Aston Martin Db7 MOT Failures

An analysis of 23,956 real DVSA MOT tests on the Aston Martin Db7 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: DB7-I6 (1994–1999), DB7-V12 (1999–2004).

Where the Aston Martin Db7 fails its MOT

The single biggest MOT failure point on the Aston Martin Db7 is fluid leak — this model is 21 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 23,956 MOT tests, 2.87% of all Aston Martin Db7 tests recorded this as a failure.

Exhaust and emissions failures often point to catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor faults, or — in diesel models — DPF problems. These can be expensive to fix and will cause an immediate MOT failure.

Other notable weak points include wheel bearings worn (21x the fleet average), light unit fault (11x the fleet average), transmission joint, belt or chain worn (178x the fleet average), and anti-roll bar links worn (15x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Aston Martin Db7's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.

The failures span 6 categories: Exhaust & Emissions, Suspension, Seatbelts & Airbags, Bodywork, Steering and others. If you're inspecting a Aston Martin Db7 before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.

How failures change with mileage

The Aston Martin Db7's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.

Under 60,000 miles

At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.

For the Aston Martin Db7 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are transmission joint, belt or chain worn (178x the average) and power steering fault (25x). wheel bearings worn (21x) and fluid leak (21x) also appear frequently.

60,000 to 100,000 miles

This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.

For the Aston Martin Db7 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (15x the average) and wheel bearings worn (13x). light unit fault (7.0x) and parking brake inoperative on one side (6.5x) also appear frequently.

The shift from transmission joint, belt or chain worn at lower mileages to anti-roll bar links worn at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.

Known issues beyond the MOT

An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Aston Martin Db7 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.

Wheel bearing excessive play Dangerous

Both I6 and V12 models show wheel bearing failures at up to 44.6 times the national fleet average, with the trend worsening over time. Affects DB7-I6, DB7-V12; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.

Transmission chain excessive wear (DB7-V12) Major

The 5-speed automatic transmission fitted to V12 models uses a chain drive system that shows premature wear patterns significantly earlier than typical automatic transmissions. Affects DB7-V12; typical independent garage repair cost is £2,500–£4,000.

Excessive fluid leakage Major

This suggests multiple leak points from engine gaskets, seals, and connections. Affects DB7-I6, DB7-V12; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£800.

Spring fracture or weakness Major

Both models show spring failures at up to 8.7 times the national fleet average, with the trend worsening across all affected mileage bands. Affects DB7-I6, DB7-V12; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.

For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Aston Martin Db7 common problems breakdown.

What to check before buying a Aston Martin Db7

Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Aston Martin Db7:

Exhaust & Emissions — check for fluid leak. Suspension — check for wheel bearings worn, anti-roll bar links worn. Seatbelts & Airbags — check for light unit fault. Bodywork — check for transmission joint, belt or chain worn.

Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about wheel bearing excessive play and transmission chain excessive wear. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £200. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.

Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.

MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.