1978 Jaguar Xjs problems
The Jaguar XJ-S (later called XJS) is a luxury grand tourer manufactured and marketed by British car manufacturer Jaguar Cars from 1975 to 1996, in coupé, fixed-profile and full convertible bodystyles. There were three distinct iterations, with a final production total of 115,413 units over 20 years and seven months.
Originally developed using the platform of the then-current XJ saloon, the XJ-S was noted for its prominent rear buttresses. The early styling was partially by Jaguar's aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer—one of the first designers to apply advanced aero principles to cars—however Sayer died in 1970, before the design was finalised.
Its final iteration, produced from 1991 to 1996, was manufactured after Jaguar was acquired by Ford, who introduced numerous modifications – and eliminated the hyphen in the name, marketing Jaguar's longest running model simply as the XJS.
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Common 1978 Jaguar Xjs problems
The Jaguar XJS, produced from 1975 to 1996, faced several common problems that affected its performance and reliability. These issues were often a source of frustration for owners and mechanics alike.
- Twin-wishbone front suspension top inner bushes: These bushes need to be replaced every 50,000 miles. This is a very frustrating job because you have to remove the worn bushes, but it's not a complex DIY fix. Ordering new bushes from the parts list and setting aside time to remove the worn ones can help resolve the problem.
- Worn-out brake pads or discs: 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. Difficulty level: Easy.
- Gearbox mount: The gearbox mount on the XJS is known for occasionally coming loose. You can tighten the bolts easily to resolve the problem. Difficulty level: Easy.
- Blown or cracked head gasket: Excessive white smoke coming from the exhaust and the engine dramatically overheating are signs of a blown or cracked head gasket. You'll need to remove the head and install a new one, which we always have in stock for easy ordering. Difficulty level: Challenging.
- Timing chain: The timing chain on the XJS is very durable, but it will eventually stretch or develop a crack. Fitting a new timing chain is quite challenging on all Jags, but you can order a replacement from the parts list for quick delivery. Difficulty level: Challenging.
- Blocked air conditioning drain: This results in the front carpets getting wet. You will need to unblock the air conditioning drain to stop the leak. You may also need to dry out the carpets to stop dampness setting in. Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Water leaking through the door mirror: Sealing around the door mirror with something like silicone sealer can stop the leak. If the door panel is damaged from water, you will need to replace the panel. Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Oil leaks: The most likely cause of this is the oil cooler seals, which are prone to leaking. Replacing the seals can solve this problem. Difficulty level: Moderate.
- V12 engine problems: The V12 engine in the XJS is known for having several issues, including problems with the fuel injectors, wiring harness, and ECU. These problems can cause the engine to run poorly or not at all. Replacing the faulty parts can help resolve the problem. Difficulty level: Challenging.
These common problems with the Jaguar XJS can affect its performance and reliability. Addressing these issues can help ensure the car runs smoothly and remains a desirable classic car.
Why are Jaguar XJS so cheap?
The Jaguar XJ-S was built from 1975-96 and was the most affordable mass-produced V-12 sports car ever built. But owners constantly balanced enjoyment and aggravation, which has depressed prices to bargain levels. Stiffer emissions and safety regulations demanded a new kind of Jaguar sports car in the 1970s.
Are Jaguar XJS good cars?
The Jaguar XJS is the direct successor to the legendary E-type Jaguar – a car that is considered by many as one of the prettiest and most well-behaved vehicles of its era. Yes, in some instances its looks and performance may be overhyped, but there is no denying that it was a special vehicle.
What is the top speed of the 1978 Jaguar XJS?
The Jag used the same 5.3-liter, 244-horsepower V-12 engine found in the final iteration of the XKE to hit a top speed of around 150 mph.
Are Jaguar V12 reliable?
Many buyers might baulk at the thought of running (and maintaining) a V12, Jaguar's classic powerplant is an inherently reliable unit – as long as its owner is fastidious when it comes to maintenance.
1978 Jaguar Xjs car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jaguar Xjs problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Jaguar Xjs vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1978 Jaguar Xjs complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Jaguar Xjs.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: UJ2W55902BW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: RECALL REPAIR (90V123000) WAS REFUSED DUE TO ENGINE TYPE (V8). *YC
1978 Jaguar Xjs recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1978 Jaguar Xjs.
- Manufacturer: JAGUAR ROVER TRIUMPH INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: EXCESSIVE FUEL VAPOR PRESSURE CAN OCCUR THAT, AFTER PROLONGED CYCLING, COULD WEAKEN THE FUEL TANK STRUCTURE.
- Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE FUEL TANK LEAKS WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OFAN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
- Remedy: INSTALL A REVISED FUEL PURGE SYSTEM WHICH ELIMINATES EXCESSIVE VAPOR PRESSURE BUILD-UP.
- Manufacturer: JAGUAR CARS
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE AIR PIPE AND FUEL LINE PIPE MAY CONTACT EACH OTHER AND RESULT IN CHAFING OF THE FUEL RAIL.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REROUTE AIR OR FUEL LINE TO PRECLUDE CONTACT, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1978 Jaguar Xjs problems:
V12 engine Problems - XJ-S - Jag-lovers Forums
Nov 13, 2019 ... Hi all im a newbie here and live in the uk. I recently acquired a 1978 xjs which was running very badly and obviously not on 12 cylinders.
Jaguar XJS: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Jaguar XJS Common Problems and Solutions · Complete Loss of Power · Car Pulling To Side · Slow Braking · Knocking From Gearbox (All Automatics) · Overheating Engine ...
1992 XJS V12 Reliability? - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts ...
Sep 25, 2012 ... the two most common places that you can inspect easily are right underneath the operators pedals on the bottom of the car, and on the rear ...
Could we talk about the Jaguar XJS ?-Page 3| Grassroots ...
From 1975 through late 1978 it suffered from the early Cast Iron Borg Warner transmission. ... Jaguar was that 6 cylinder engine.. ... It's a common ...
Ignitin timing problem - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum
Oct 25, 2022 ... ... XJS 5.3 v12, 1978. The car was imported from ... Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum ... What is your opinion , is it common problem with those ...
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