2008 Aston Martin Db9 — MOT failures & pass rate
2,456 MOT tests on the 2008 Aston Martin Db9 are in this dataset, and 92.0% of them passed. Against coupes & convertibles of a similar age (21.1% fail rate), the 2008 Db9 comes out 13.1pp better. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and visibility.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (3.8%) and suspension (1.7%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, position lamp and wipers — headlamp aim alone was recorded 52 times.
A 60-90k example is materially riskier than a 0-30k one: 12.8% versus 5.6%.
Tyres is the most common advisory, noted on 12.8% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
The trend is worsening — 7.5% of tests failed in 2021 against 9.3% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 3.8% | 92 |
| 2 | Suspension | 1.7% | 41 |
| 3 | Visibility | 1.7% | 41 |
| 4 | Brakes | 1.5% | 36 |
| 5 | Tyres | 1.3% | 33 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 0.8% | 20 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 52 |
| 2 | Position lamp | 45 |
| 3 | Wipers | 29 |
| 4 | Coil spring | 28 |
| 5 | Registration plates | 25 |
| 6 | Shock absorbers | 20 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 12.8% | 315 |
| 2 | Brakes | 11.1% | 273 |
| 3 | Suspension | 5.4% | 133 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 2.8% | 68 |
| 5 | Visibility | 2.5% | 61 |
| 6 | Other defects | 2.0% | 49 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 843 | 5.6% |
| 30-60k | 1,211 | 8.0% |
| 60-90k | 367 | 12.8% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 490 | 7.5% |
| 2022 | 504 | 6.8% |
| 2023 | 490 | 7.5% |
| 2024 | 476 | 8.8% |
| 2025 | 496 | 9.3% |
What to check before buying a 2008 Db9
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: lighting & signalling accounted for 3.8% of tests. Start there.
- Lighting & signalling (3.8% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (1.7% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Visibility (1.7% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2008 Aston Martin Db9s pass their MOT?
92.0% of the 2,456 2008 Aston Martin Db9 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 8.0% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2008 Aston Martin Db9?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 3.8% of tests, followed by suspension (1.7%).
Does the 2008 Db9 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 5.6% in the 0-30k band to 12.8% in the 60-90k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 2,456 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.