DecodedCars2012 Aston Martin Rapide
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan RWD
- Engines
- 5.9L 12-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 15 combined · 13 city / 19 hwy
- Length
- 197.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,299 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 15 MPG combined, 31% below the 2012 subcompact car average of 21.7 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is a subcompact car offered with a 5.9L 12-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,299 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 15 MPG combined (13 city / 19 highway), 31% worse than the 2012 subcompact car average of 21.7 MPG, for an estimated $5,500 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel system.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Rapide — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Rapide →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan RWD | 197.6 in | 76 in | 53.5 in | 117.7 in | – | 4,299 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapide | 5.9L 12-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -31% | $5,500 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Aston Martin Rapide.
Similar 2012 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Aston Martin Rapide (this car) | 15 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Ferrari FF | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Bentley Continental | 14 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (4)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Dec 11, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V796000 · 3,493 vehicles
- Problem
- Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2009-2016 DB9, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2015 Rapide, 2012 Virage, and 2014 Vanquish vehicles equipped with a 6-Speed Touchtronic II Automatic Transmission. A communication error between the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) can cause the transmission park pawl to not engage.
- Risk
- If the park pawl does not engage and the vehicle is stopped on a slope and exited without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will update the TCM software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 1, 2018. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's number for this recall is RA-07-0028.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · Dec 16, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V846000 · 6,076 vehicles
- Problem
- Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 DB9, 2010-2012 DBS, 2010-2016 V8 Vantage, 2012 Virage, 2010-2016 Rapide, 2014-2016 Vanquish, 2011-2016 V12 Vantage, and 2012-2013 V12 Zagato vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with interior door unlocking mechanisms that may not function when the vehicle has been locked from the outside. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
- Risk
- If the doors cannot be opened by an occupant from inside the vehicle, they may be trapped inside, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will disable the double locking feature by reprogramming the software, free of charge. The recall began August 10, 2016. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's number for this recall is RA-01-0021.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · Jan 16, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V010000 · 5,001 vehicles
- Problem
- Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 DB9 and V8 Vantage, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2012 Rapide, 2014 Rapide S, 2011-2012 V12 Vantage, 2011-2014 V8 Vantage S and 2012 Virage vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the accelerator pedal arm may break.
- Risk
- If the accelerator pedal arm breaks, the engine will return to idle and the driver will be unable to maintain or increase engine speed, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assemblies. The recall began on February 11, 2014. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service by calling 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's recall number is RA-03-0017. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes recall 13V-228. Any vehicle that has been remedied under the previous recall needs to have the current remedy applied.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · May 29, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V228000 · 689 vehicles
- Problem
- Aston Martin is recalling certain model year DB9, Virage, V8 Vantage, V12 Vantage, and Rapide vehicles manufactured from May 14, 2012, through April 10, 2013. Due to a manufacturing error, the throttle pedal arm may break.
- Risk
- If the throttle pedal arm breaks, the engine will return to idle and the driver will be unable to maintain or increase engine speed, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will replace the throttle pedal assemblies. The recall began July 19, 2013. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service by calling 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's recall number is RA-03-0016.
Not every 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Aston Martin Rapide buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel System, Gasoline — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 44,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Aston Martin Rapide. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Rapide years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Rapide | 17 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 Rapide | 17 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 Rapide | 17 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 Rapide | 17 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 Rapide | 17 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2014 Rapide | 15 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 5 | 0 |
| 2011 Rapide | 15 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
| 2010 Rapide | 15 | – | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Aston Martin. How we calculate this →