Recall 18V065 affects 1,027 2017-2018 Aston Martin DB11 coupes because the driver's air bag can deploy unexpectedly. Repair is free at franchised Aston Martin dealer.
Aston Martin is recalling 1,027 2017-2018 DB11 coupes because insufficient grounding in the steering components can let the driver's frontal air bag deploy unexpectedly if static discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken. An inadvertent deployment increases the risk of injury and a crash, and Aston Martin dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The driver's frontal air bag in the 2017-2018 Aston Martin DB11 is built into the steering wheel and deploys during a frontal crash to help protect the driver. The steering column control module clock spring is a wound electrical connector behind the wheel. It keeps air bag and steering wheel circuits connected while the wheel turns. The steering column also needs proper grounding so stray static electricity has a safe path away from sensitive air bag circuits.
On affected DB11 vehicles, the steering column upper does not have enough grounding. If the clock spring is damaged and an electrostatic discharge occurs, that static charge can reach the driver air bag circuit. That can trigger an unexpected driver air bag deployment even without a crash.
Owners are supposed to get an air bag warning in the instrument cluster and an additional warning message if this fault is present. Treat those warnings as the sign to stop using the vehicle until an Aston Martin dealer checks the recall repair.
Who's affected?
Both model years list the same front air bag component.
| 2018 Aston Martin DB11 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2017 Aston Martin DB11 | front air bag |
| Units affected | 1,027 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents 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?
An unintended driver air bag deployment can injure the driver and increase crash risk. If the airbag warning light or an added warning message appears, treat it as a fault warning and schedule service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Aston Martin dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Aston Martin DB11 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Aston Martin dealer to schedule the free steering-component grounding repair that helps prevent unexpected driver frontal air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Aston Martin mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V065 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and schedule the repair before longer trips.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Aston Martin technician adds sufficient grounding to the steering components so the driver's frontal air bag system is no longer left vulnerable to electrostatic discharge when the clockspring is broken. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Aston Martin has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented owner-paid repairs tied to this condition. If you already paid for related steering grounding or air bag work, bring the repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit it under Aston Martin's reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 29, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| January 29, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 1, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 22, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V065?
Recall 18V065 covers 1,027 2017-2018 Aston Martin DB11 coupe vehicles with a driver frontal air bag grounding defect. If the air bag clockspring is broken and electrostatic discharge occurs, the air bag can deploy unexpectedly, increasing injury and crash risk. Aston Martin dealers add grounding to the steering components for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Aston Martin DB11 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific DB11 is included in recall 18V065. If it is, contact a franchised Aston Martin dealer to schedule the steering-component grounding repair. Reference recall number 18V065 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, and Aston Martin dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected driver frontal air bag deployment. If the air bag deploys without a crash, it can injure the driver and increase the risk of a crash. Aston Martin's free dealer repair adds grounding to the steering components.
What if I bought my Aston Martin DB11 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your DB11 is included, then call a franchised Aston Martin dealer and reference recall 18V065.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V065000 |
|---|---|
| Aston Martin customer service | 1-888-923-9988 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V065 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V065000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →