recall information
Recall number
REC-000015
PRA number
2017/16185
Campaign number
RA-07-0022
Original published date
make and model information
Make
ASTON MARTIN
Model
V8 VANTAGE
Year range
2010 - 2012
Affected units
44
Identifying features
SCFGJBDL1BGC14926 to SCFEJBAK2CGC17046, see attached list
VIN (Vehicle identification number)
What are the defects?
Service Action SA-07-0209 was issued to update the transmission software on a quantity of Aston Martin V8 Vantage vehicles with SportShift II transmission. The Service Action did not give instructions to delete the stored clutch adaptions and wear-index data and in some conditions, the stored clutch settings are not compatible with the software update. This can cause:
• At some throttle positions, the transmission miss a gearchange without control from the driver. In some cases, this can result in the vehicle selecting neutral. If this happens, the driver can still use the gear select paddles to select a gear.
• The clutch can slip and overheat. If this happens, the transmission will go into a 'clutch protection' mode. The engine Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will come on and gearchanges will be abrupt until the temperature of the clutch falls. Normal gear change will then return. This function protects the clutch from damage.
• At some throttle positions, the transmission miss a gearchange without control from the driver. In some cases, this can result in the vehicle selecting neutral. If this happens, the driver can still use the gear select paddles to select a gear.
• The clutch can slip and overheat. If this happens, the transmission will go into a 'clutch protection' mode. The engine Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will come on and gearchanges will be abrupt until the temperature of the clutch falls. Normal gear change will then return. This function protects the clutch from damage.
What are the hazards?
In the vehicles affected by the incorrect transmission software update, the clutch can become incorrectly adjusted which may cause the transmission to go into neutral without warning to the driver, resulting in a loss of drive. In this case, the driver will be unable to maintain or increase speed unless they select a gear manually.
The steering and brakes remain fully functional at all times, but there is an increased risk of a crash.
The steering and brakes remain fully functional at all times, but there is an increased risk of a crash.
What should consumers do?
Owners of all potentially affected vehicles will be notified to take their vehicle to an Aston Martin dealer. The transmission software will be updated and the clutch self-learn process done. If necessary, the vehicle clutch system will be repaired or replaced, at no cost to the owner.
Supplier details
Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd
Responsible regulator
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is the responsible regulator for this recall.
