The S adds revised intake, carbon front splitter and rear diffuser, with recalibrated eight-speed Touchtronic III. The open-top body has its own roof mechanism and sealing requirements. Confirm the second-generation build year and six-/eight-speed automatic specification; specialist inspection is appropriate for carbon bodywork and ceramic brakes. 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 Vanquish (2012-2018).
Best use cases
- Open-top road touring with the correct weather and storage precautions
Strengths
- The S adds revised intake, carbon front splitter and rear diffuser, with recalibrated eight-speed Touchtronic III. The open-top body has its own roof mechanism and sealing requirements.
- Volante body with 5.9-litre naturally aspirated v12
What to watch
- Confirm the second-generation build year and six-/eight-speed automatic specification; specialist inspection is appropriate for carbon bodywork and ceramic brakes. 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 Vanquish
Parent-model reference. Applicability to this edition has not been verified.
Use second-generation Vanquish information only. Identify six- or eight-speed transmission; S and Zagato intake, calibration and bodywork differ. The S adds revised intake, carbon front splitter and rear diffuser, with recalibrated eight-speed Touchtronic III. The open-top body has its own roof mechanism and sealing requirements.
Maintenance reference
Aston Martin Vanquish Maintenance Schedule
The Vanquish benefits from annual service, strong battery habits, and regular brake, tyre, and suspension inspection. It is happiest when exercised properly rather than stored indefinitely.
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 Vanquish Oil Change Guide
An oil change on the second-generation Vanquish is a sensible annual service task and a good opportunity to inspect a halo car honestly. Keep the job clean, methodical, and manual-led.
Known-issue references
- Battery sensitivity and wake-up faults
Slow starts, warning messages at startup, or inconsistent comfort-system behaviour.
Parent coverage: All years, especially low-use examples.
- Brake judder and consumable bills
Pulsing under braking, steering shake, or simply very short consumable life if the car is used enthusiastically.
Parent coverage: All variants, especially cars driven hard or stored after being washed with wet brakes.
- Rear-end clunks from driveline or suspension wear
A noticeable thunk when taking up drive or a low-speed rear knock over broken surfaces.
Parent coverage: More common on older cars or those with original bushes and mounts.
- Cooling and hot-running complaints
Temperature rise in traffic, fan overactivity, or signs of coolant smell after a hot run.
Parent coverage: All years as components age.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which version does this guide cover?
Aston Martin Vanquish S (2016–2018) Volante, 2016-2018, Volante. The S adds revised intake, carbon front splitter and rear diffuser, with recalibrated eight-speed Touchtronic III. The open-top body has its own roof mechanism and sealing requirements.
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.
