2013-2016 Aston Martin DB9 Kick Panel Trim: A Guide to Fit, Finish, and Replacement
Your definitive guide to identifying damage, verifying correct part numbers, and replacing the footwell kick panel trim on your DB9.
- This part is for Left-Hand Drive (LHD) models ONLY. A part from a RHD vehicle will not fit.
- When buying used, the condition of the hidden mounting clips on the back is more important than the cosmetic finish on the front.
- Part number suffixes (e.g., -AFW, -AJW) indicate color and material; match the full number to ensure it fits your car's interior.
- Replacement is a simple DIY task, but using plastic pry tools and replacing the single-use mounting clips is essential to prevent rattles and damage.
Symptoms of a Failing Kick Panel Trim
Since the kick panel is a static trim piece, failure is always related to physical condition rather than mechanical or electrical issues. Problems are typically easy to spot with a visual inspection.
1. Visible Damage: Scuffs, Cracks, or Peeling
The most common issue is cosmetic damage from daily use. Shoes can easily scuff or scratch the panel's surface. In more extreme cases, a direct impact can cause the plastic or composite backing to crack. On leather-wrapped panels, the leather may begin to peel or separate from the backing due to age, heat, or moisture.
2. Loose Fit and Rattles
The kick panel is secured by a series of hidden plastic clips and potentially a few screws. These clips can become brittle and break over time or during removal for other service work. When clips are broken, the panel will feel loose and may rattle or creak as the vehicle moves, which can be particularly annoying in the quiet cabin of a DB9. Some owners have reported general interior trim rattles, which can sometimes be traced back to a poorly secured panel like this.
Buying a Used 2013-2016 DB9 Kick Panel Trim
Buying a used OEM kick panel is often the only cost-effective option, as new replacements can be exceptionally expensive and aftermarket versions are not available. Careful inspection is key to getting a good part.
Critical Compatibility Warning: The single most important factor is vehicle orientation. The part is specific to Left-Hand Drive (LHD) models sold in North America and other LHD markets. Parts from Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles (e.g., from the UK, Australia) will NOT fit. Always confirm the donor vehicle was LHD.
Inspection Checklist
- Flip It Over: The front surface might look perfect, but the most important part is the back. Inspect every single mounting post and clip receiver. Ensure none are cracked, stressed, or broken off. A panel with broken mounting points will never fit securely and will likely rattle.
- Check the Clips: The panel attaches with several 'fir tree' style plastic clips. These are often a one-time-use part and deform upon removal. While it's best practice to use new clips for installation, check if the used panel comes with any, and inspect their condition. Plan on purchasing a new set of clips from a dealer or specialist for a rattle-free installation.
- Verify the Part Number Suffix: The base part number may be 4G43-02348, but the letters that follow are critical. Suffixes like AF, AFW, AJW, or ABW denote the color and material finish (e.g., Obsidian Black leather, Sahara Tan leather, etc.). Match the full part number exactly to your original part or vehicle specification to ensure a perfect interior match.
- Examine the Finish: For leather-wrapped panels, check for any signs of the leather lifting or bubbling, especially around the edges. Look for discoloration from sun exposure or harsh cleaning chemicals.
Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
While there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the kick panel trim itself, a related recall provides context for the importance of footwell component fitment.
Recall RA-03-0017: This 2014 safety recall addressed potentially breaking accelerator pedal arms. As part of the service procedure for LHD vehicles, dealers were instructed to "examine and if necessary adjust the position of the footwell scuff-plate." The scuff plate (door sill trim) is adjacent to the kick panel. This indicates that Aston Martin identified potential fitment issues in this area from the factory that could interfere with pedal operation, underscoring the need for correct installation of all footwell trim pieces.
No other official communications from Aston Martin regarding issues with this specific part were found.
Replacement & Installation
Replacing the kick panel is a straightforward DIY job that requires patience and care more than specialized skills.
Pro Tip: Before installation, purchase a set of new 'fir tree' mounting clips. Re-using the old, deformed clips is a common cause of future rattles.
- Prepare the Area: Move the corresponding front seat all the way back to create working space. It may be helpful to use a soft mat to kneel on outside the car.
- Locate Fasteners: The panel is primarily held in by clips. Run your fingers along the seams to feel for any visible screw heads, which may be hidden under small plastic covers. Often, there are no screws, but it's important to check.
- Pry Carefully: Using a set of plastic, non-marring interior trim removal tools, start at one edge of the panel. Slide the tool between the kick panel and the adjacent panel (e.g., the carpet or A-pillar lower trim) and gently pry. You are trying to pop the first clip loose.
- Work Your Way Around: Once the first clip is free, move along the edge of the panel to the next clip location and repeat the process. You will hear a distinct pop as each clip releases. Pull the panel straight out from the body; do not bend or twist it, as the backing board can be damaged.
- Installation: To install the new panel, first insert new plastic clips into the designated holes on the vehicle's body or on the panel itself, depending on the design. Carefully align the panel's mounting posts with the clips. Once aligned, give the panel a firm, flat push with the palm of your hand directly over each clip location to snap it into place. Reinstall any screws if present.
Cost Comparison for DB9 Kick Panel Trim
Pricing for Aston Martin parts can be high, making a used OEM part an attractive option.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM | $500 - $1,000+ (Estimate based on similar Aston Martin interior parts) |
| New Aftermarket | Not Available |
| Used OEM | $150 - $300 |
| Shop Labor | $50 - $100 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the kick panel the same as the scuff plate or sill plate?
No. The kick panel is the vertical trim piece in the footwell, typically forward of the door. The scuff plate or sill plate is the horizontal trim piece you step over when entering the vehicle.
Do I need special tools to replace the kick panel?
While not strictly necessary, a set of plastic non-marring trim removal tools is highly recommended. Using a screwdriver or metal pry bar will almost certainly scratch or gouge the delicate leather and plastic of the surrounding trim.
Why is it so important that the part is from a Left-Hand Drive (LHD) car?
The entire dashboard, footwell, and firewall structure is a mirror image between LHD and RHD cars. A kick panel from an RHD car will be shaped incorrectly and its mounting points will not align in an LHD vehicle.
Can I repair a cracked or scuffed kick panel?
Minor scuffs on a leather panel can sometimes be improved by a professional leather repair specialist. However, a cracked plastic backing is very difficult to repair effectively, and a replacement is usually the best option. A loose panel due to broken clips can be fixed by replacing the clips, not the whole panel.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 4G43-02348-AF 4G43-02348-AFW 4G43-02348-AJW 4G4302348AJW 4G43-02348-ABW
Material: Plastic or composite base, often wrapped in leather. Attachment: Held in place by plastic 'fir tree' style clips.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Aston Martin DB9:
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Symptoms of a Failing Kick Panel Trim
- 1. Visible Damage: Scuffs, Cracks, or Peeling
- 2. Loose Fit and Rattles
- Buying a Used 2013-2016 DB9 Kick Panel Trim
- Inspection Checklist
- Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
- Replacement & Installation
- Cost Comparison for DB9 Kick Panel Trim
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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