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Aston Martin Dbs car check

Find out if a Aston Martin Dbs 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
£114,47411 at dealers
MOT failure rate
7%4k tests
Known problems
7across DBS-V1 to DBS-V2
Full report
£7.49one-off, no subscription

Which Dbs are you looking at?

Each Dbs generation has its own weak spots. Pick the one you’re viewing to see what to check.

  1. Suspension component corrosion

    Safety risk DBS-V1

    The aluminium suspension arms and mounting points on first-generation DBS models are subject to galvanic corrosion where they contact steel subframe components. The protective coating fails prematurely, allowing corrosion to progress to structural weakness. MOT data shows this model fails at 678 times the fleet average for suspension component corrosion, making it the most significant documented failure mode. The second-generation DBS Superleggera uses improved materials and mounting design that largely eliminates this problem.

    What to check: Raise the front of the car safely on axle stands or a lift. Visually inspect all suspension arms, particularly the mounting points where aluminium meets steel components. Look for white powdery deposits (aluminium oxide) or dark staining around bushes and mounting bolts. Check for any visible cra...

  2. Brake pipe corrosion

    Safety risk DBS-V1

    The brake pipes and hose ferrules on first-generation DBS models suffer from accelerated corrosion, particularly where steel pipes pass through the aluminium chassis. Poor protection against road salt and galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals cause premature failure. MOT data shows brake pipe corrosion occurs at 5.3 times the fleet average and brake hose ferrule corrosion at 8.3 times the average. Both defects are trending worse over time.

    What to check: Inspect all visible brake lines under the vehicle, particularly where steel pipes connect to flexible hoses near each wheel. Look for rust, pitting, or dark staining. Check the brake hose ferrules (crimped metal ends) for any corrosion or swelling. Examine areas where brake pipes pass through cha...

  3. Carbon Ceramic Brake Wear

    Safety and MOT risk DBS-V1, DBS-V2

    Carbon ceramic brake discs fitted to DBS models wear rapidly under normal road driving conditions, requiring replacement at 15,000-30,000 miles rather than the 60,000+ miles typical of steel discs. The discs are designed for track use and suffer thermal cycling damage from repeated heating and cooling during everyday driving. Road contamination from brake dust, road salt, and moisture accelerates degradation. Replacement costs are extreme because the discs cannot be resurfaced and must be replaced as complete units.

    What to check: Visually inspect the brake discs through the wheel spokes. Look for any visible cracks, particularly radial cracks extending from the centre to the edge. Check the disc thickness - healthy carbon ceramic discs should have consistent thickness with no visible scoring or grooves. Look for any blue ...

  4. Touchtronic 2 Issues

    Wear item DBS-V1

    The Touchtronic 2 automated manual gearbox fitted to first-generation DBS models suffers from valve body wear and clutch actuator problems that cause hesitant gear changes and jerky operation. The system uses a single-clutch design with hydraulic actuation that becomes inconsistent as mileage increases. Software calibration issues compound the mechanical wear, particularly in stop-start traffic where the system struggles to provide smooth operation. The later DBS Superleggera uses an 8-speed torque converter automatic that does not suffer these issues.

    What to check: Check the gear selector operates smoothly through all positions (P, R, N, D, S, Manual). Any stiffness or grinding suggests internal wear. Ask the seller about any recent transmission software updates or repairs. Request service history showing transmission fluid changes - irregular servicing acc...

  5. Shock absorber failure

    Wear item DBS-V1

    The adaptive dampers fitted to DBS models develop internal seal leakage and lose their ability to adjust damping rates effectively. The high-performance shock absorbers are subject to greater stress than conventional dampers due to the car's weight and performance capability. MOT data shows shock absorber failures occur at 2.9 times the fleet average in the 20,000-40,000 mile range, though the trend is improving on later examples.

    What to check: Walk around the vehicle and visually inspect each shock absorber for any oil staining or wetness around the damper body and mounting points. Push down firmly on each corner of the car and release - the car should return to normal height within 1-2 bounces. Excessive bouncing indicates damper fail...

  6. V12 engine oil consumption

    Engine damage risk DBS-V1, DBS-V2

    Both 5.9L and 5.2L V12 engines in DBS models consume oil at rates higher than typical road cars, particularly as mileage increases. The high-performance nature of these engines, combined with their complex valve train and high operating temperatures, leads to gradual wear of valve stem seals and piston rings. Oil consumption of 1 litre per 1,000 miles is considered acceptable by Aston Martin, but higher consumption indicates accelerated wear requiring attention.

    What to check: Check the oil level on the dipstick with the engine cold and the car on level ground. Note the current level and ask the seller when oil was last added. Examine the oil condition - black, thick oil may indicate irregular changes that accelerate wear. Ask for service records showing oil consumptio...

  7. Infotainment system failure

    Wear item DBS-V1

    The first-generation DBS uses an early Volvo-derived infotainment system that becomes unreliable as the vehicle ages. The hard drive-based navigation system is particularly prone to failure, with the drive mechanism wearing out or the software becoming corrupted. Screen brightness degradation and touch response problems also develop over time. Later DBS Superleggera models use more modern systems that are significantly more reliable.

    What to check: Turn on the ignition and check that the central screen illuminates and displays the main menu clearly. Note any dark spots, lines, or flickering that indicate screen failure. Test the touchscreen response by pressing different menu options - sluggish or unresponsive areas indicate touch sensor pr...

What Dbs cost at dealers now

From 11 used Dbs we track on UK dealer websites.

Typical asking price
£114,474
Typical mileage
35,691 miles
Price change vs last month
+26.8%

Dbs MOT results

7%

of Dbs MOT tests end in a fail, from 3,723 tests.

Most common reasons for failing

  1. Anti-roll bar links wornSuspension
  2. Brake hoses perished or damagedBrakes
  3. Brake pipes corrodedBrakes

Check the Dbs 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

Dbs questions

Is the Aston Martin Dbs reliable?

7% of Dbs models fail their MOT based on 3,723 tests analysed. That’s better than average for the class. There are 7 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 Dbs?

The most serious known issues are suspension component corrosion, brake pipe corrosion, carbon ceramic brake wear. Problems vary by generation, so check which apply to the year you’re looking at. Our car check flags whether a specific Dbs has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.

How do I check if a Aston Martin Dbs 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 Dbs 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 Dbs 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 Dbs 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 Dbs 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 Dbs 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 Dbs fail its MOT on?

The most common MOT failure on the Dbs is anti-roll bar links worn. 7% of Dbs models fail overall, based on 3,723 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.

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