1983 Jaguar Xjs problems

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

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 1983 Jaguar Xjs problems

The Jaguar XJS 1983 is known to have several common problems that owners frequently report. These issues span across various systems of the car, including electrical, engine, suspension and steering, and transmission.

One of the most common problems with the Jaguar XJS is electrical issues. These problems can manifest in various ways, such as faulty alternators and batteries, malfunctioning fuel pumps and injectors, and blown fuses or malfunctioning switches. Electrical problems can be frustrating for owners, but they can often be resolved with some troubleshooting and basic knowledge of electrical systems.

Another common issue with the Jaguar XJS is engine problems. One of the most significant engine issues is overheating and coolant leaks, which can cause serious damage to the engine if not addressed promptly. Valve and piston failures are also common, often caused by a lack of oil or oil pressure. Oil leaks and low oil pressure are also common problems with the XJS engine.

Suspension and steering issues are also common with the Jaguar XJS. Worn-out suspension components and steering rack and power steering pump failures can make the car difficult to handle and can cause safety issues.

Transmission problems are another common issue with the Jaguar XJS. Gear slippage, transmission fluid leaks, and torque converter failures are all common problems that can be expensive to repair.

These are just a few of the common problems with the Jaguar XJS 1983. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any problems can help ensure a long and enjoyable ownership experience.

Why are Jaguar XJ-S 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 XJ-S 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 was the top speed of a 1983 Jaguar XJ-S?

The specifications of the XJ-S compared well with both Italian cars; it was able to accelerate to 97 km/h (60 mph) in 7.6 seconds (automatic models) and had a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).

How reliable is a Jaguar V-12 engine?

The Jaguar V12 continued to power models in the range during the 1990s and with all the early problems long sorted out the V12 became one of the best engines to have been produced anywhere.

1983 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 1983 Jaguar Xjs vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1983 Jaguar Xjs complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Jaguar Xjs.

1998-06-22

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-09-02
Number Of Injuries: 1
Fire: 1
VIN: SAJNV584SDC
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: FUEL TANK LEAK RESULTED IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

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1983 Jaguar Xjs recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1983 Jaguar Xjs.

1990-07-02

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.

1990-02-20

Manufacturer: JAGUAR ROVER TRIUMPH INC.
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VALVES IN THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY DUE TO DIRT ENTERING THE VALVES.
Consequence: CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE UNDER NORMAL OPERATINGCONDITIONS WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR AND INSTALL ADDITIONAL VACUUM DUMP VALVE.

1985-07-03

Manufacturer: JAGUAR CARS
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
Summary: POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, PARTICULARLY IN THE AREA OF THE HOSE/CLIP FITTINGS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, WITH FUEL LEAKAGE, COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE OR THE DESTRUCTION OF IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR CAP.
Remedy: A NEW FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE FUEL HOSE CLIPS WILL BE INSTALLED.

1983-12-20

Manufacturer: JAGUAR CARS
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
Summary: FUEL LEAKAGE MAY DEVELOP AT THE TWO MAIN FUEL RAIL CONNECTIONS. DETERIORATION AT THESE TWO CONNECTIONS HAS BEEN TRACED TO A COMBINATION OF MISALIGNMENT OF THE TWO RAIL HALVES AND THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE CHANGES.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CURRENT TWO PIECE FUEL RAIL WITH A NEW PART KIT OF SINGLE PIECE DESIGN.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1983 Jaguar Xjs problems:

xjs v12 common faults, - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xjs-x27-32/xjs-v12-common-faults-47974/

Jan 5, 2011 ... As already mentioned, the transmission oil cooler and leaky head gasket are both plausible suspects. If you are now referring to the engine oil ...

Jaguar XJS: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com

https://www.breakeryard.com/car-parts/jaguar/xjs/common-problems

Jaguar XJS Common Problems and Solutions · Complete Loss of Power · Car Pulling To Side · Slow Braking · Knocking From Gearbox (All Automatics) · Overheating Engine ...

Advice on buying a Jaguar XJS | FinalGear.com Forums

https://forums.finalgear.com/threads/advice-on-buying-a-jaguar-xjs.23528/

The problem with this design is that the ignition cap and rotor are not that great. The rotor specifically will fail in such a way that half of ...

1996 Jaguar XJS Common Parisitic power loss problems to look for ...

https://forums.jag-lovers.com/t/1996-jaguar-xjs-common-parisitic-power-loss-problems-to-look-for/415404

Dec 20, 2021 ... ... 83 XJ-S H.E.) December 21, 2021, 9:40pm 5. Veekay: I believe the three most common have been the cigar lighter, radio antenna and the trunk ...