Summary
The Aston Martin DB9 has 9 recalls spanning the 2005–2016 production run, with the most widespread concern being a transmission park pawl that can fail to engage on 2009–2016 models, leaving the vehicle free to roll on a slope even when the selector shows Park.
That park pawl issue on 2009–2016 vehicles stems from a communication error between the engine control module and the transmission control module. A related but distinct problem affects 2006 models, where a worn guide plate inside the parking pawl mechanism can prevent the locking cone from seating fully, again allowing the vehicle to roll despite Park appearing to be selected. On 2014 models, a separate faulty circuit board can cause the transmission to shift into neutral without any driver input, cutting motive power while the vehicle is moving. The same unintended neutral shift can also occur on 2013 models due to a defect in the transmission control switch.
On the suspension side, 2007 models have front lower control arm cam bolts that can snap along the shank, allowing the lower control arm to shift and pull steering off course without warning.
The 2005–2009 model years share a battery cable routing concern: when the driver's seat is pushed fully rearward, the cable can be pinched and damaged, and if the damaged cable contacts a ground, it can start a fire. A narrower version of the same problem affects only the 2005 passenger side front seat, where moving the seat to its full rearward position can crush the battery supply cable.
