Aston Martin · 2016-2023
DB11
Known issues.
The DB11 is more modern than the older cars, but it still depends heavily on battery health, tyre quality, and software-aware servicing. Many faults begin as drivability or warning-light niggles rather than dramatic failures. Factory campaigns and published service prices added on 27 October 2026 are sourced on this page. A campaign describes the cars it names, not a fault rate for every example.
What to watch forLiving with the DB11
Ownership snapshot
The DB11 suits regular use, and that is usually good for the car. Examples that live on short urban runs without a charger or proper servicing tend to develop avoidable warnings and drivability complaints.
Indicative service and repair costs
These are published menu figures from the named page, retrieved on the date shown. They are not a quote for a particular car, and extra diagnosis or parts change the bill.
| Item | Published price | VAT | Retrieved | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual service, DB11 V8, 2018–2025Air filters £104 + VAT and pollen filter £112 + VAT. Differential and gearbox oil are POA. | £470 + VAT | excluding VAT | Aston Martin V8 and V12 servicing — McGurk Performance Cars | |
| Annual service, DB11 V12, 2016–2019Air filters £104 + VAT, differential oil £202 + VAT and pollen filters £112 + VAT. Gearbox oil is POA. | £520 + VAT | excluding VAT | Aston Martin V8 and V12 servicing — McGurk Performance Cars | |
| Minor and major servicesEvery fifth service is given as £1,305 for the V8 and £1,450 for the V12. The guide does not say whether the figures include VAT, and it does not date the price table. | £650 and £760 (V8); £740 and £855 (V12) | VAT treatment not stated | Used Aston Martin DB11 (2016-2023) buyer's guide — Auto Express | |
| DB11 V8 and Vantage (2019) menu, from the sixth serviceServices one to five are printed as FREE including VAT. The seventh is £730 and the eighth is £855. | £1,445 | including VAT | Aston Martin fixed-price servicing — Sytner Aston Martin | |
| DB11 and Vantage V12 (2022), DBS menu, from the sixth serviceServices one to five are printed as FREE. The seventh is £870 and the eighth is £995. The heading says DBS, not DBS Superleggera. | £1,640 | including VAT | Aston Martin fixed-price servicing — Sytner Aston Martin | |
| Year 7 / 10,000-mile service, V8 (2018–present) menuThe year-6 / 20,000-mile figure on that row is £875. The V12 (2017–present) year-7 figure is £715 and the year-6 figure is £1,275. Spark plugs are £680 for the V8 menu and £925 for the V12 menu. | £565 | including VAT | Independent Aston Martin servicing — Aston Workshop |
What to watch for
19 issues01Low-voltage faults and module sensitivity
Multiple warning messages, intermittent comfort-system glitches, or occasional refusal to wake up cleanly after being parked.
All DB11 variants, especially lightly used cars.
Low-voltage faults and module sensitivity
Multiple warning messages, intermittent comfort-system glitches, or occasional refusal to wake up cleanly after being parked.
All DB11 variants, especially lightly used cars.
- Driveability
- Usually manageable, but repeated low-voltage starts should be treated as a root problem, not just an inconvenience.
- DIY or specialist
- DIY-safe for tender use and basic voltage checks; specialist support for coding, battery monitoring, and repeat faults.
Early warning signs
- The car behaves differently after a short storage period
- The stop-start or infotainment systems act inconsistently
- A battery warning appears before any outright starting problem
Likely root causes
- Battery condition dropping below what the car expects
- Short-trip use and accessory load
- Battery sensor or charging management issues
Typical cost context
- Battery replacement is relatively contained compared with wider DB11 repairs.
- Module diagnosis becomes more expensive if low voltage has been ignored for too long.
Prevention
- Use a tender if the car sits.
- Replace a weak battery before it creates false module complaints.
- Do not dismiss random warnings without checking system voltage.
02Rotary / Master Light Switch Detachment or Failure
Some earlier DB11s can suffer failure of the mounting points inside the master light switch, allowing the rotary lighting control or fog-light switch section to loosen or detach. Aston Martin issued Service Bulletin SB-18-1713 and introduced a reinforcing bracket repair.
Early-generation DB11s using the rotary master light switch described in SB-18-1713; confirm the exact production range against the VIN.
Rotary / Master Light Switch Detachment or Failure
Some earlier DB11s can suffer failure of the mounting points inside the master light switch, allowing the rotary lighting control or fog-light switch section to loosen or detach. Aston Martin issued Service Bulletin SB-18-1713 and introduced a reinforcing bracket repair.
Early-generation DB11s using the rotary master light switch described in SB-18-1713; confirm the exact production range against the VIN.
- Driveability
- Do not continue driving if required exterior lighting cannot be operated correctly or if the switch is loose or separating.
- DIY or specialist
- Owner inspection is useful, but the documented repair should be carried out by a specialist or Aston Martin workshop using the full bulletin.
Early warning signs
- The rotary headlight selector or outer bezel feels loose
- The fog-light button, centre, or core is moving or detached
- The switch assembly is partly separating or cannot operate exterior lighting functions
Likely root causes
- Damage to the rotary switch or its plastic mounting points, as described by Aston Martin
- Separation of the rotary switch from the master light switch assembly
- The bulletin does not identify a definitive underlying cause
Typical cost context
- Aston Martin specifies approximately 0.25 hours of repair labour for the bracket procedure.
- The final owner cost depends on diagnosis, labour rate, and whether additional vehicle work is required; the bulletin does not give a guaranteed retail total.
Prevention
- Inspect the switch for movement or loose components.
- Ask a repairer to assess the MY53-13B738-AA reinforcement repair before assuming complete assembly replacement is required.
- Confirm part compatibility against the vehicle VIN.
Sources
- SB-18-1713: Rotary Light Switch Repair Process — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
03Turbocharged emissions and sensor warning lights
Check engine light, reduced performance warning, or a car that feels normal one day and reluctant the next.
V8 and V12 turbo cars, especially with low-use patterns or overdue service items.
Turbocharged emissions and sensor warning lights
Check engine light, reduced performance warning, or a car that feels normal one day and reluctant the next.
V8 and V12 turbo cars, especially with low-use patterns or overdue service items.
- Driveability
- Drive gently if performance is normal, but stop if the car enters limp mode or runs roughly.
- DIY or specialist
- Basic scan and visual checks only. Specialist diagnosis is recommended.
Early warning signs
- A warning appears after several short trips
- Idle and cold-start behaviour become less clean
- The car occasionally hesitates before boost builds
Likely root causes
- Sensor drift
- Ignition service items aging out
- Air or vacuum leaks in the induction system
Typical cost context
- A single sensor or ignition service can stay moderate.
- Layered faults or extensive diagnostic time quickly move the total upward.
Prevention
- Keep up with annual service even on low mileage.
- Avoid repeated short cold runs where possible.
- Investigate a first warning rather than waiting for a second.
04Brake judder from heat or uneven deposits
Steering wheel shake under medium to hard braking, especially after motorway speeds or spirited road use.
All cars, more obvious on heavy or hard-driven examples.
Brake judder from heat or uneven deposits
Steering wheel shake under medium to hard braking, especially after motorway speeds or spirited road use.
All cars, more obvious on heavy or hard-driven examples.
- Driveability
- Avoid repeated high-speed braking until the cause is confirmed.
- DIY or specialist
- Inspection is owner-safe; corrective work should be specialist-led if judder is present.
Early warning signs
- Slight pulsing appears before full judder
- The steering stays calm at low speed but shakes from higher speeds
- The car has been parked hot after heavy braking
Likely root causes
- Uneven pad material on the disc face
- Overheated brakes
- Disc wear or underlying suspension issues
Typical cost context
- Inspection and bedding-in advice are relatively minor.
- Replacing front discs and pads becomes a much bigger number on a DB11.
Prevention
- Do not hold the brakes hard after repeated heavy stops if the discs are very hot.
- Inspect pad and disc condition before long trips.
- Use matched, quality tyres and keep front suspension healthy.
05Tyre and alignment sensitivity
Tramlining, uneven wear, or a car that feels less planted than expected.
All DB11 variants, especially on worn or mixed tyres.
Tyre and alignment sensitivity
Tramlining, uneven wear, or a car that feels less planted than expected.
All DB11 variants, especially on worn or mixed tyres.
- Driveability
- Usually driveable, but tyre wear and wet-road confidence suffer if left uncorrected.
- DIY or specialist
- DIY-safe to check tyre age, wear, and pressures. Geometry work belongs with a specialist.
Early warning signs
- Shoulder wear appears early
- Steering corrections are needed on straight roads
- Ride quality worsens after a pothole impact
Likely root causes
- Alignment drift
- Tyre mismatch or old tyre compound
- Damage from road impacts
Typical cost context
- A geometry check is relatively modest.
- Fresh premium tyres and any hidden suspension correction quickly cost more.
Prevention
- Keep tyres matched and fresh.
- Inspect wear patterns regularly.
- Check alignment after pothole strikes or suspension work.
06V12 bonnet-vent water ingress into the coil packs
Service action SA-03-1159V2, issued on 7 May 2019, documents water collecting at the coil-pack seal when a DB11 V12 is parked in rain. Water can enter through the bonnet vents, collect on the coil-pack seal and reach the spark-plug breather pipe as the engine cools, and it can cause a misfire. The repair is a water-shield retrofit kit, part HY53-16C629-AA, with a stated factory labour time of 0.1 hours. VINs are on a separate list.
DB11 V12 cars on the separately published VIN list. Not the DB11 V8.
V12 bonnet-vent water ingress into the coil packs
Service action SA-03-1159V2, issued on 7 May 2019, documents water collecting at the coil-pack seal when a DB11 V12 is parked in rain. Water can enter through the bonnet vents, collect on the coil-pack seal and reach the spark-plug breather pipe as the engine cools, and it can cause a misfire. The repair is a water-shield retrofit kit, part HY53-16C629-AA, with a stated factory labour time of 0.1 hours. VINs are on a separate list.
DB11 V12 cars on the separately published VIN list. Not the DB11 V8.
- Driveability
- A persistent misfire, especially with a flashing warning, is a reason to stop rather than keep driving.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- A misfire after the car has been parked in rain
- Water around the coil-pack area
Likely root causes
- Water entering through the bonnet vents and reaching the coil-pack seal and spark-plug breather pipe.
Typical cost context
- The action states about 0.1 hours of factory labour for fitting the shields. It does not state a retail price. Ignition parts damaged before the shields are fitted are a separate job.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- SA-03-1159V2: Bonnet Vent Water Shields — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
07Passenger airbag fastener torque
DVSA safety recall R/2019/396, launched on 19 November 2019, says the passenger airbag fixings may not have been tightened to the correct torque. The DVSA pages for DB11 2018, DBS 2019 and Vantage 2019 each show 15 affected vehicles; that is the campaign total repeated on each model-year page, not three separate populations. A recall index gives the manufacturer reference as RA-01-1377. The DVSA pages themselves print R/2019/396 and do not print RA-01-1377. This record is not in the on-site bulletin archive, so there is no archived PDF to cross-link.
DVSA lists the recall against DB11 2018, DBS 2019 and Vantage 2019. The 2019 DBS page is the later DBS, not the 2007–2012 DBS. A secondary index gives build dates of 6 November 2017 to 18 February 2019 and repeats one count of 15 vehicles across DB11, DBS and Vantage.
Passenger airbag fastener torque
DVSA safety recall R/2019/396, launched on 19 November 2019, says the passenger airbag fixings may not have been tightened to the correct torque. The DVSA pages for DB11 2018, DBS 2019 and Vantage 2019 each show 15 affected vehicles; that is the campaign total repeated on each model-year page, not three separate populations. A recall index gives the manufacturer reference as RA-01-1377. The DVSA pages themselves print R/2019/396 and do not print RA-01-1377. This record is not in the on-site bulletin archive, so there is no archived PDF to cross-link.
DVSA lists the recall against DB11 2018, DBS 2019 and Vantage 2019. The 2019 DBS page is the later DBS, not the 2007–2012 DBS. A secondary index gives build dates of 6 November 2017 to 18 February 2019 and repeats one count of 15 vehicles across DB11, DBS and Vantage.
- Driveability
- Contact an Aston Martin dealer with the VIN and quote DVSA R/2019/396. The DVSA page says the owner should not have to pay for the recall repair.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- An airbag or SRS warning, if one is present
- No obvious warning is promised by the recall text
Likely root causes
- Passenger airbag fixings that may not have been tightened to the correct torque.
Typical cost context
- Where the published campaign applies, the remedy is described as free of charge. That does not cover a vehicle outside the VIN list, or other work found at the same visit.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- ASTON MARTIN DB11 2018 recalls — Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency; checked 2026-10-27.
- Aston Martin recall R/2019/396 — Vehicle Recall; checked 2026-10-27.
- Used Aston Martin DB11 (2016-2023) buyer's guide — Auto Express; checked 2026-10-27.
08Front seat airbag fasteners
Recall RA-01-1418 covers certain 2017 DB11, 2019 DB11 V8 Volante and DBS Superleggera, 2019–2020 Vantage and 2020 Superleggera Volante vehicles. The front seat airbag fasteners may not have been tightened correctly. The DVSA page for the matching model year lists R/2020/280, launched 12 October 2020, for front seat airbag fixings, with 20 affected vehicles. This card does not treat those two numbers as proven to be the same document.
The cars named in the RA-01-1418 summary. Confirm the VIN. The UK count of 20 vehicles is the figure printed on the DVSA model-year page.
Front seat airbag fasteners
Recall RA-01-1418 covers certain 2017 DB11, 2019 DB11 V8 Volante and DBS Superleggera, 2019–2020 Vantage and 2020 Superleggera Volante vehicles. The front seat airbag fasteners may not have been tightened correctly. The DVSA page for the matching model year lists R/2020/280, launched 12 October 2020, for front seat airbag fixings, with 20 affected vehicles. This card does not treat those two numbers as proven to be the same document.
The cars named in the RA-01-1418 summary. Confirm the VIN. The UK count of 20 vehicles is the figure printed on the DVSA model-year page.
- Driveability
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- An airbag or SRS warning
- A seat airbag repair already recorded, or missing, in the history
Likely root causes
- Front seat airbag fasteners that may not have been tightened correctly.
Typical cost context
- Where the published campaign applies, the remedy is described as free of charge. That does not cover a vehicle outside the VIN list, or other work found at the same visit.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- RA-01-1418: Incorrect Installation of the Front Seat Airbags — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
- ASTON MARTIN DB11 2018 recalls — Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency; checked 2026-10-27.
09Passenger airbag locking nuts
Recall RA-01-1327 covers certain 2018–2019 DB11 Coupé and Volante cars and 2019 Vantage and DBS Superleggera Coupé cars. The locking-nut fasteners on the passenger airbag may not be tightened properly.
The variants and model years named in the RA-01-1327 summary. This is a different record from DVSA R/2019/396.
Passenger airbag locking nuts
Recall RA-01-1327 covers certain 2018–2019 DB11 Coupé and Volante cars and 2019 Vantage and DBS Superleggera Coupé cars. The locking-nut fasteners on the passenger airbag may not be tightened properly.
The variants and model years named in the RA-01-1327 summary. This is a different record from DVSA R/2019/396.
- Driveability
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- An airbag or SRS warning
- No owner-visible clue is guaranteed by the recall text
Likely root causes
- Passenger airbag locking nuts that may not have been tightened properly.
Typical cost context
- Where the published campaign applies, the remedy is described as free of charge. That does not cover a vehicle outside the VIN list, or other work found at the same visit.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- RA-01-1327: Incorrect Installation of the Passenger Airbag — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
10Driver airbag may deploy unexpectedly
Recall RA-01-1048 covers certain 2017–2018 DB11 V12 Coupé and DB11 V8 Coupé cars. The driver’s frontal airbag may deploy unexpectedly if an electrostatic discharge meets insufficient steering-component grounding and a broken airbag clockspring. Auto Express describes a recall for 1,069 cars made up to October 2017 in which the driver’s airbag could go off for no reason.
Certain 2017–2018 DB11 V12 Coupé and V8 Coupé cars named in RA-01-1048.
Driver airbag may deploy unexpectedly
Recall RA-01-1048 covers certain 2017–2018 DB11 V12 Coupé and DB11 V8 Coupé cars. The driver’s frontal airbag may deploy unexpectedly if an electrostatic discharge meets insufficient steering-component grounding and a broken airbag clockspring. Auto Express describes a recall for 1,069 cars made up to October 2017 in which the driver’s airbag could go off for no reason.
Certain 2017–2018 DB11 V12 Coupé and V8 Coupé cars named in RA-01-1048.
- Driveability
- If the airbag warning is on, do not continue to drive. Follow the owner notice for RA-01-1048.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- An airbag or SRS warning
- The recall text does not require a warning before deployment
Likely root causes
- Insufficient grounding of the steering components if the airbag clockspring is broken.
Typical cost context
- Where the published campaign applies, the remedy is described as free of charge. That does not cover a vehicle outside the VIN list, or other work found at the same visit.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- RA-01-1048: Install Steering Column Grounds — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
- Used Aston Martin DB11 (2016-2023) buyer's guide — Auto Express; checked 2026-10-27.
11TPMS low-pressure warning may not illuminate
Recall RA-13-0025 covers certain 2017 DB11 cars whose tyre-pressure monitoring may be incorrectly calibrated, so the low-pressure tell-tale does not illuminate at the required minimum pressure. Auto Express describes the July 2017 recall as covering 628 cars built up to June 2017.
Certain 2017 DB11 cars on the RA-13-0025 VIN list.
TPMS low-pressure warning may not illuminate
Recall RA-13-0025 covers certain 2017 DB11 cars whose tyre-pressure monitoring may be incorrectly calibrated, so the low-pressure tell-tale does not illuminate at the required minimum pressure. Auto Express describes the July 2017 recall as covering 628 cars built up to June 2017.
Certain 2017 DB11 cars on the RA-13-0025 VIN list.
- Driveability
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- No low-pressure warning at a pressure that should have triggered it
Likely root causes
- Incorrect TPMS configuration.
Typical cost context
- Where the published campaign applies, the remedy is described as free of charge. That does not cover a vehicle outside the VIN list, or other work found at the same visit.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- RA-13-0025: Incorrect Configuration for TPMS — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
- Used Aston Martin DB11 (2016-2023) buyer's guide — Auto Express; checked 2026-10-27.
12Front windscreen water ingress
Service bulletin SB-01-1008, issued on 6 February 2018, documents non-flush body rivets interfering with windscreen adhesive bonding on the DB11 Coupé, and a factory repair for water ingress.
DB11 Coupé cars in the VIN range stated in SB-01-1008.
Front windscreen water ingress
Service bulletin SB-01-1008, issued on 6 February 2018, documents non-flush body rivets interfering with windscreen adhesive bonding on the DB11 Coupé, and a factory repair for water ingress.
DB11 Coupé cars in the VIN range stated in SB-01-1008.
- Driveability
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- Water entering at the front windscreen
- Damp trim after rain
Likely root causes
- Non-flush body rivets interfering with the windscreen adhesive bond.
Typical cost context
- No retail price is stated in the archived summary. Resealing or glass work should be quoted from inspection.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- SB-01-1008: Front Windscreen Leaks — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
13Rear windscreen water ingress
Service bulletin SB-01-1054 documents non-flush rivets and compromised rear-glass sealing on the DB11. Depending on inspection, the factory repair is resealing or replacement.
DB11 cars in the VIN range stated in SB-01-1054.
Rear windscreen water ingress
Service bulletin SB-01-1054 documents non-flush rivets and compromised rear-glass sealing on the DB11. Depending on inspection, the factory repair is resealing or replacement.
DB11 cars in the VIN range stated in SB-01-1054.
- Driveability
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- Water at the rear glass
- Damp luggage-area trim
Likely root causes
- Non-flush rivets and compromised rear-glass sealing.
Typical cost context
- No retail price is stated. Replacement glass is a different job from resealing, and the bulletin says the choice depends on inspection.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- SB-01-1054: Rear Windscreen Leaks — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
14V8 driveshaft click
Service bulletin SB-05-1006 documents a loud click when changing between Drive and Reverse, or when first accelerating, on the DB11 V8. The cause is movement between the driveshaft and the hub-bearing mating surfaces. The stated factory labour time is 0.8 hours.
DB11 V8 cars, as stated in SB-05-1006. Not the DB11 V12.
V8 driveshaft click
Service bulletin SB-05-1006 documents a loud click when changing between Drive and Reverse, or when first accelerating, on the DB11 V8. The cause is movement between the driveshaft and the hub-bearing mating surfaces. The stated factory labour time is 0.8 hours.
DB11 V8 cars, as stated in SB-05-1006. Not the DB11 V12.
- Driveability
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- A loud click selecting Drive or Reverse
- A click as the car first pulls away
Likely root causes
- Movement between the driveshaft and the hub-bearing mating surfaces.
Typical cost context
- The bulletin states about 0.8 hours of factory labour. It does not state a retail price.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- SB-05-1006: DB11 V8 Driveshaft Click — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
15Air conditioning blows warm
Auto Express’s used DB11 buyer’s guide says a few owners have had air conditioning that blows warm instead of cold. The guide says the cause can be a leak, a failed compressor, or a failed condenser.
DB11 cars discussed in the 2016–2023 buyer’s guide. The guide says “a few owners”, not a failure rate.
Air conditioning blows warm
Auto Express’s used DB11 buyer’s guide says a few owners have had air conditioning that blows warm instead of cold. The guide says the cause can be a leak, a failed compressor, or a failed condenser.
DB11 cars discussed in the 2016–2023 buyer’s guide. The guide says “a few owners”, not a failure rate.
- Driveability
- The car can be driven. Do not ignore a leak if oily residue is visible at the condenser or pipes.
- DIY or specialist
- Refrigerant work is specialist-only.
Early warning signs
- The system blows warm air when cooling is selected
- Cooling that fades after the car has been standing
Likely root causes
- A refrigerant leak, a compressor failure, or a condenser failure, as listed by Auto Express.
Typical cost context
- Auto Express does not publish a repair price for this fault. No other retrieved source gave a DB11 air-conditioning price on 27 October 2026.
Prevention
- Confirm cold air on a test drive.
- Ask for evidence of recent air-conditioning work rather than assuming the gas was recharged.
Sources
- Used Aston Martin DB11 (2016-2023) buyer's guide — Auto Express; checked 2026-10-27.
16Localised corrosion and bubbling paint on aluminium panels
Auto Express says most of the DB11 body is aluminium, while the boot lid and bumpers are plastic. The aluminium panels can suffer localised corrosion, and bubbling paint is also possible.
DB11 bodywork as described in the used buyer’s guide. No year or engine split is given.
Localised corrosion and bubbling paint on aluminium panels
Auto Express says most of the DB11 body is aluminium, while the boot lid and bumpers are plastic. The aluminium panels can suffer localised corrosion, and bubbling paint is also possible.
DB11 bodywork as described in the used buyer’s guide. No year or engine split is given.
- Driveability
- Localised cosmetic corrosion is not the same as a structural failure. This card does not establish a suspension or chassis defect.
- DIY or specialist
- A visual check is reasonable. Paint and corrosion repair belong with a body shop used to aluminium.
Early warning signs
- Paint bubbles on an aluminium panel
- Localised corrosion at a panel edge or joint
Likely root causes
- The guide names localised corrosion of the aluminium panels and bubbling paint. It does not give a more detailed mechanism.
Typical cost context
- Auto Express does not publish a paint or corrosion repair price. Figures from other commercial pages were not copied here because they were not verified against a primary record.
Prevention
- Inspect panel edges, the leading edges and around fittings in good light.
- Keep stone chips treated rather than leaving bare aluminium exposed.
Sources
- Used Aston Martin DB11 (2016-2023) buyer's guide — Auto Express; checked 2026-10-27.
17Early sat-nav, alarm and key-fob complaints
Auto Express says the DB11 brought more electronic equipment than earlier Astons, and that early cars were especially problematic. Sat-nav and alarm systems were likely to misbehave, and key-fob batteries go flat quickly.
Early DB11 cars, in the wording of the Auto Express guide. The guide does not give a VIN cut-off.
Early sat-nav, alarm and key-fob complaints
Auto Express says the DB11 brought more electronic equipment than earlier Astons, and that early cars were especially problematic. Sat-nav and alarm systems were likely to misbehave, and key-fob batteries go flat quickly.
Early DB11 cars, in the wording of the Auto Express guide. The guide does not give a VIN cut-off.
- Driveability
- Usually driveable. Do not leave the car unsecured if the alarm or locking is unreliable.
- DIY or specialist
- A key battery is owner-level. Alarm and sat-nav diagnosis needs the dealer tool.
Early warning signs
- Sat-nav that loses its route or fails to start
- An alarm fault
- A key whose battery fades quickly
Likely root causes
- The guide attributes this to early electronic systems and key-fob batteries. It does not name a part number.
Typical cost context
- Auto Express does not publish a price for these faults. A key battery is not evidence of a module failure.
Prevention
- Replace the key battery before it strands the locking system.
- Check that sat-nav and the alarm work on a test drive of an early car.
Sources
- Used Aston Martin DB11 (2016-2023) buyer's guide — Auto Express; checked 2026-10-27.
18Brake squeal on cast-iron discs
Service bulletin SB-06-1117V6 is titled Brake squeal. The factory model field names DB11 and Vantage cars with cast-iron brake discs. The archived public summary does not describe the repair.
DB11 and Vantage cars with cast-iron brake discs, as named in the factory model field. Confirm the VIN.
Brake squeal on cast-iron discs
Service bulletin SB-06-1117V6 is titled Brake squeal. The factory model field names DB11 and Vantage cars with cast-iron brake discs. The archived public summary does not describe the repair.
DB11 and Vantage cars with cast-iron brake discs, as named in the factory model field. Confirm the VIN.
- Driveability
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- Brake squeal
Likely root causes
- This card does not add a cause that the archived summary does not state.
Typical cost context
- No retail price is stated. A squeal bulletin is not a quote for discs and pads.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- SB-06-1117V6: Brake Squeal — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
19De-gas hose clip
Service action SA-03-1448 is titled Correct installation of the clip for the de-gas hose. The factory model field names DB11 V12 and DBS Superleggera. The archived summary does not describe the symptom.
DB11 V12 and DBS Superleggera cars on the separately published VIN list.
De-gas hose clip
Service action SA-03-1448 is titled Correct installation of the clip for the de-gas hose. The factory model field names DB11 V12 and DBS Superleggera. The archived summary does not describe the symptom.
DB11 V12 and DBS Superleggera cars on the separately published VIN list.
- Driveability
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- DIY or specialist
- Authorised dealer or specialist campaign repair. This is not an owner procedure.
Early warning signs
- The archived public summary does not list a separate owner symptom beyond the document title and applicability note.
Likely root causes
- This card does not add a cause that the archived summary does not state.
Typical cost context
- No retail price is stated.
Prevention
- Check the VIN with Aston Martin or an authorised dealer. A model link does not mean every car is included.
- Keep any campaign paperwork with the service history.
Sources
- SA-03-1448: Correct Installation of the Clip for the De-gas Hose — Aston Martin; checked 2026-10-27.
No matching issues
Try a different symptom or severity.
Severity reflects potential impact, not fault frequency. Diagnosis and regional labour rates affect the final repair cost.
Sources and research
The sources below were checked on the dates shown. They support what this page says about the car. They do not show how often a fault occurs, or the condition of one particular vehicle. Where a build year, production total or service figure is still uncertain, confirm it against the factory record and the VIN.
- Aston Martin V8 and V12 servicing — McGurk Performance Cars. Checked .
- Used Aston Martin DB11 (2016-2023) buyer's guide — Auto Express. Checked .
- Aston Martin fixed-price servicing — Sytner Aston Martin. Checked .
- Independent Aston Martin servicing — Aston Workshop. Checked .
- ASTON MARTIN DB11 2018 recalls — Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Checked .
- Aston Martin recall R/2019/396 — Vehicle Recall. Checked .
Frequently asked questions
Are DB11 issues mostly electrical?
Electrical and low-voltage complaints are common, but tyre, brake, sensor, and cooling-related issues are also worth watching closely.
Can the DB11 hide faults if it has just been reset?
Yes. A fresh battery charge or recently cleared warning can make a weak car look healthier than it is, so a proper pre-purchase scan matters.
Are the prices on this page a quote?
No. They are menu figures from the named specialist or dealer page, retrieved on 27 October 2026, with VAT labelled only as that page states it. A workshop can change a figure, and any extra diagnosis or parts are extra.