The problem
Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2012 V8 Vantage vehicles equipped with 6-speed Auto-Shift Manual (ASM) transmissions. A connector for the transmission fluid lines may break resulting in a hydraulic fluid leak.
The risk
The loss of hydraulic fluid may prevent the vehicle from shifting out of the gear that it is in. Additionally, if the vehicle is being driven when the fluid level significantly drops, the transmission may shift to an emergency neutral as the vehicle comes to a stop. If the driver ignores the dash warning message and exits the vehicle without applying the parking brake, the vehicle may roll away. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch pipe, connector assembly, and related brackets, free of charge. The recall began July 18, 2017. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-949-379-3100. Aston Martin's number for this recall is RA-07-0023.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Aston Martin dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 17V390000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.