Aston Martin DBS Volante (2009-2012), AI-generated editorial illustration in front three-quarter view facing right at dusk

Aston Martin

Aston Martin DBS Volante

2009 – 2012

  • 5.9-litre naturally aspirated V12

The original DBS convertible uses a fabric roof, carbon body details and carbon-ceramic brakes; it predates DBS Superleggera.

Ownership overview

Verify the original naturally aspirated DBS generation, transmission and carbon-ceramic brake condition; DBS Superleggera documentation is not interchangeable. Inspect the folding roof, seals and drainage with the correct handbook; do not force a roof that reports a fault.

Best fit
Volante road use
Big risk area
Correct generation, build specification and campaign eligibility

The original DBS convertible uses a fabric roof, carbon body details and carbon-ceramic brakes; it predates DBS Superleggera. Verify the original naturally aspirated DBS generation, transmission and carbon-ceramic brake condition; DBS Superleggera documentation is not interchangeable. Inspect the folding roof, seals and drainage with the correct handbook; do not force a roof that reports a fault.

Engines and variants

Engines: 5.9-litre naturally aspirated V12.

Key variants: Volante.

Ownership mood Exact factory version matters
DIY ceiling Handbook owner checks; specialist servicing

Model family: Aston Martin DBS (2007-2012).

Best use cases

  • Open-top road touring with the correct weather and storage precautions

Strengths

  • The original DBS convertible uses a fabric roof, carbon body details and carbon-ceramic brakes; it predates DBS Superleggera.
  • Volante body with 5.9-litre naturally aspirated v12

What to watch

  • Verify the original naturally aspirated DBS generation, transmission and carbon-ceramic brake condition; DBS Superleggera documentation is not interchangeable. Inspect the folding roof, seals and drainage with the correct handbook; do not force a roof that reports a fault.
  • Confirm the vehicle’s factory build record, market and current VIN campaign status; catalogue years alone do not establish applicability.

Sources and research

Manufacturer specifications and specialist model histories are cited individually. They establish identity, not fault frequency, maintenance intervals or the condition of a particular vehicle. Confirm exact year, market, equipment and VIN with an authorised specialist.

Shared resources from DBS

Parent-model reference. Applicability to this edition has not been verified.

These references concern the original naturally aspirated DBS generation. Check transmission, brake specification, market and VIN. The original DBS convertible uses a fabric roof, carbon body details and carbon-ceramic brakes; it predates DBS Superleggera.

Maintenance reference

Aston Martin DBS Maintenance Schedule

The DBS needs the same annual maintenance discipline as the DB9, with extra attention to brake and tyre consumption. Performance use punishes overdue fluid and consumable service quickly.

Keep using this edition’s guidance. Check the exact handbook and VIN before applying parent-model intervals.

Service guides

  • Aston Martin Battery Replacement and Tender Setup

    Battery care is one of the most useful ownership skills on any modern Aston Martin. Whether you are replacing the battery or simply setting up a tender routine, the goal is stable voltage and fewer false faults.

  • Aston Martin Brake Fluid Change

    Brake fluid age matters on every Aston Martin, and especially on the heavier or faster models. A fluid change is simple in principle, but it should only be attempted if you can guarantee a clean process and a firm pedal afterwards.

  • Aston Martin Brake Pads and Disc Inspection

    Regular brake inspection is one of the simplest ways to prevent expensive Aston Martin running-cost surprises. This guide focuses on safe visual checks, wear patterns, and when inspection should turn into a specialist visit.

  • Aston Martin DBS Oil Change Guide

    An annual oil service on the DBS is a useful condition check as much as a fluid change. The job is approachable, but use exact workshop data and inspect the car honestly while the underbody is open.

Known-issue references

Diagnostic references

  • Aston Martin Battery Drain and Flat Battery Diagnosis

    Repeated flat batteries on an Aston Martin are often caused by a tired battery or low-use pattern rather than a dramatic parasitic drain. Start by proving the battery and charging system before hunting for obscure faults.

  • Aston Martin Rear Axle or Driveline Clunk Diagnosis

    Rear-end clunks on Aston Martin cars are usually mount, bush, or driveline take-up issues rather than something instantly catastrophic. Even so, the noise should be diagnosed before tyre wear and drivability degrade.

  • Aston Martin Misfire and Rough Idle Diagnosis

    Misfire complaints on Aston Martin cars usually start with ignition service items, low voltage, or age-related air and vacuum issues. The risk rises quickly if the warning light flashes or the engine is obviously shaking.

  • Aston Martin Overheating Diagnosis

    If an Aston Martin starts running hotter than normal, the safest assumption is that something real has changed. Cooling-system issues are rarely made cheaper by continuing to drive and hoping they settle down.

  • Aston Martin Vibration Under Braking

    Steering shake or pedal pulse under braking is usually a brake-condition problem before it is a mysterious chassis issue. The question is whether the root cause is deposits, wear, heat, or suspension support.

Bulletin references

  • RA-01-0019: Seat Heaters may Overheat

    Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 DB9, V12 Vantage, V8 Vantage, DBS, and Virage vehicles manufactured July 3, 2006, to November 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic control module for the driver and front passenger seat heaters may fail, preventing the seat heaters from being able to be turned off.

    Verified source; edition applicability unverified.

    VIN restriction: Confirm the VIN, model variant and applicable procedure with Aston Martin; a catalogue model link does not mean every vehicle is affected

    The archived PDF is the manufacturer recall report published by NHTSA, not the factory workshop procedure. Recall applicability and the remedy summary are confirmed by that report and the official campaign record.

    The original source PDF is preserved unchanged. Catalogue years identify model generations, not a confirmed affected-year or VIN range.

    Applicability review (2026-10-07): The manufacturer report includes Virage and identifies front-seat-heater wiring/control on vehicles manufactured July 2006–November 2014. Individual VIN and campaign eligibility remain required.

Frequently asked questions

Which version does this guide cover?

Aston Martin DBS Volante, 2009-2012, Volante. The original DBS convertible uses a fabric roof, carbon body details and carbon-ceramic brakes; it predates DBS Superleggera.

Can I use the model family’s workshop procedures?

Only when the procedure expressly covers this exact vehicle, year and equipment. A parent-page link is not confirmation of mechanical or campaign applicability.