Home/Car check/Aston Martin/Db9

Aston Martin Db9 car check

Find out if a Aston Martin Db9 has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.

Typical price
£43,77715 at dealers
MOT failure rate
10.5%20k tests
Known problems
8across DB9
Full report
£7.49one-off, no subscription

Which Db9 are you looking at?

Each Db9 generation has its own weak spots. Here are the known problems.

  1. Suspension component corrosion

    Safety risk DB9

    MOT data shows DB9 models fail at 97.9 times the national fleet average for suspension component corrosion, with the problem worsening year-on-year. The aluminium space-frame construction uses steel suspension mounting points and components that are vulnerable to galvanic corrosion where dissimilar metals meet. Lower wishbones, anti-roll bar links, and subframe mounting points are particularly affected. This represents a critical structural safety issue as corroded components can fail catastrophically.

    What to check: Inspect all four wheel arches with a torch, looking specifically at the lower wishbone mounting points and anti-roll bar links. Look for brown rust staining on aluminium components - this indicates steel fasteners are corroding. Check the front and rear subframe mounting points visible from under...

  2. Sportshift Clutch Wear

    Wear item DB9

    The Sportshift automated manual transmission uses a single-plate dry clutch with electro-hydraulic actuation. The clutch assembly experiences accelerated wear due to the high torque output of the V12 engine and the automated system's tendency to slip during gear changes. Unlike a conventional manual where driver technique affects clutch life, the Sportshift system controls all engagement, making premature wear almost inevitable. Replacement requires transmission removal and specialist recalibration.

    What to check: Ask the seller for service history showing regular Sportshift fluid changes and any clutch wear percentage readings from diagnostic scans. Wear above 60% indicates imminent replacement needed. Check for any burning smell around the transmission tunnel area. Look for clutch fluid leaks around the ...

  3. Coil Pack Failure

    Engine damage risk DB9

    The V12 engine uses twelve individual coil packs, one per cylinder. These fail regularly due to the high heat environment and the engine's demanding performance characteristics. Failed coil packs cause cylinder misfires, rough running, and potential damage to catalytic converters if left unrepaired. The failure rate is significantly higher than typical for passenger cars, with MOT data showing elevated engine malfunction light failures consistent with ignition system problems.

    What to check: Check the engine bay for any obvious carbon tracking or burn marks around the coil pack connections on top of the engine. Ask about recent misfire codes or engine warning lights - these are early indicators of coil pack deterioration.

  4. Rear Shock Absorber Leak

    Wear item DB9

    Rear shock absorbers on DB9 models are prone to seal failure and oil leakage, confirmed by MOT data showing 4.8 times the national average failure rate for shock absorber defects. The high-performance dampers operate under significant loads due to the car's weight distribution and powerful engine. Leaking shocks compromise handling and ride quality, and failed dampers can cause instability during high-speed driving or emergency manoeuvres.

    What to check: Inspect both rear shock absorber bodies for oil staining or wet patches - fresh oil indicates active leakage. Check for oil spray patterns on the inside of the rear wheels which shows the shock has been leaking while driving. Look for sagging of the rear end when parked - failed shocks cannot sup...

  5. Brake hose and pipe corrosion

    Safety and MOT risk DB9

    MOT data shows DB9 models fail at 6.7 times the national fleet average for brake hose ferrule corrosion and 2.6 times for brake pipe corrosion, with both defects showing worsening trends. The brake system uses steel brake pipes and rubber hoses that are vulnerable to corrosion, particularly at connection points and ferrules. This affects cars across all mileage ranges, suggesting environmental rather than wear-related factors are primary causes.

    What to check: Inspect all visible brake pipes and hoses for surface rust, particularly at joints and mounting clips. Check brake hose ferrules (metal crimped ends) for excessive corrosion or swelling. Look for any brake fluid staining around pipe joints which indicates seepage. Examine brake pipes along their ...

  6. Door Handle Mechanism

    Safety and MOT risk DB9

    The door handle mechanism, particularly the interior release mechanism, is prone to failure on DB9 models. The problem typically manifests as doors that cannot be opened from inside the car, creating a potential safety hazard. The mechanism uses plastic components that become brittle over time and cable linkages that can stretch or break. This is a documented weakness across the model range.

    What to check: Test both door handles from inside and outside the car - they should operate smoothly with consistent resistance. Listen for any unusual clicking or grinding sounds when operating the handles. Check that both doors open and close properly without excessive force required. Test the door lock mecha...

  7. Brake binding

    Safety and MOT risk DB9

    MOT data shows DB9 models fail at 2.3 times the national fleet average for brake binding, where significant brake effort is recorded with no brake applied. This indicates brake calipers that are not fully releasing, causing constant drag on the brake discs. The high-performance Brembo brake system uses large calipers that are susceptible to corrosion of the slide pins and seals, particularly in low-mileage cars that may sit unused for extended periods.

    What to check: Check all brake discs for even wear patterns - binding brakes cause localised hot spots and uneven disc wear. Look for excessive brake dust accumulation on one wheel compared to others. Feel each wheel for excessive heat after the car has been parked (ensure wheels are cool to touch initially).

  8. Cable damage

    Wear item DB9

    The failure likely relates to electrical cables in areas subject to movement or environmental exposure, such as wiper motor linkages or door wiring harnesses. While not immediately dangerous, damaged cables can cause electrical system malfunctions.

    What to check: Test all electrical systems including lights, wipers, washers, and indicators to identify any intermittent faults. Check for any visible damaged or kinked cables in the engine bay, particularly around moving components. Inspect door seals and cable grommets for damage that might allow water ingre...

What Db9s cost at dealers now

From 15 used Db9s we track on UK dealer websites.

Typical asking price
£43,777
Typical mileage
41,468 miles
Price change vs last month
+10.6%

Db9 MOT results

10.5%

of Db9 MOT tests end in a fail, from 20,164 tests.

Most common reasons for failing

  1. Anti-roll bar links wornSuspension
  2. Seat mounting faultBodywork
  3. Cable damaged or knottedBrakes

Check the Db9 you’re buying

One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.

What the check includes

Db9 questions

Is the Aston Martin Db9 reliable?

10.5% of Db9 models fail their MOT based on 20,164 tests analysed. That’s better than average for the class. There are 8 known problems to watch for, the most serious being suspension component corrosion. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.

What are the main problems with a Aston Martin Db9?

The most serious known issues are suspension component corrosion, sportshift clutch wear, coil pack failure. Our car check flags whether a specific Db9 has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.

How do I check if a Aston Martin Db9 has outstanding finance?

Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.

How do I check if a Aston Martin Db9 has been written off?

Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N Db9 has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.

Can I check a Aston Martin Db9 for free?

You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.

Is a Aston Martin Db9 HPI check worth it?

HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known Db9 faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.

What does a Aston Martin Db9 fail its MOT on?

The most common MOT failure on the Db9 is anti-roll bar links worn. 10.5% of Db9 models fail overall, based on 20,164 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.

More on the Db9

Other Aston Martin car checks

Aston Martin Db115.1% MOT failure rate Aston Martin Db712.8% MOT failure rate Aston Martin Dbs7% MOT failure rate Aston Martin Rapide9.2% MOT failure rate Aston Martin V8 Vantage8.8% MOT failure rate Aston Martin Vanquish8.9% MOT failure rate

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.