Used car guide

2016 Aston Martin DB9: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Aston Martin DB9s, from 163 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 163 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

163MOT tests in 2025
99%pass first time (all 2016 cars: 75%)
2,200typical miles a year
10%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2016 Aston Martin DB9 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    10% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    5% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    1% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    1% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Lights and electrics
    1% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2015200Tyres 14%
2014169Tyres 17%
2013168Tyres 20%
2010183Tyres 16%
2009223Tyres 12%
2008463Tyres 15%
2007628Tyres 13%
2006580Tyres 15%
2005991Brakes 12%
2004251Tyres 14%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Aston Martin DB9s registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score