Recall 17V389 covers 315 2011-2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vehicles for transmission software conflicts. Repair is free at any franchised Aston Martin dealer.
Aston Martin is recalling 315 2011-2012 V8 Vantage vehicles under recall 17V389 because updated transmission and engine control software can conflict with existing clutch settings. The transmission can shift into neutral or trigger clutch protection mode with abrupt gear shifts, which raises crash risk; Aston Martin dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2011-2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage uses SportShift transmission software to manage gear changes and clutch behavior. The automatic clutch still needs correct adjustment settings taught by a technician, so the transmission control system knows how far the clutch moves and how to engage it smoothly.
On affected cars, updated engine and transmission software can conflict with clutch settings that were already learned. When the clutch values are not set correctly after the software update, the transmission can miss a gear change without the driver commanding it, shift into neutral, or enter clutch protection mode after clutch slip and overheating. In clutch protection mode, gear changes feel abrupt until clutch temperature drops.
The warning sign for this recall is the engine Malfunction Indicator Light. If that light comes on with rough or abrupt shifts, tell the Aston Martin dealer that the car is part of recall 17V389 and ask them to inspect the software and clutch settings.
Who's affected?
The affected group is split between powertrain and electrical system software components.
| 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | powertrain |
|---|---|
| 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | electrical system software |
| 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | powertrain |
| 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 315 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the transmission shifts into neutral or fails to operate as intended, crash risk increases. A malfunction indicator light is the warning sign listed for this recall. If that light comes on or shifting feels abnormal, drive cautiously and schedule the software repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Aston Martin dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Aston Martin dealer to schedule the free clutch-system software reinstall that corrects neutral shifts and abrupt gear shifts.
- Bring the recall notice if Aston Martin mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V389 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. If the transmission shifts to neutral or gear shifts feel abrupt, stop in a safe place and contact the dealer.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Aston Martin technician reinstalls the clutch system software, updates the transmission software, and completes the clutch self-learn process. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered. If the software work shows the clutch system needs more work, the dealer repairs or replaces the affected clutch parts at no cost to the owner.
Timeline
| June 21, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 23, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| June 23, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 7, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 18, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V389?
Recall 17V389 covers 315 2011-2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vehicles with clutch system software that can conflict with existing settings. The transmission can shift to neutral or enter clutch protection mode with abrupt gear shifts, increasing crash risk. Aston Martin dealers will reinstall the clutch system software for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific V8 Vantage is included in recall 17V389. If it is, contact a franchised Aston Martin dealer to schedule the clutch system software reinstall. Reference recall 17V389 or Aston Martin recall number RA-07-0022 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Aston Martin's remedy says dealers will reinstall the clutch system software free of charge.
Is it safe to drive with recall 17V389 open?
The recall does not carry a do-not-drive order, but the defect affects transmission operation. If the transmission shifts into neutral or does not operate as intended, crash risk increases. Confirm your VIN, schedule the free repair, and ask the Aston Martin dealer what to do if shifting feels abrupt.
When did Aston Martin start this recall repair?
Aston Martin began the recall repair on August 18, 2017. Because the remedy is available, a franchised Aston Martin dealer can reinstall the clutch system software free of charge if your VIN is included in recall 17V389.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V389000 |
|---|---|
| Aston Martin customer service | 1-949-379-3100 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V389 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V389000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →