Recall 17V796 covers 3,493 2009-2016 Aston Martin vehicles with park pawls that fail to engage. Repair is free at any franchised Aston Martin dealer.
Aston Martin is recalling 3,493 vehicles from the 2009-2016 DB9, Dbs, Rapide, Virage, and Vanquish lines because a control-module communication error can keep the transmission park pawl from engaging. If the vehicle is stopped on a slope without the parking brake applied, it can roll unexpectedly and increase crash risk; Aston Martin dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission control system on 2009-2016 Aston Martin Virage, Dbs, DB9, Rapide, and Vanquish vehicles with the 6-Speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission coordinates engine speed, gear selection, and the parking lock. The engine control module reads engine operation, while the transmission control module manages the transmission. When Park is selected, the transmission park pawl is supposed to lock into place and help keep the vehicle from moving.
On affected vehicles, a software communication error between those modules can hold the park pawl out instead of letting it engage. The problem is tied to shutdown and parking conditions: the key is removed while engine speed is above 450 rpm, Park is not selected, the parking brake is not engaged, the vehicle is not on level ground, and the module communication error occurs. In that state, the vehicle can roll away from its parked position.
There is no warning sign before failure. Use the parking brake every time you park, and do not rely on the transmission alone to secure the vehicle.
Who's affected?
Spans five model lines across 2009-2016, all tied to the automatic transmission control module.
| 2012 Aston Martin Virage | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2009 Aston Martin Dbs | automatic transmission |
| 2009 Aston Martin DB9 | automatic transmission |
| 2010 Aston Martin Rapide | automatic transmission |
| 2011 Aston Martin Rapide | automatic transmission |
| 2012 Aston Martin Rapide | automatic transmission |
| 2013 Aston Martin Rapide | automatic transmission |
| 2012 Aston Martin DB9 | automatic transmission |
| 2012 Aston Martin Dbs | automatic transmission |
| 2013 Aston Martin DB9 | automatic transmission |
| 2014 Aston Martin DB9 | automatic transmission |
| 2014 Aston Martin Rapide | automatic transmission |
| 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish | automatic transmission |
| 2010 Aston Martin DB9 | automatic transmission |
| 2011 Aston Martin DB9 | automatic transmission |
| 2010 Aston Martin Dbs | automatic transmission |
| 2011 Aston Martin Dbs | automatic transmission |
| 2015 Aston Martin DB9 | automatic transmission |
| 2015 Aston Martin Rapide | automatic transmission |
| 2016 Aston Martin DB9 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 3,493 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the park pawl fails to engage, an unattended vehicle stopped on a slope can roll away when the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash. Apply the parking brake before exiting, especially on hills, and schedule the TCM software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Aston Martin dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2016 Aston Martin Virage, Dbs, DB9, Rapide, or Vanquish is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Aston Martin dealer to schedule the free TCM software update that corrects the communication error linked to the park pawl not engaging.
- Bring the recall notice if Aston Martin mailed one, and reference recall number 17V796 when you call.
- Apply the parking brake every time you park, especially on a slope, until the TCM software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Aston Martin technician updates the TCM software so the transmission control module and engine control module communicate correctly when park is selected. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Aston Martin has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. Bring repair invoices and payment documentation to the service desk, or contact Aston Martin customer service if the dealer asks you to submit the claim directly.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 11, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 12, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| December 12, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 1, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 1, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 5, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V796?
Recall 17V796 covers 3,493 2009-2016 Aston Martin Virage, Dbs, DB9, Rapide, and Vanquish vehicles with 6-Speed Touchtronic II automatic transmissions. A communication error between the engine and transmission control modules can keep the transmission park pawl from engaging. Aston Martin dealers update the TCM software for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2016 Aston Martin Virage, Dbs, DB9, Rapide, or Vanquish is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V796. If it is, contact a franchised Aston Martin dealer to schedule the TCM software update. Reference recall number 17V796 and Aston Martin recall number RA-07-0028 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 dealers update the transmission control module software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 17V796.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V796?
The safety risk is unexpected vehicle rollaway. If the park pawl does not engage, and the vehicle is stopped on a slope without the parking brake applied, the vehicle can roll after the driver exits, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought this Aston Martin used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then contact a franchised Aston Martin dealer and reference recall 17V796 when scheduling the repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V796000 |
|---|---|
| Aston Martin customer service | 1-888-923-9988 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V796 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V796000 |
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 →