1991 Jaguar Sovereign problems
The Jaguar XJ (XJ40) is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured by Jaguar Cars between 1986 and 1994. It was officially unveiled on 8 October 1986 as an all-new, second generation of the XJ to replace the Series III, although the two model ranges were sold concurrently until the Series III was discontinued in 1992. The XJ40 used the Jaguar independent rear suspension arrangement, and featured a number of technological enhancements, such as electronic instrument cluster.
The 1993 XJ6 earned the title of "Safest Car in Britain" as the result of a government survey. The original 1986 car gave way to the heavily revised Jaguar XJ (X300) in 1994, followed by the Jaguar XJ (X308) in 1997. The XJ40 and its later derivatives is to date the second longest running XJ platform, with a total production run of 17 years. After the XJ40, Jaguar's intention was to launch a brand new saloon with a new V8 engine. Ford halted development of the saloon, termed XJ90, and proposed to instal its new engine and front and rear ends onto the centre section of the XJ40 model; however, the V8 was not ready.
Development
Throughout the 1970s, Jaguar had been developing Project XJ40, which was an all-new model intended to replace the original XJ6. Scale models were being built as early as 1972. Due to the 1973 oil crisis and problems at parent company British Leyland, the car was continually delayed. Proposals from both Jaguar's in-house designers and Pininfarina were received. Eventually, it was decided an internal design would be carried through to production.
In February 1981, the British Leyland board approved £80 million to produce the new car. Launch was originally scheduled for 1984. Following Jaguar's de-merger from BL and privatization that same year, the company's CEO John Egan took advantage of the resurgence in sales of the existing Series III XJ6, particularly in the lucrative North American market, to delay the XJ40's launch a further two years to allow for more development time.
The XJ40 was at the time the most extensively tested vehicle the company had ever developed. Designs for the XJ40 pioneered significant improvements to how Jaguar cars were designed, built, and assembled. Among these improvements was a 25% reduction in the number of bodywork panels required per car (e.g. three pressings needed for a Series 3 door compared with one for a XJ40 door), resulting in not only a more efficient assembly process but also a weight saving and a stiffer structure. Despite this, early production XJ40s still suffered from reliability, particularly with its electrical systems and build quality issues, which damaged its reputation, and further continued Jaguar's poor reputation for quality, despite the extensive testing of the car, and the engineering efforts to improve quality. The protracted development time meant the car dated much quicker than its rivals, and it was quickly superseded technologically by the E32 BMW 7-Series (1986), the Lexus LS400 (1989), and the W140 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (1991). Following the takeover by the Ford Motor Company in 1990, the XJ40 was replaced by the X300. While it was based on the XJ40 platform, the X300 was highly revised in almost all areas.
Retired Jaguar founder William Lyons had acted in a consultative role during the XJ40 project's early phase, and was shown the final prototype shortly before his death in 1985, and was said to be approving of the car - thus the XJ40 is widely believed to be the final Jaguar to have had Lyons' involvement.
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Common 1991 Jaguar Sovereign problems
The Jaguar Sovereign 1991, also known as the XJ40, is a popular car among car enthusiasts due to its stylish design and powerful performance. However, like any other car, it has its fair share of common problems that owners have reported over the years.
One of the most common problems with the Jaguar Sovereign 1991 is electrical issues. The car's high-tech features, such as the part-digital dashboard, have been known to suffer from dry solder joints, leading to myriad fault lights and diagnostic readouts. This issue can be particularly frustrating for owners, as it can be challenging to diagnose and fix.
Another common problem with the Jaguar Sovereign 1991 is the twin-wishbone front suspension top inner bushes, which need to be replaced every 50,000 miles. This can be a frustrating job, as it involves removing the worn bushes, which can be challenging. However, it is not a complex DIY fix, and new bushes can be ordered from online stores such as BreakerYard.com.
The braking system on the XJS is famous for its stability, but a loss of brake power is usually a simple case of worn-out brake pads or discs, which are easy to install and always available in the BreakerYard online store.
The gearbox mount on the XJS is known for occasionally coming loose, which can cause a knocking sound from the automatic gearbox. This can be easily resolved by tightening the bolts, making it a relatively simple fix for car owners.
The engine is prone to overheating, which can be a sign of a blown or cracked head gasket. This issue requires the removal of the head and the installation of a new one, which can be a challenging job.
The timing chain on the XJS is very durable, but it will eventually stretch or develop a crack, leading to a loud rattling noise from the engine. Fitting a new timing chain is quite challenging on all Jags, but it can be ordered from online stores such as BreakerYard.com for quick delivery.
The coolant in the XJS needs to be flushed and replaced every two years. If the coolant has turned brown, it needs replacing immediately before it leads to a blown head gasket.
The air conditioning drain can get blocked, leading to the front carpets getting wet, particularly around the centre console. This issue can be resolved by unblocking the air conditioning drain and drying out the carpets to prevent dampness.
Water can leak in through the door mirror, causing the door panel on the inside to become wet at the bottom and the carpet near the door to become wet. This issue can be resolved by sealing around the door mirror with something like silicone sealer, and replacing the damaged door panel if necessary.
In summary, the Jaguar Sovereign 1991, while a popular car among car enthusiasts, has its fair share of common problems, including electrical issues, worn-out suspension bushes, brake problems, gearbox issues, engine overheating, timing chain problems, coolant issues, and air conditioning leaks. However, many of these issues can be resolved with relatively simple fixes, such as replacing worn-out parts or tightening bolts.
How much is a 1991 Jaguar worth?
The value of a used 1991 Jaguar XJ-Series ranges from $1,758 to $13,238, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
What problems did the Jaguar XJ have?
Water pumps on 5.0 V8 and 3.0 Supercharged XJ models are prone to failure, sometimes they can fail in less than 20,000 miles. This is because coolant gets inside the bearing housing corroding the water pump bearing.
What are the common problems with a 1986 Jaguar XJ6?
Top Jaguar XJ6 Problems
- Center Arm Rest Cup Holder May Break. ...
- Exterior Door Handles May Break. ...
- Rattling Noise Due to Failed Upper Front Shock Bushings. ...
- Brake Pedal Stiff Due to Failed ABS Accumulator. ...
- Various Engine Oil Leaks. ...
- Defective Blower Motor, Controller, or Switch May Cause Blower Motor to Fail.
Do Jaguar cars age well?
Because of their superior engineering, Jaguar cars are known to endure longer than the majority of other premium manufacturers on the market right now. Jaguar has an aluminum body which is lighter and less prone to rust than steel. Jaguar has an aluminum body which is lighter and less prone to rust than steel.
1991 Jaguar Sovereign car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jaguar Sovereign problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Jaguar Sovereign vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Jaguar Sovereign complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Jaguar Sovereign.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-06
- VIN: SAJHY1749MC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 JAGUAR SOVEREIGN. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WOULD NOT FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RELEASE MECHANISM BECAME INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER HER BODY IN AND OUT OF THE DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT WEBBING. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 93V179000 (SEAT BELTS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER IN FEBRUARY OF 2010 FOR THE RECALL REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE PART WAS OUT OF STOCK. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN AVAILABILITY DATE FOR THE RECALL PART. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE SAFETY ISSUE WITH NOT BEING ABLE EXIT QUICKLY FROM THE SEAT BELT IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 154,000. UPDATED 12/14/2011 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE DRIVERS SIDE RELEASE MECHANISM WAS INOPERABLE. UPDATED 02/23/11*JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-14
- VIN: SAJHY1744MC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: LOCAL JAGUAR DEALER (JAGUAR OF TROI) WILL NOT HONOR LIFETIME WARRANTY OF SEAT BELTS PER RECALL 93V179000. THEY CLAIM THAT JAGUAR DOES NOT HAVE ANY MORE PARTS. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT NOW IS INOPERATIVE AND WOULD OFFER NO PERSONAL PROTECTION IN AN ACCIDENT. WEARING SEAT BELTS IS MANDATORY IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN. CAN THEY LEGALLY GET OUT OF HONORING THE LIFE TIME WARRANTY AND RECALL THAT COVERS ALL REPAIRS TO THIS SEAT BELT SYSTEM REGARDLESS OF AGE, MILEAGE OR OWNERSHIP ? I WOULD LIKE SOME HELP IN CONVINCING THIS DEALERSHIP AND THE JAGUAR MOTOR COMPANY THAT THEY ARE OBLIGATED BY LAW TO REPAIR THE SEAT BELTS IN MY VEHICLE - EVEN IF THEY NEED TO MAKE MORE PARTS. AFTER ALL, A "LIFETIME" WARRANTY MEANS "FOREVER", RIGHT ? THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY ASSISTANCE THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE IN THIS MATTER. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: SAJHY1743MC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEAD LIGHT LENS IS FOGGED AND IS DIMINISHING THE LIGHT FROM THE HEADLIGHTS. *SLC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: SAJHY1743MC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEAD LIGHT LENS IS FOGGED AND IS DIMINISHING THE LIGHT FROM THE HEADLIGHTS. *SLC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-20
- VIN: SAJHY1740MC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHT LENSES ARE GETTING CLOUDY, REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT BEING TRANSMITTED. THESE ARE COMPOUND LENSES THAT MANUFACTURER FINALLY ELIMINATED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-15
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: INTERMITTENT HARD-PULL TO ONE SIDE DUE TO ABS VALVE ACTUATOR FAILURE. *AK
1991 Jaguar Sovereign recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 Jaguar Sovereign.
- Manufacturer: JAGUAR MOTORS, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE NORMAL LOCKUP FUNCTION OF THE AUTOMATIC (PASSIVE) BELT REEL CAN CAUSE THE BELT MOTOR WINCH ASSEMBLY TO LOCKUP SUCH THAT THE PASSIVE BELT SYSTEM WILL NOT DEPLOY/FUNCTION OR GETS STUCK AT VARIOUS POINTS ALONG THE TRACK CAUSING THE KINKING OR BREAKING OF ITS CABLE OR DETACHMENT OF THE TONGUE.
- Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE CANNOT USETHE SAFETY BELTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOPOR ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: JAGUAR WILL REPAIR THE PASSIVE BELT SYSTEM IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS OR HAS OCCURRED. JAGUAR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE EXISTENCE OF A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON COMPONENTS OF THE AUTOMATIC (PASSIVE) BELT SYSTEM.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Jaguar Sovereign problems:
1991 XJ6 Sovereign - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum
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