Generations
DB11 — DB11 (First Generation)
2016–2022
5.2L V12 Twin Turbo, 4.0L V8 Twin Turbo
Top issues to watch for
The most serious Aston Martin Db11 problems ranked by severity. 3 known issues ranked by how much damage they can do.
Dangerous
Front suspension component corrosion (DB11)
The DB11's aluminium front suspension control arms and wishbones can suffer from galvanic corrosion where they contact steel mounting points and bushes. This affects early production vehicles particularly severely, with corrosion appearing even on low-mileage cars stored in damp conditions. The aluminium-to-steel contact points lack adequate protective coating, allowing moisture ingress to create an electrolytic cell that rapidly deteriorates the aluminium structure. This is a safety-critical failure that can lead to complete suspension collapse.
What happens if ignoredComplete failure of corroded suspension components can cause loss of vehicle control and wheel detachment. This is a safety-critical defect requiring immediate attention. Replacement of affected aluminium components costs £2,000-£4,000 per side including labour. The vehicle should not be driven if significant corrosion is visible.
Specialist
£2,000–£4,000
Main dealer
£3,500–£6,000
Parts only
£800–£1,500
Minor
Turbo wastegate rattle (DB11)
The turbocharger wastegate actuators on both V8 and V12 engines can develop an audible rattle, particularly noticeable during cold starts and light throttle applications. The wastegate flapper valve develops play in its mounting, causing it to vibrate against the housing when boost pressure fluctuates. This is a known characteristic of the Mercedes-AMG derived turbochargers used in both engine variants and does not typically affect performance or reliability in the short term.
What happens if ignoredWhile irritating, wastegate rattle does not typically lead to immediate turbocharger failure. However, continued operation may eventually cause the wastegate flapper to seize or fail completely, requiring turbocharger replacement. Replacement of a single turbocharger assembly costs £1,500-£2,500 including labour.
Independent garage
£500–£800
Specialist
£800–£1,200
Main dealer
£1,200–£1,800
Parts only
£300–£600
Advisory
COMAND infotainment system lag (DB11)
The Mercedes-Benz derived COMAND infotainment system used in the DB11 can exhibit significant response delays, particularly when switching between functions or loading navigation maps. This is a software limitation rather than a hardware failure, affecting all DB11 models regardless of age or mileage. The system's processor and memory allocation are insufficient for the complex interface, causing frustrating delays during normal operation.
What happens if ignoredThis is a user experience issue rather than a safety concern. The system remains functional but can be frustrating during daily use. No repair resolves this limitation as it is inherent to the system design. Software updates may provide marginal improvements but do not eliminate the underlying performance constraints.
Independent garage
£0–£0
Specialist
£0–£0
Main dealer
£0–£0
Parts only
£0–£0
MOT failure hotspots
Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Aston Martin Db11 fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.
Anti-roll bar links worn
Suspension · 0-20k miles
MOT failure rate: 207x the fleet average
Sample: 1,799 tests
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case o...
Lights & Electrics · 0-20k miles
MOT failure rate: 13x the fleet average
Sample: 1,805 tests
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Related
Aston Martin Db11 reliability FAQs
What are the most common problems with the Aston Martin Db11?
The Aston Martin Db11 has 3 known issues across 3 severity levels. The most serious are: Front suspension component corrosion (DB11).
Is the Aston Martin Db11 reliable?
The Aston Martin Db11 has 1 dangerous and 0 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.
How much does it cost to fix Aston Martin Db11 problems?
Costs vary by issue. Independent garages are typically 30-50% cheaper than main dealers for most repairs.