When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Is this issue for DB9's only or across the brand including DB11 AMR and DBS Superleggera?
my car is a v8v and the problem is with the LCD headlight array. I have tried blowing air into it from the access port without success. the next step is removing the headlight through the front wheel well a, big job. maybe in the off season i will do it. i have no experience with the rear lights. paul
It's an issue for all DB9's since 2005 and all V8's since 2006 - that's a ton of tail lights. On my 2017 V12S both were bad within the first 500 miles - I had to wait almost two months for the parts to come in. In the past all I had to do was call the dealer and they would order the parts - no questions asked, that's how bad the problem is - now I had to take a ton of pictures so Aston could authorize the warranty replacement. This affects all DB 9 and Vantage Aston Martins and I can't imagine why there has not been action in good faith on Aston's part to simply demand a fix and replace all of the lights, been a known problem since day 1.
Is this issue for DB9's only or across the brand including DB11 AMR and DBS Superleggera?
DB11 AMR and Superleggera are Gen2 Gaydon cars with different tail lights; I have seen no reports on issues with those on any forum.
The taillights in question are common to many of the Gen1 Gaydon cars (V8V and S, V12V and S, DBS, Rapide variants, DB9.1 and .2, Virage) so in theory all are susceptible to the same issue.
Easy fix. Pull out tail light and drill 3 small holes holes in the bottom of the housing. Put a clear silicone around the housing to make it water proof. Within a day the lens should clear. I did this last month to my 2014 v8v. No more water condensation even when taken though an automatic wash.
Hi, old thread but still relevant .This sound like the most practical advice. This may sound like a stupid question but after you have drilled the 3 small holes, do you seal the holes again with silicone or do you leave it open? Thanks Pieter
Easy fix. Pull out tail light and drill 3 small holes holes in the bottom of the housing. Put a clear silicone around the housing to make it water proof. Within a day the lens should clear. I did this last month to my 2014 v8v. No more water condensation even when taken though an automatic wash.
I know this is late but i bought new tail lights nearly a year ago and i am facong the condensation issue again.
is this solution helpful and what do you mean by the housing?
thank you
I'm sorry - afraid your lights are made by the same firm. If only a fraction of owners report issues online imagine how widespread this problem truly is. I'm actually curious to hear from any DB9 or Vantage (2004-2016) owner with Magna lights who has NOT encountered either headlight or tail light condensation issues?
Quick Google search of DB9 Tail Light Condensation:
Putting aside differences of opinion on what has caused this widespread issue, the matter of the condensation can lead to failure of headlights, turning indicators, & brake lights - making this matter truly a safety related issue. The NHTSA (in the USA) is the most powerful of any national org to deal with these matters. If it has enough information and incidences it can conduct an investigation. It can also force manufacturers to correct identified safety deficiencies at no cost to the consumer. Given the low production volume of these vehicles, the complaint percentage thresholds to trigger further action would be relative.
To file a vehicle safety complaint you need your VIN:
Having dual nationality and residency in the US I filed a complaint. Easy process - took about 2 mins. If you have photos of the headlights or tail lights with the condensation you can upload them.- but that is not necessary.
My rear lights don't exhibit the issue at all, and that's here in the UK where humidity is often crazy high, even after washing the car they refuse to show any sign of condensation whatsoever.
My headlights do exhibit mild condensation but its no more than a very light fogging of the leading front corners, no droplets of water form so I don't view the issue as anything more than slightly cosmetically undesirable.
There's a fan kit available here in the UK but at £400 for the pair it's quite an investment to fix what is really a non issue, I would probably install it if the condensation was worse as I understand how expensive the headlights are, but there just doesn't seem to be enough condensation forming to cause issues with the LED drivers/board.
I've only owned the car for a couple of months so will monitor the situation moving forward.
