1990 Jaguar Vanden plas problems

General information about Jaguar-Vanden plas
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1990 Jaguar Vanden plas problems

The 1990 Jaguar Vanden Plas Majestic is known for its elegance, style, and performance. However, like any car, it has its share of common problems that Jaguar owners have reported over the years.

One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the Self-Leveling Suspension (SLS) and brake system, both of which use the same green mineral oil hydraulic fluid. This system is prone to repeated failure, and many owners have found it more cost-effective to replace the entire system with traditional vacuum booster and shock absorber systems. The SLS system is known to cause leaks, which can lead to a loss of hydraulic pressure and affect the car's ride height and handling.

Another issue that has been reported is related to the solder joints on various components of the car. These joints can become weak over time, leading to electrical issues and other problems. However, once the solder is redone, the issue is usually resolved permanently.

The door handles are another area where the Vanden Plas Majestic has been known to have issues. The metal used in some of the linkage parts is of poor quality, which can lead to problems with the door handles not working properly or breaking off entirely.

The TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) also requires regular attention to ensure that it is free of debris and functioning properly. The XJ40 does not like dirty grounds, so regular cleaning of the TPS is recommended to prevent any issues.

Finally, the XJ40, including the Vanden Plas Majestic, is known to have issues with the cam-to-cam timing chain tensioners. If these tensioners come apart, the chain can derail, causing the valves to bend and potentially leading to expensive engine repairs. It is recommended to inspect the tensioners regularly and replace them if necessary to prevent any issues.

In summary, the 1990 Jaguar Vanden Plas Majestic is a beautiful and powerful car, but it does have its share of common problems. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these issues, but some may require more significant repairs or replacements.

What happened to Vanden Plas?

Ownership of the Vanden Plas name stayed with the Rover Group, so when Jaguar was sold off, it was obliged to stop using Vanden Plas in the United Kingdom, although it continued to do so in America. Within the UK a Daimler Double-Six Vanden Plas became a plain Daimler Double-Six.

What is the value of a 1990 Jaguar?

The value of a used 1990 Jaguar XJ-Series ranges from $1,899 to $13,368, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.

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.

What does Vanden Plas stand for?

Vanden Plas is the name of a former coachbuilders, later used as a car badge by BMC and most recently, Jaguar. Vanden Plas may also refer to: Vanden Plas (band), a German progressive metal band. Camille Van den Plas (1850–1902), Belgian soldier, accountant and colonial administrator.

1990 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:

Seat belts problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Steering problems
Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Jaguar Vanden plas vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Jaguar Vanden plas complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Jaguar Vanden plas.

2009-06-04

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2009-04-17
VIN: SAJKY1744LC
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: I HAVE A MALFUNCTIONING SEATBELT IN A 1990 JAGUAR XJ6 (VAN DEN PLAS). SEATBELT REPAIR IS WARRANTED FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE LOCAL JAGUAR DEALER HAS INDICATED THAT THE PART REQUIRED IS NOT AVAILABLE AND HAS TWICE INDICATED THERE IS "NO ETA" ON ITS ARRIVAL. I AM THUS DRIVING AROUND UNSAFELY AND THE DEALER IS TELLING ME THAT THE MANUFACTURER CANNOT RELIABLY PROVIDE THE PART EXCEPT FOR AT SOME UNKNOWN TIME IN THE FUTURE. NOT ONLY IS THIS UNSAFE BUT I LIVE IN A STATE WHERE IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO DRIVE WITHOUT A SEATBELT. I AM HOPING SOME PRESSURE CAN BE BROUGHT TO BEAR ON THE MANUFACTURES DELINQUENCY BEFORE I GET MAIMED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO A SEAT BELT WARRANTY THAT IS DE FACTO NOT A WARRANTY AT ALL. I HAVE A MALFUNCTION IN THE PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT THAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND IT IS NO PROBLEM TO GET THAT PART, IN FACT I CAN HAVE IT THE NEXT DAY. IT IS MORE THAN A LITTLE SUSPICIOUS, AND THUS WORTHY OF THE ATTENTION OF THE DOT, THAT THE LIFE THREATENING PARTS THAT COST THE CUSTOMER MONEY ARE AVAILABLE NEXT DAY BUT THE PARTS WHICH ARE TO BE PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY/DEALER UNDER WARRANTY ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT ANY PRICE. *TR

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2004-11-04

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-11-01
Crash: 1
VIN: SAJKY1749LC
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: CONSUMER WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND WHILE DRIVING ACROSS THE LOT VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING IT TO GO AT AN EXCESSIVE SPEED, AND RESULTING IN A COLLISION. CONSUMER HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKES, PRESSED DOWN TO THE FLOOR, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. A POLICE OFFICER WROTE A TICKET. *AK

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1995-06-24

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1993-01-01
VIN: SAJKY1743LC
Components: STEERING
Summary: RACK/PINION PROBLEMS. *DH

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1995-06-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1992-01-01
VIN: SAJKY1743LC
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ENGINE GASKETS LEAK OIL.

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1990 Jaguar Vanden plas recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1990 Jaguar Vanden plas.

2006-05-19

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

1993-11-01

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.

1989-12-26

Manufacturer: JAGUAR ROVER TRIUMPH INC.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Summary: HEAD OF REAR CALIPER FIXING BOLT COULD BREAK OFF, LEAVING ONLY BOLT SHANK IN PLACE.
Consequence: THE BREAK IN THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER FIXING BOLT COULDRESULT IN AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCES, AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: MANUFACTURER WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE BOLT.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1990 Jaguar Vanden plas problems:

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May 19, 2021 ... I am in the process of buying a 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas. I understand there have been issues with the engine and - Answered by a verified ...

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Jaguar Vanden Plas Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues

https://repairpal.com/problems/jaguar/vanden-plas

... known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your Jaguar Vanden Plas ... common issues based on car owner complaints ... 1990 Jaguar Vanden Plas problems. ( ...

1990 Jaguar xj6 4.0 problems - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts ...

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj40-xj81-25/1990-jaguar-xj6-4-0-problems-14396/

Apr 15, 2009 ... Work from there back through the diagram, you are not describing a scenario that is at all common. cancer63's Avatar. cancer63 , 02-21-2010 10: ...