Used buying checklist
Aston Martin Db11 reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Aston Martin Db11 looks better than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 4.3% of 2,372 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, tyres and wheels, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, tyres and wheels, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
Start with corrosion and structure, tyres and wheels, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 4.3% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 14,238 miles
- 103 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (1.2 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include corroded and seriously weakened, excessively corroded, and strengthening plate or fastening so insecure that structural rigidity is seriously reduced.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- corroded and seriously weakened
- excessively corroded
- strengthening plate or fastening so insecure that structural rigidity is seriously reduced
- Nail in tyre
- damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
- provides insufficient washer liquid
- of the road through the swept area of the windscreen significantly affected by an obstruction
- lens slightly defective
- with a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- warning lamp indicates a fault
Focus on corrosion and structure, tyres and wheels, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
The model's recorded failure rate is 4.3%, -14.4 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed2,372 tests
- Median tested mileage14,238 miles
- Failed MOT tests103
Should you buy a used Aston Martin Db11?
95.7% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 4.3%, -14.4 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, tyres and wheels, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "corroded and seriously weakened"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, tyres and wheels, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
Start with corrosion and structure, tyres and wheels, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (1.2 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Use the mileage table to judge whether the car is being viewed at a lower- or higher-risk mileage.
The MOT failure rate rises from 2.1% at 0-3 years to 3.4% at 6-10 years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, tyres and wheels, windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
4 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, tyres and wheels, windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.2 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.1 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (0.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (0.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (0.2 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (0.2 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
What changes with mileage?
These are the car areas that show up in MOT records at different mileages.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (1.2 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Aston Martin Db11 mainly involve 3 areas: seatbelts and safety systems, tyres and wheels, and suspension and steering. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
MOT failure rates rise from 4.4% at 0-50k miles to 4.5% at 50-100k miles. Use the mileage table to judge whether the car is being viewed at a lower- or higher-risk mileage.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 2,332 | 2,114 | 4.4%-6.5 percentage points vs all models | 14,171 miles |
| 50-100k | 22 | 21 | 4.5%-16.2 percentage points vs all models | 61,414 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
This table shows which car areas and exact MOT phrases appear at each mileage range.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 2.1% at 0-3 years to 3.4% at 6-10 years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 4.9% for 3-6 years cars, based on 1,650 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
193 | 188 | 2.1%-6.4 percentage points vs all models | 3.0 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
1,650 | 1,497 | 4.9%-5.7 percentage points vs all models | 4.9 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
529 | 486 | 3.4%-13.2 percentage points vs all models | 6.3 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
4 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2020-10-12 | CERTAIN FIXINGS ON THE FRONT SEAT AIR BAG MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE CORRECT TORQUE Certain fixings on the front seat airbag may not have been �tightened� to the correct torque. Examine the front seat airbag fixings and if necessary secure the fixings. |
|---|---|
| 2019-11-19 | THE VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE HAD THEIR PASSENGER AIRBAG FIXINGS TIGHTENED TO THE CORRECT TORQUE Vehicles may not have had their passenger airbag fixings �tightened� to the correct torque specification Examine the passenger airbag fixings and if necessary secure the fixings. |
| 2018-01-23 | INADVERTANT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT When combined with a damaged steering column control module clock spring and insufficient grounding of the steering column an electrostatic discharge may lead to an inadvertent deployment of the driver's airbag. Drivers will be alerted to a potential fault by the airbag warning in the instrument cluster and an additional warning message. On affected vehicles install a contact bridge and a contact spring that will provide a suitable ground for the steering column. |
| 2017-07-13 | TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM INCORRECTLY SET The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on the affected vehicles was calibrated incorrectly and as a result does not illuminate the low tyre pressure warning tell-tale at the required minimum activation pressure. Recalibrate the TPMS on affected vehicles. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Aston Martin Db11. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Aston Martin reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.