Campaign 17V390 Posted June 21, 2017 6 units

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Recall 17V390: Fluid Leak

Recall 17V390 affects 6 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vehicles for leaking transmission hydraulic lines. Repair is free at any franchised Aston Martin dealer.

Aston Martin is recalling 6 2012 V8 Vantage vehicles with 6-speed Auto-Shift Manual transmissions because a transmission fluid line connector can break and leak hydraulic fluid. A fluid loss can keep the transmission from shifting, force emergency neutral as the car stops, or let the vehicle roll away if the parking brake is not applied; Aston Martin dealers will complete the free repair.

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What's wrong?

The 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage uses a 6-speed Auto-Shift Manual transmission, which shifts gears through a hydraulic system instead of a conventional clutch pedal. Hydraulic fluid moves under pressure through feed lines and connectors so the transmission can select the next gear when the driver commands it. Those lines have to stay sealed for the gearbox to build pressure.

On affected V8 Vantage sports cars, a connector for the transmission fluid lines can break and let hydraulic fluid leak out. As the fluid level drops, the transmission loses the pressure it needs to choose gears. At start-up, the car can stay in Neutral or Park with an "Unable to select gears" message. While driving, the same warning can flash, and the car can remain in the current gear until the driver stops.

There is no warning sign before failure. Once the leak has started, fluid traces under the vehicle or an "Unable to select gears" message are signs the system has already lost fluid.

Who's affected?

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage powertrain
Units affected6
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

Hydraulic fluid loss can trap the transmission in its current gear. If fluid drops while driving, the transmission can shift into emergency neutral as the vehicle stops. Ignoring a dash warning and exiting without the parking brake applied creates rollaway risk. Either condition increases crash risk. Repair is free at any franchised Aston Martin dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is included in this recall.
  2. Contact your nearest franchised Aston Martin dealer to schedule the free clutch-pipe, connector assembly, and bracket replacement for the transmission hydraulic-fluid leak.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Aston Martin mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V390 when you call.
  4. Watch for a dash warning message, shifting trouble, or an emergency neutral shift, and stop in a safe place if the transmission acts abnormally.
  5. Apply the parking brake before exiting the vehicle until the repair is complete.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, an Aston Martin technician replaces the clutch pipe, connector assembly, and related brackets covered by recall 17V390. The work addresses the transmission fluid line connector that can break and leak hydraulic fluid on 2012 V8 Vantage vehicles with the 6-speed Auto-Shift Manual transmission. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so the dealer repair is free.

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 17V390?

Recall 17V390 covers 6 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vehicles with 6-speed ASM transmissions. A transmission fluid line connector can break and leak hydraulic fluid, which can keep the vehicle from shifting properly or send the transmission into emergency neutral as the vehicle stops. Aston Martin dealers replace the clutch pipe, connector assembly, and related brackets for free.

What should I do if my 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V390. If it is, contact a franchised Aston Martin dealer to schedule the clutch pipe, connector assembly, and bracket replacement. Reference recall 17V390 and Aston Martin recall number RA-07-0023 when you call. The repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Aston Martin dealers replace the clutch pipe, connector assembly, and related brackets free of charge at any franchised Aston Martin dealer.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is loss of gear control or vehicle rollaway. A hydraulic fluid leak can prevent the transmission from shifting out of the current gear. If the fluid level drops while driving, the transmission can shift into emergency neutral as the vehicle stops. Either condition increases crash risk.

What warning signs should I watch for?

Watch for a dash warning message related to the transmission or hydraulic system. The recall record says rollaway risk increases if the driver ignores that warning, exits the vehicle, and does not apply the parking brake. If the warning appears, park safely and call an Aston Martin dealer.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V390000
Aston Martin customer service1-949-379-3100
NHTSA recall #17V390
NHTSA recall # (full)17V390000

Source documents

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 →