Used buying checklist
Aston Martin Db7 reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Aston Martin Db7 looks better than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 12.3% of 2,158 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical.
Start with corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical, 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.
- 12.3% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 50,398 miles
- 265 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 (29.0 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include corroded and seriously weakened, corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened, and ferrule excessively corroded.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- corroded and seriously weakened
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- ferrule excessively corroded
- excessively corroded
- leaking excessively from engine
- Fuel Pipe/s corroded
- Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits
- has a major leak of exhaust gases
- with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning
- slightly twisted
Focus on corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical
The model's recorded failure rate is 12.3%, -6.4 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 analysed2,158 tests
- Median tested mileage50,398 miles
- Failed MOT tests265
Should you buy a used Aston Martin Db7?
87.7% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 12.3%, -6.4 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, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical
- 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, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical.
Start with corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (29.0 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Aston Martin Db7, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical.
The MOT failure rate rises from 12.3% at 15+ years to 12.3% at 15+ 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, emissions, engine, and exhaust, lights and electrical, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 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, emissions, engine, and exhaust, lights and electrical, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors. 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 (29.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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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 (11.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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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 (5.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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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 (3.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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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 (2.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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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 (0.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Aston Martin Db7, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical.
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 (29.0 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 Db7 mainly involve 3 areas: suspension and steering, brakes, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. 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?
Past 100k miles on the Aston Martin Db7, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 1,055 | 957 | 9.1%-1.7 percentage points vs all models | 34,183 miles |
| 50-100k | 976 | 839 | 14.9%-5.9 percentage points vs all models | 66,798 miles |
| 100-150k | 96 | 76 | 20.8%-5.4 percentage points vs all models | 111,282 miles |
| 150-200k | 8 | 6 | 25.0%-2.3 percentage points vs all models | 162,277 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Aston Martin Db7, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and lights and electrical.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 12.3% at 15+ years to 12.3% at 15+ 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 12.3% for 15+ years cars, based on 2,158 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
2,158 | 1,875 | 12.3%-13.6 percentage points vs all models | 22.9 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2005-01-18 | REAR BRAKE PRESSURE REDUCING VALVES CONNECTED INCORRECTLY It has been identified that a number of vehicles have been assembled with two in-line rear brake pressure reducing valves installed to one of the rear brake lines instead of one valve in each rear brake line. This condition can cause the vehicle to pull slightly to one side under heavy braking efficiency however is maintained as the system is regulated by the ABS. Recall likely to be affected vehicles and modify to one brake pressure reducing valve to each rear brake line. |
|---|---|
| 2003-03-24 | POWER ASSISTED STEERING HOSE MAY CONTACT THE LEFT HAND EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND BURN THROUGH Power assisted steering high pressure flexible hose may contact the left hand exhaust manifold and burn through leading to a progressive loss of hydraulic fluid and power assistance. Check the position of the high pressure hose in relation to the exhaust manifold. If the hose is touching the manifold or there is insufficient air gap fit a new high pressure hose and reposition and clip as specified. |
| 2001-06-04 | LIGHTING EQUIPMENT SWITCHGEAR CONCERN. The steering column lighting switchgear wires can potentially become trapped leading to partial loss of lighting functionality during operation. Recall affected vehicles and fit a quality assured steering column switchgear assembly |
| 2000-10-09 | INTERMITTENT LOSS OF ENGINE POWER ON START UP. A fault in the ignition software may result in misfiring and power loss on one bank of cylinders. This situation could also cause overheating of the exhaust catalyst. Affected Vehicles are being recalled for replacement of the power train control module.(PCM) |
| 2000-01-10 | FRONT DAMPER LOWER MOUNTING BRACKET MAY DETACH There is a possibility that the front damper lower mounting bracket may detach due to insufficient welding and displaced damper may restrict steering action. Recall affected vehicles and check that damper mounting bracket is butt welded on all three sides. If not replace bracket. |
| 1996-12-12 | NON OPERATION OF BRAKE FLUID WARNING LAMP CHECK FACILITY Should the low brake fluid warning lamp bulb fail the bulb check facility is not enabled to check this condition. The affected vehicles are being recalled by the manufacturer for a minor wiring modification to the circuit concerned. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Aston Martin Db7. 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.