1987 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 1987 Jaguar Xjs problems
The Jaguar XJS 1987 is a classic grand tourer that has gained respect and popularity over the years. However, like any other car, it has its common problems, which are mostly related to the car's age, design, and reliability issues.
One of the most common problems with the Jaguar XJS 1987 is rust and corrosion. The car's body panels, particularly the lower front wing section, around the windscreens, and the taillights, are prone to rusting. This is a significant issue as repairing and removing the rust can cost a small fortune.
Another common problem with the Jaguar XJS 1987 is the Marelli failure. This issue is caused by the rotor failure that shuts down one bank, and the ECU continues the fuel supply to the other bank. This poured fuel reaches the CAT con and catches fire. This problem is a design fault, and it can be expensive to repair.
The Jaguar XJS 1987 is also known for its reliability issues. The car has a rating of 2.5 out of 5 points for reliability, making it one of the least reliable cars in its class. Some of the common reliability issues include engine overheating, water leaks, corrosions, knocking from the gearbox, and mainly power loss. These issues can be expensive to repair and can affect the car's performance and safety.
The car's electrical system is also prone to problems. The wires under the hood are known to resemble spaghetti, and the lack of an engine cover and systematic assembly of the harness can cause electrical problems. These issues can be frustrating and expensive to repair.
Finally, the Jaguar XJS 1987 is known for its high maintenance and repair costs. The car's parts, especially those related to the V12 engine, are expensive and hard to find. This can make even simple repairs and maintenance tasks expensive and time-consuming.
In conclusion, the Jaguar XJS 1987 is a classic grand tourer with a unique and gorgeous design. However, it has its common problems, which are mostly related to the car's age, design, and reliability issues. These problems can be expensive to repair and can affect the car's performance and safety. Therefore, potential buyers should be aware of these issues and budget accordingly.
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.
How reliable is a Jaguar V12 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.
How much horsepower does a 1987 Jaguar XJ-S V12 have?
This XJS touts the desirable 5.3-liter V12 engine, which produces 291 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
1987 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 1987 Jaguar Xjs vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Jaguar Xjs complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Jaguar Xjs.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-15
- VIN: SAJNV3842HC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 JAGUAR XJS. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, AN ABNORMAL POP WAS HEARD FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT OPENED THE FUEL PUMP VALVE AND GASOLINE BEGAN LEAKING FROM THE TANK. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT COULD SMELL GASOLINE INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING 5 MPH AND ABOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 87V142000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
1987 Jaguar Xjs recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1987 Jaguar Xjs.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- Manufacturer: HESS AND EISENHARDT CO.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
- Summary: EXCESSIVE FUEL VAPOR PRESSURE CAN OCCUR.
- Consequence: THIS CREATES FUEL ODORS AND AFTER PROLONGED CYCLINGCOULD CAUSE WEAKENING OF THE FUEL TANK STRUCTURE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN FUELTANK LEAKS. IF A SOURCE OF IGNITION IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.
- Remedy: INSTALL REVISED PURGE SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
- Manufacturer: HESS AND EISENHARDT CO.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: SEALS OF LOWER FUEL TANK GAUGE COULD FAIL CAUSING GAS TO LEAK INTO LOWER FUEL TANK CAVITY AND POSSIBLY INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
- Consequence: IGNITION OF GAS VAPORS WHICH MIGHT BE PRESENT COULDCAUSE A FIRE OR EXPLOSION.
- Remedy: REPLACE LOWER FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY TO UPGRADE FUEL SYSTEM TO CURRENT SPECIFICATIONS.
- Manufacturer: HESS AND EISENHARDT CO.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
- Summary: ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY INSTALLED AND COULD CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT.
- Consequence: SHORT CIRCUIT COULD RESULT IN A ELECTRICAL FIRE.
- Remedy: REROUTE HARNESS; IF CHAFED OR DAMAGED CONDITION WILL BE CORRECTED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Jaguar Xjs problems:
xjs v12 common faults, - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum
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 ...
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 ...
Junkyard Find: 1987 Jaguar XJ-S | The Truth About Cars
Apr 9, 2012 ... The idea of getting a cheap XJ-S runner and driving in V12 luxury for a while always has great appeal, but dealing with any mechanical problem ...
Advice on buying a Jaguar XJS | FinalGear.com Forums
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 ...
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