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MOTRS

XJ-S

1975-1996 / Coupe / Convertible / United Kingdom

XJ-S known problems

23 documented issues.

23 problems
Common

Head gasket weeping

Jaguar XJ-S · Engine, V12 · Coolant appears around the head gasket line (external weep),…
Common

Lucas ignition system failure (pre-1989)

Jaguar XJ-S · Engine, V12 · Misfiring, rough idle, hard starting, power loss, sometimes …
Common

Marelli ignition issues (1989 onwards)

Jaguar XJ-S · Engine, V12 · Similar symptoms to Lucas, misfiring, rough running, but les…
Common

Fuel injection faults (V12)

Jaguar XJ-S · Engine, V12 · Rough idle, hesitation, poor fuel economy (even worse than u…
Common

Exhaust manifold cracking (V12)

Jaguar XJ-S · Engine, V12 · Ticking or blowing noise from the engine bay, exhaust smell,…
Common

Timing chain tensioner failure

Jaguar XJ-S · Engine, Six-Cylinder (AJ6/AJ16) · Rattle from the front of the engine on cold start, which may…
Common

Borg-Warner Model 66 automatic problems (early cars)

Jaguar XJ-S · Transmission · Harsh shifting, slipping, delayed engagement, overheating. T…
Common

Air conditioning system failure

Jaguar XJ-S · Electrical · A/C doesn't blow cold, blows warm on one side, or doesn't wo…
Common

Instrument cluster and gauge failure

Jaguar XJ-S · Electrical · Gauges read incorrectly, flicker, or die. Warning lights com…
Common

Sill corrosion

Jaguar XJ-S · Bodywork and Rust · Outer sills bubble and perforate. In severe cases, the car s…
Common

Rear wheel arch corrosion

Jaguar XJ-S · Bodywork and Rust · Bubbling and perforation of the rear wheel arches, both inne…
Common

Boot floor rot

Jaguar XJ-S · Bodywork and Rust · Boot floor rusts through. Spare wheel well fills with water.…
Common

Front suspension bush wear

Jaguar XJ-S · Suspension and Steering · Clonking over bumps, wandering at speed, uneven tyre wear.
Common

Rear suspension compliance mount failure

Jaguar XJ-S · Suspension and Steering · Vague rear end, clunking, unpredictable handling over bumps.
Common

Power steering rack leaks

Jaguar XJ-S · Suspension and Steering · Power steering fluid leak, heavy steering, groaning noise fr…
Common

Hood mechanism failure

Jaguar XJ-S · Convertible-Specific · The electric hood won't raise or lower, gets stuck halfway, …
Common

Water ingress around hood seals

Jaguar XJ-S · Convertible-Specific · Damp carpets, musty smell, wet boot.
Minor

Cooling system failure

Jaguar XJ-S · Engine, V12 · Engine overheats, temperature gauge climbs into the red, coo…
Minor

3.6 cylinder liner issues

Jaguar XJ-S · Engine, Six-Cylinder (AJ6/AJ16) · Coolant loss, white smoke, overheating. The 3.6-litre AJ6 ca…
Minor

Oil leaks (cam covers and sump)

Jaguar XJ-S · Engine, Six-Cylinder (AJ6/AJ16) · Oil weeps from the cam cover gaskets and sump gasket. Drips …
Minor

GM TH400, generally bulletproof

Jaguar XJ-S · Transmission
Minor

Electric window and mirror motor failure

Jaguar XJ-S · Electrical · Windows won't go up or down, or move slowly. Door mirrors do…
Minor

Central locking failure

Jaguar XJ-S · Electrical · Doors won't lock or unlock centrally. Some doors lock, other…