Used buying checklist
Aston Martin Vanquish reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Aston Martin Vanquish looks better than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 6.4% of 1,763 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
Start with suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, 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.
- 6.4% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 18,956 miles
- 113 failed MOT tests analysed
Suspension and steering is the clearest area to check
Suspension and steering is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (10.6 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated, ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt, and ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated
- ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt
- ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt
- ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt
- ferrule excessively corroded
- excessively corroded
- corroded and seriously weakened
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
- provides insufficient washer liquid
Focus on suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
The model's recorded failure rate is 6.4%, -12.3 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 analysed1,763 tests
- Median tested mileage18,956 miles
- Failed MOT tests113
Should you buy a used Aston Martin Vanquish?
93.6% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 6.4%, -12.3 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 suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
- suspension and steering 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 "ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
Start with suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Suspension and steering is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (10.6 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 Vanquish, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering.
The MOT failure rate rises from 2.9% at 3-6 years to 11.8% 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 suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, 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.
5 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 suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, 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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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (10.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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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 (4.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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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 (1.6 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 (1.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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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 (0.7 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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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 (0.7 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 Vanquish, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Suspension and steering is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (10.6 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 Vanquish mainly involve 3 areas: brakes, lights and electrical, and mixed recall notices. 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 Vanquish, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 1,660 | 1,515 | 6.4%-4.4 percentage points vs all models | 18,204 miles |
| 50-100k | 84 | 76 | 7.1%-13.6 percentage points vs all models | 55,278 miles |
| 100-150k | 4 | 3 | 25.0%-1.2 percentage points vs all models | 104,181 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Aston Martin Vanquish, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering.
| 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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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 2.9% at 3-6 years to 11.8% 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 11.8% for 15+ years cars, based on 558 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
340 | 319 | 2.9%-7.6 percentage points vs all models | 5.1 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
734 | 679 | 3.7%-12.9 percentage points vs all models | 8.0 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
131 | 115 | 7.6%-15.9 percentage points vs all models | 10.4 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
558 | 483 | 11.8%-14.1 percentage points vs all models | 18.8 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
5 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2025-08-28 | RA-06-2074 –Vanquish ESP On affected vehicles under specific conditions the brake vacuum pump may not generate vacuum reducing brake assistance. This may result in increased stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Update ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with modified software. |
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| 2017-12-18 | VEHICLE MAY ROLL AWAY Due to a communication error between the Engine Control Module (ECM) software and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) the transmission park pawl may not engage. In certain circumstances such as when the park brake is not applied the vehicle may roll away. On affected vehicles update the software for the Transmission Control Module. |
| 2017-12-18 | MOVEMENT OF SEAT MAY DAMAGE BATTERY SUPPLY CABLE In some circumstances when the right side front seat is operated to its fully reward position the seat runner can compress the battery supply cable and cause the seat to damage the battery supply cable. This may cause an open circuit and/or ground the supply cable which may then overheat. On affected vehicles examine the battery supply cable for damage and install a routing block to ensure that the seat runner cannot compress the battery supply cable. If necessary replace the cable. |
| 2016-04-11 | RISK OF SHORT-CIRCUIT IN BATTERY SUPPLY CABLE On affected vehicles the right fron seat can compress the battery supply cable. Prolonged occurences coulld cause damage to the insulation and the cable may short out Fit new cable guide to reroute supply cable. Check condition of supply cable and where necessary reinforce insulation . In rare instances the cable may require replacement. |
| 2004-11-19 | POSSIBILITY THAT THROTTLE CONTROL MAY BE LOST The electronic throttle pedal assembly cross shaft can become displaced from its housing following involuntary displacement of an ultrasonically domed head (LHS end). This is designed to keep the cross shaft in place along with a secondary retaining cross pin at the opposite side of the housing. With the cross shaft displaced throttle control is lost. If ignored a failed cross shaft would lead to loss of throttle control whilst driving. Likely to be affected vehicles will be recalled at which time the throttle assembly will be checked for compliance with specification. Should a non-compliance be identified the throttle pedal assembly will be replaced. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Aston Martin Vanquish. 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.