1988 Jaguar Vanden plas problems
The Jaguar XJ (X308) is a full-size luxury saloon car manufactured and marketed by Jaguar Cars for years 1997–2003 across two generations and featuring the Jaguar AJ-V8 engine and Jaguar independent rear suspension. It was the third and final evolution of the Jaguar XJ40 platform that had been in production since 1986. It was preceded by the Jaguar XJ (X300).
Exterior
The X308 kept much of the same exterior styling as its predecessor, the Jaguar XJ (X300), carrying its rounded four-headlamp bonnet, low roofline, sloping tail, and wrap-around rear light clusters. From the front, the two generations can be differentiated by the shape of the indicator lenses (rectangular on the X300, oval on the X308), and also by the shape of the fog lamps and lower valance air intake, both of which are more rounded on the X308.
The front and rear bumpers were both changed along with the taillights which had red/clear lenses rather than red/grey lenses. The grille surround and badging was slightly changed. The headlight fixtures also included forward parking lights housed with the brights, new to X308.
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Common 1988 Jaguar Vanden plas problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1988 Jaguar Vanden Plas, several common problems have been identified:
- Air Conditioning Issues: The air conditioning system was reported to blow cold air inconsistently, leading to discomfort in varying weather conditions. This inconsistency in cooling can be frustrating for drivers, especially during extreme temperatures.
- Electrical Problems: Complaints included issues with bulb failures, particularly with unclear notifications on which bulb had failed. This electrical problem could affect various components of the car, impacting visibility and safety on the road.
- Window Controls: Owners mentioned having to aggressively push on the window controls to operate them, indicating potential issues with the window mechanisms. Difficulty in operating windows can be inconvenient and may require repairs to ensure proper functionality.
- Rear Passenger Door: Some owners reported difficulties with the rear passenger door, stating that it refused to open. This issue could pose safety concerns in emergency situations and may require professional attention to resolve.
- Speaker Issues: Complaints included blown-out rear speakers, which could affect the audio experience in the car. While this may not impact the vehicle's performance, it can detract from the overall driving enjoyment for music enthusiasts.
- Maintenance Costs: Owners highlighted the high maintenance costs associated with the 1988 Jaguar Vanden Plas, particularly for the 12-cylinder models. These costs can add up over time, making ownership more expensive compared to other vehicles.
- Hydraulic System Problems: The self-leveling hydraulic suspension system was suspected to have issues, affecting the ride quality of the car. Addressing problems with the hydraulic system is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and safe driving experience.
- Front Wheel Bearings: Concerns were raised about potential issues with the front driver-side wheel bearings, suggesting wear or misalignment. Faulty wheel bearings can impact the vehicle's handling and safety, requiring prompt attention from a mechanic.
- Fueling Errors: Owners reported fueling failures, which could indicate issues with the fuel system or injectors. Addressing fueling errors is essential for optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.
These common problems with the 1988 Jaguar Vanden Plas highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs to ensure the vehicle's reliability and longevity. Owners should address these issues promptly to maintain the car's performance and safety on the road.
What does Vanden Plas mean Jaguar?
Vanden Plas is the name of coachbuilders who produced bodies for specialist and up-market automobile manufacturers.
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.
How much is a Jaguar xj8 Vanden Plas?
Prices for a used Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas currently range from $7,500 to $27,995, with vehicle mileage ranging from 31,992 to 157,613. Find used Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.
What is the history of Vanden Plas?
The founder of the company was Guillaume Vanden Plas, who inherited a small workshop in 1870 in Brussels. He specialised in making front and rear axle units for carriage makers. In 1884 he left Brussels and started to make complete carriages in Antwerp. He had 3 sons who were trained to enter the business.
1988 Jaguar Vanden plas car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jaguar Vanden plas problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Jaguar Vanden plas vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Jaguar Vanden plas complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Jaguar Vanden plas.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-09-10
- VIN: SAJKV1645JC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE REAR END VIBRATES WHEN DRIVING ON ANYTHING BUT SMOOTH PAVEMENT.
1988 Jaguar Vanden plas recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1988 Jaguar Vanden plas.
- Manufacturer: JAGUAR ROVER TRIUMPH INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: BRAKE ACCUMULATOR SWITCH WHICH CONTROLS HYDRAULIC FLUID FLOW TO AND FROM THE ENGINE DRIVEN PUMP, COULD LEAK, CAUSING LOSS OF FLUID IN THE POWER BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM. THIS LEAK IS ALSO IN THE VICINITY OF ELECTRICAL WIRING.
- Consequence: THE LEAKING BRAKE ACCUMULATOR SWITCH COULD CAUSE ELECTRICAL POWER INTERRUPTION AND COULD CAUSE THE ASSIST FEATURE OF BRAKES NOT TO RECHARGE. ALSO, FLUID LOSS COULD LEAD TO SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER ASSISTANCE TOTHE BRAKING SYSTEM, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE ACCUMULATOR SWITCHES WITH REVISED SEALS.
- Manufacturer: JAGUAR ROVER TRIUMPH INC.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: HIGH PRESSURE FLUID SUPPLY HOSE COULD RUPTURE CAUSING LOSS OF FLUID OF THE BRAKE POWER ASSIST SYSTEM.
- Consequence: LOSS OF FLUID COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF POWER ASSIST TO THE BRAKING SYSTEM, WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT, AND THE EXPELLED FLUID FROM THE HOSE FAILURE COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: INSTALL NEW POWER HYDRAULIC HOSE OF A DIFFERENT SPECIFICATION.
- Manufacturer: JAGUAR CARS
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
- Summary: CERTAIN FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER SPRING PAN FIXINGS MAY FAIL DUE TO STRESS CORROSION.
- Consequence: THIS MAY ALLOW THE CARS FRONT SUSPENSION TO SETTLE ONTOTHE BUMP STOP ON ONE SIDE.
- Remedy: INSTALL REVISED SPECIFICATION FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING PAN FIXINGS.
- Manufacturer: JAGUAR CARS
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL MAY FAIL TO DISENGAGE IN A NORMAL MANNER UPON APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES, AND THE REAR BRAKE LAMPS MAY FAIL DUE TO MALFUNCTION OF BRAKE LAMP MICROSWITCH ASSEMBLY.
- Consequence: POSSIBLE LOSS OF STOP LAMPS AND FAILURE OF CRUISECONTROL TO DISENGAGE IN THE NORMAL MANNER MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED MICROSWITCH IN ALL VEHICLES.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Jaguar Vanden plas problems:
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