The 2021 DBS Superleggera with its 5.2L twin-turbo V12 is a stunning GT but carries serious potential for catastrophic engine failures traced to crankshaft bearing issues and inadequate oiling under high load—problems that devastate even low-mileage examples and cost more than most cars to repair.
Crankshaft Main and Rod Bearing Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 15,000-40,000 mi
Symptoms: Metallic knocking from lower engine especially on cold starts, Oil pressure fluctuations or low oil pressure warning, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Catastrophic engine seizure in worst cases
Fix: Engine-out job requiring complete teardown, crankshaft inspection/replacement, new bearings throughout, likely new pistons and rings given contamination. 60-80 hours labor minimum. Many owners opt for full short block replacement given scope of damage and reassembly risk.
Estimated cost: $45,000-75,000
Head Gasket Failure from Overboosting
Rare · high severityTypical onset: 25,000-50,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on startup, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating under spirited driving, Milky oil on dipstick or cap
Fix: Heads must come off, decked if warped, new gaskets and head bolts, timing components inspected. The V12 layout makes this a 45-55 hour job. Often discovered during bearing-failure teardowns.
Estimated cost: $18,000-28,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid spots under vehicle front-center, Burnt transmission fluid smell after hard driving, Rough or delayed shifts when fluid runs low, Transmission overheat warning on track use
Fix: Cooler lines crack at the crimp points or mounting brackets chafe through. Requires belly pan removal, replacement of lines and often the cooler itself if contaminated. 6-9 hours labor depending on cooler condition.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Transmission Mount Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 35,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking on hard acceleration or deceleration, Excessive driveline vibration at idle in gear, Visible sagging or torn rubber on inspection, Shifter feels loose or imprecise
Fix: The rear transaxle mount absorbs enormous torque and fails from hydraulic fluid leaking out of the damper. Requires lift access and supporting the transaxle—straightforward but tight working space. 4-6 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,600
Fuel Filter Clogging from Tank Debris
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Hesitation or stumbling under wide-open throttle, Intermittent limp mode at high RPM, Check engine light with fuel pressure codes, Poor performance above 4,000 RPM
Fix: The high-pressure fuel system is sensitive to contamination. Filter lives under the car mid-chassis and requires lowering exhaust sections for access. Often discovered when diagnosing misfires or lean codes. 3-5 hours labor including system depressurization and priming.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Stunningly capable but financially catastrophic if the engine grenades—only buy with factory warranty remaining or accept that a $50K-$70K engine-out repair may be in your future on an otherwise perfect low-mileage example.
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.