000
Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2009-2016 DB9, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2015 Rapide, 2012 Virage, and 2014 Vanquish vehicles equipped with a 6-Speed Touchtronic II Automatic Transmission. A communication error between the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) can cause the transmission park pawl to not engage.
2014 · seats:front assembly:seat heater/coolercampaign 14V753000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 DB9, V12 Vantage, V8 Vantage, DBS, and Virage vehicles manufactured July 3, 2006, to November 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic control module for the driver and front passenger seat heaters may fail, preventing the seat heaters from being able to be turned off.
2014 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 14V425000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2014 DB9 and Rapide S vehicles manufactured June 2013 to July 2014. Due to a faulty circuit board, the transmissions in the affected vehicles may inadvertently shift to neutral without input from the driver.
2014 · vehicle speed control:accelerator pedalcampaign 14V010000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 DB9 and V8 Vantage, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2012 Rapide, 2014 Rapide S, 2011-2012 V12 Vantage, 2011-2014 V8 Vantage S and 2012 Virage vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the accelerator pedal arm may break.
2014 · vehicle speed control:accelerator pedalcampaign 13V228000
Aston Martin is recalling certain model year DB9, Virage, V8 Vantage, V12 Vantage, and Rapide vehicles manufactured from May 14, 2012, through April 10, 2013. Due to a manufacturing error, the throttle pedal arm may break.
2009 · latches/locks/linkagescampaign 15V846000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 DB9, 2010-2012 DBS, 2010-2016 V8 Vantage, 2012 Virage, 2010-2016 Rapide, 2014-2016 Vanquish, 2011-2016 V12 Vantage, and 2012-2013 V12 Zagato vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with interior door unlocking mechanisms that may not function when the vehicle has been locked from the outside. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
2009 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablescampaign 17V795000
Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2005-2009 DB9, and DBS vehicles. The battery supply cable on these vehicles may become damaged when the driver seat is positioned in the full rearward location.
2009 · power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)campaign 17V796000
Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2009-2016 DB9, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2015 Rapide, 2012 Virage, and 2014 Vanquish vehicles equipped with a 6-Speed Touchtronic II Automatic Transmission. A communication error between the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) can cause the transmission park pawl to not engage.
2009 · seats:front assembly:seat heater/coolercampaign 14V753000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 DB9, V12 Vantage, V8 Vantage, DBS, and Virage vehicles manufactured July 3, 2006, to November 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic control module for the driver and front passenger seat heaters may fail, preventing the seat heaters from being able to be turned off.
2009 · vehicle speed control:accelerator pedalcampaign 14V010000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 DB9 and V8 Vantage, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2012 Rapide, 2014 Rapide S, 2011-2012 V12 Vantage, 2011-2014 V8 Vantage S and 2012 Virage vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the accelerator pedal arm may break.
2007 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablescampaign 17V795000
Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2005-2009 DB9, and DBS vehicles. The battery supply cable on these vehicles may become damaged when the driver seat is positioned in the full rearward location.
2007 · seats:front assembly:seat heater/coolercampaign 14V753000
Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 DB9, V12 Vantage, V8 Vantage, DBS, and Virage vehicles manufactured July 3, 2006, to November 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic control module for the driver and front passenger seat heaters may fail, preventing the seat heaters from being able to be turned off.
1 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
6.0 V12
5.9L 12-cylinder · 547 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2015–2016