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Aston Martin DB9 reliability by build year

Coverage 2004-20161 named generationCoupePETROL

We've only got 829 MOT tests for Aston Martin DB9 models built around 2006 (19 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Aston Martin DB9 built around 2006: about average at the MOT

Aston Martin DB9 models built around 2006 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check an Aston Martin DB9 by number plate

Key figure

11% of MOT tests on Aston Martin DB9 models built around 2006 ended in a fail (retests included), against 10% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Aston Martin DB9 models built around 2006 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Aston Martin DB9's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your DB9's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

DB9 Mk1

Mk1 (2004-2016)

Excellent
PETROL

2.3% fail rate, built around 2016 (9 years old)

Likely between 1.0% and 5.2%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 5 MOTs, 20.8%)

From 221 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Aston Martin DB9.

See every build year for the Aston Martin DB9

By age

Aston Martin DB9 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Aston Martin DB9 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
631.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2212.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1944.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1756.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1328.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
7711.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
14510.3%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
2398.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
2967.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
5909.5%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
65912.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
82910.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
8159.8%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
949.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 18 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 19-year-old Aston Martin DB9 models

These issues come from 19-year-old Aston Martin DB9 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    6.8%
    Advisory: 89Fail: 7 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.5%
    Advisory: 89Fail: 6 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    5.2%
    Advisory: 59Fail: 1 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    4.0%
    Advisory: 54Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    3.1%
    Advisory: 52Fail: 1 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 829 MOT tests on 19-year-old Aston Martin DB9 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 19-year-old Aston Martin DB9 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelNot much data
  1. Brakes + Tyres30%
  2. Brakes + Lighting18%
  3. Lighting + Tyres17%
  4. Brakes + Other15%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 130 MOT tests on Aston Martin DB9 cars built around 2006 (19 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Aston Martin DB9.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

9 recalls in all

7 of the 9 Aston Martin DB9 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 7 recalls

Top concerns

  • Vehicle may roll away
  • Movement of seat may damage battery supply cable
  • Risk of short-circuit in battery supply cable

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes to compare

  1. 1

    Nissan 350Z

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.8%

    No clear edge over the Aston Martin DB9 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,093 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  2. 2

    Mercedes-Benz CLK

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.7%
    Dangerous
    7%

    No clear edge over the Aston Martin DB9 on these figures.

    4,191 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  3. 3

    Audi TT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.2%
    Dangerous
    6.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    No clear edge over the Aston Martin DB9 on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,745 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  4. 4

    Porsche Cayman

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.6%
    Dangerous
    2.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93%

    No clear edge over the Aston Martin DB9 on these figures.

    1,133 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2006 (19 years old), the Aston Martin DB9 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 829 19-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Aston Martin DB9 ever sold: 4,529 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2006 (19 years old): 829 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.