The 2001 DB7 Vantage with its Eaton-supercharged 3.2L I6 is a gorgeous Grand Tourer hampered by catastrophic engine reliability issues stemming from inadequate oiling and transmission control problems. Plan for major bottom-end work or budget for a replacement engine.
Catastrophic Bottom-End Failure (Spun Bearings)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: knocking noise from lower engine bay especially when hot, loss of oil pressure, metal shavings in oil during changes, sudden engine seizure in severe cases
Fix: Complete engine rebuild with crankshaft grinding or replacement, new main and rod bearings, often includes piston rings. Full R&R takes 35-45 labor hours at specialist shop. Many owners opt for used replacement engine instead (25-30 hours swap). Root cause is marginal oiling system design under high supercharger load and heat.
Estimated cost: $12,000-22,000
Automatic Transmission Control Module Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: erratic shifting or refusal to shift, stuck in one gear (limp mode), transmission warning light, no movement in drive or reverse
Fix: ZF 5HP24 transmission TCM replacement and reprogramming, sometimes requires valve body replacement if damage occurred from delayed diagnosis. 4-6 labor hours. Recall addressed some units but failures persist. Use only OEM or quality remanufactured units.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,500
Supercharger Intercooler and Oil Cooler Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: coolant loss with no visible external leaks, oily residue around supercharger, rising engine temps under load, sweet smell from vents
Fix: Intercooler heat exchanger develops internal leaks mixing coolant and boost air. Supercharger removal required for access (12-16 hours). Often done alongside transmission oil cooler which shares cooling circuit and fails similarly. Both should be addressed together.
Estimated cost: $3,200-5,500
Timing Chain Tensioner and Guide Wear
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: rattling on cold start that disappears after 10-15 seconds, chain slap noise under acceleration, check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes, rough running if timing has slipped
Fix: Plastic timing chain guides deteriorate and tensioners lose pressure. Requires front engine disassembly including supercharger removal. 18-24 labor hours. Critical to address before chain jumps timing and causes valve-to-piston contact. Always replace water pump and accessory belts while in there.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
Power Steering Hose Failures
Common · medium severitySymptoms: power steering fluid leak pooling under front of car, whining from pump, heavy steering effort, burning smell from fluid on hot exhaust
Fix: High-pressure hoses deteriorate from age and heat. Subject to recall but replacement hoses also fail over time. 2-3 hours to replace properly. Use upgraded braided stainless lines if available. Check fluid level weekly on these cars.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Fuel System Clogging (Filter and Pump Screen)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: hesitation or stumble under hard acceleration, difficulty starting when hot, loss of power above 4000 RPM, fuel pump whining audible in cabin
Fix: In-tank fuel filter/sock clogs with debris, starving supercharged engine of fuel under boost. External filter also restrictive. Requires tank drop (4-5 hours) and pump module service. Replace both filters and inspect tank for rust or debris. Use quality fuel exclusively.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Only buy if you have $15k-20k set aside for the inevitable engine rebuild and love the car enough to accept Jaguar-era reliability—gorgeous but financially punishing.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.