The V12 grand tourer that saved Aston Martin
Aston Martin's flagship grand tourer from 2004-2016 that revived the brand's fortunes and established its modern design language. It sits above the Vantage as a refined, long-distance GT competing with the Bentley Continental GT and Ferrari California. Buyers are typically affluent enthusiasts seeking effortless cross-continent cruising wrapped in one of the most beautiful bodies ever penned.
We track 8 known issues across the Aston Martin DB9 range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Aston Martin DB9? Enter the reg to see which of our 8 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
DB9 (2003–2016) — Engine options included the 5.9 V12. Our database flags 8 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Suspension component corrosion.
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.
Corroded suspension components can fail without warning, causing loss of vehicle control and potentially fatal accidents. Repair typically requires specialist welding to chassis mounting points and complete component replacement. Costs can exceed £8,000 for extensive corrosion repair.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
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.
Complete clutch failure leaves the car immobile and requires specialist recovery. Replacement is transmission-out work requiring dealer-level diagnostic equipment for system recalibration. Total cost including labour typically exceeds £5,000.
Check each gear engages smoothly without crunching. Feel the clutch bite point — very high or very low can indicate wear. Listen for bearing noise when the clutch is depressed.
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.
Misfiring cylinders can damage expensive catalytic converters and cause the engine to run roughly. Multiple coil pack failures can trigger limp mode, severely limiting performance. Unrepaired misfires will cause MOT emission test failures.
Check for misfires, rough running or hesitation under acceleration. Ask when spark plugs and coil packs were last replaced. A diagnostic scan can reveal stored misfire codes that may not be obvious during a short test drive.
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.
Leaking shock absorbers reduce vehicle stability and can cause dangerous handling characteristics during emergency manoeuvres or high-speed driving. Failed shocks cause uneven tyre wear and will result in MOT failure.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
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.
Corroded brake pipes or hoses can fail without warning, causing complete brake system failure and potentially fatal accidents. Even minor corrosion will cause MOT failure and requires immediate repair before the vehicle is safe to drive.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
For the full breakdown of all 8 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Aston Martin DB9 common problems page.
Based on 26k real DVSA MOT tests, the Aston Martin DB9 fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is anti-roll bar links worn at 98x the fleet average, followed by seat mounting fault (38x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Aston Martin DB9 MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £200–£300 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include engine oil and filter (£200–£300), spark plugs (£300–£450), coolant flush (£200–£300).
See the full Aston Martin DB9 service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Aston Martin DB9 has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. Post-2009 facelift models offer more power (470bhp vs 450bhp) and useful updates to the electronics and interior. The 2013-2016 final cars are the most refined and reliable. Limited editions and Sport Pack cars with upgraded suspension command premiums. Avoid early 2004-2006 cars with first-generation Linn audio systems and unresolved seat heater recalls.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Aston Martin DB9, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 8 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 8 known Aston Martin DB9 issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.