Objective To analyze the contact failure of monolithic lithium disilicate CAD/CAM crowns by experiment and numerical simulation, and explore the influences of adhesives aging in water on load-bearing capacity of the crowns. Methods The specimens of sectioned monolithic lithium disilicate crowns were designed and manufactured, and evenly divided into two groups and stored in the air and in the distilled water for 30 days, respectively. The specimens were then subjected to monotonic contact loads to compare and analyze their load-bearing capacity. The fractured surfaces and adhesive interfaces of the specimens were observed by scanning electronic microscope. Meanwhile, the stress distribution on the crowns was calculated by numerical simulation to analyze the adhesives aging influence on load-bearing capacity of the crowns. Results The fracture loads on crowns stored in the air and in the water were (561.51 ± 65.66) N and (398.09 ± 90.20) N, respectively, indicating a significant difference. The tensile stress increased considerably at lower surface of the ceramic crown due to the reduction of adhesive strength at the interface of ceramic crown and substrate, which could increase the propensity of contact failure. Conclusions The adhesives aging in water reduces the bonding strength, and accordingly changes the tensile stress distributions, which can lower the load bearing capacity of the lithium disilicate crowns. The research finding provides references for the design and manufacturing of all-ceramic CAD/CAM restored crowns in clinic.