1988 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 1988 Jaguar Xjs problems
The Jaguar XJS 1988 is known for several common problems, which include engine issues, electrical problems, and rusting and corrosion.
One of the most significant issues with the XJS 1988 is the Marelli failure, which is a problem with the ignition system. The engine is divided into two banks, separated by the ignition system. The rotor is prone to breakage, and the result is that your engine won't get a spark, and your catalytic converter will get hot while being filled with combustible air. If ignored, the catalytic converter will set the car on fire. This problem can be solved by replacing the cap and the rotor with new ones from the parts page.
Another common problem with the XJS 1988 is the car pulling to one side when driving on a straight. This problem is caused by the twin-wishbone front suspension top inner bushes, which need to be replaced every 50,000 miles. This is a frustrating job because you have to remove the worn bushes, but it's not a complex DIY fix. Order new bushes from the parts list and put aside time to remove the worn ones.
The XJS 1988 is also known for electrical problems, which are caused by the wires all over the V12 that resemble spaghetti and are bound to give you electrical problems because of the direct heat it gets from the enormous block. There is no engine cover on offer, and neither is any systematic assembly of the harness. It is no wonder why the XJS makes a good debate topic for enthusiasts.
Rusting and corrosion are also common problems with the XJS 1988. Some prominent rusting parts are the lower front wing section, around the windscreens, and the taillights. After all, we cannot expect a 40-year-old car to be perfect. However, you must keep this in mind if you're out to buy this classic since repairing and removing the rust can cost a small fortune.
In addition to these problems, the XJS 1988 is also known for engine overheating, water leaks, corrosions, knocking from the gearbox, and mainly power loss. These problems have contributed to the XJ-S's poor reliability rating, with repairpal.com giving a rating of 2.5 out of 5 points to the XJ-S.
In conclusion, the Jaguar XJS 1988 is a classic car with several common problems, including engine issues, electrical problems, and rusting and corrosion. These problems can be costly to repair and should be considered before purchasing the car. However, the XJS 1988 is also known for its unique and gorgeous design, which has made it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
What problems did the 1988 Jaguar XJ-S have?
Reportedly, the XJ-S had many problems, including engine overheating, water leaks, corrosions, knocking from the gearbox, and mainly power loss. Though the XJ-S is cheaper, it doesn't mean it won't be a big load on your pockets afterward.
Is the XJS reliable?
The XJ finished top in the luxury car class in our most recent reliability survey, with an excellent overall score of 94.3%.
Why is the 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.
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.
1988 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Fuel system problems
- Other problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Jaguar Xjs vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Jaguar Xjs complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Jaguar Xjs.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 1988 JAGUAR XJS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER REPAIRED THE SEAT BELT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. *JS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-14
- VIN: SAJNV5845JC
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 JAGUAR XJS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE FUEL LINE BECAME LOADED WITH FUEL, WHICH CAUSED PRESSURE TO BUILD IN THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 89V168000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-28
- VIN: SAJNV5846JC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 JAGUAR XJS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SEAT BELT WOULD NOT PULL OUT FROM ITS RETRACTOR, MAKING IT INOPERABLE. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WARRANTY WAS RESTRICTED UN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 93V179000 (SEAT BELTS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 67,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-23
- VIN: SAJNA5847JC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 JAGUAR XJS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH HE SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. HE STATED THAT THE SMELL WAS SO STRONG THAT IT GAVE HIM A HEADACHE. HE ADDED FUEL TO THE VEHICLE AND THOUGHT THAT HE HAD SPILLED SOME FUEL ON HIM. HE REFERENCED RECALL 90V123000,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT THEY NO LONGER CARRY THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN AUGUST 2010. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,002 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 44,200. UPDATED 1/25/11 *CN UPDATED 04/14/11
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-30
- VIN: SAJNA5841JC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT MECHANISM (AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS) ON MY 1988 JAGUAR XJ6 COUPE ARE NOT WORKING. JAGUAR CLAIMS A LIFETIME WARRANTY. HOWEVER THE PARTS ARE ON "NATIONAL BACK ORDER" ACCORDING TO MY DEALER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF I CHOOSE TO DRIVE MY CAR, POSSIBLY A TRAFFIC VIOLATION AS WELL. JAGUAR SEEMS UNABLE/UNWILLING TO HONOR ITS WARRANTY, GIVING IN THE WORDS OF A FELLOW JAGUAR OWNER "A SONG AND DANCE". *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: SAJNA3842JC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: I WAS PARKED IN A SMALL STRIP CENTER. I HAD JUST LEFT THE BARBER SHOP AND I TOOK NOTE OF ALL THE KIDS IN THE PARKING LOT AND A SUV PARKED NEARBY. I TURNED ON THE ENGINE OF MY 1988 XJSC JAGUAR, ENGINE SOUND SEEMED NORMAL. I THEN TURNED MY HEAD TO VIEW THE REAR AND PROCEEDED TO MOVE IN REVERSE, BUT AS I LIFTED MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED IN A VIOLENT MANNER ON ITS OWN. THE CAR MOVED APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET IN SECONDS AND I FOUND MYSELF GOING BACKWARDS FOR NO LOGICAL REASON. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AS HARD AS I COULD, BUT AS I DID THE CAR LUNGED SIDEWAYS INTO A BLOCK WALL PROTECTED BY A CONCRETE STEEL POST. AS I HIT THE POST, THE REAR OF MY CAR BOUNCED INTO THE REAR OF A PARKED SUV. POLICE SUSPECT THAT I TRAMPED ON THE GAS PEDAL, BUT FOOT WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END OF THE CRASH. I HAVE THE BEST DRIVER RATING WITH STATE FARM, I DO NOT USE ANY DRUGS LEGAL OR ILLEGAL AND WAS EXTRA CAUTIOUS THAT DAY BECAUSE OF ALL THE KIDS IN THE AREA. SO FAR, THE REAL CAUSE OF THIS ACCIDENT HAS NOT BEEN FOUND ALTHOUGH I SUSPECT THE CRUISE CONTROL TO BE THE PROBLEM. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-05
- VIN: SAJNV5849JC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE GAS TANK IS LEAKING GAS ALL OVER THE REAR PASSENGER SEATS AND INTO THE TRUNK. CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE HAS 3 FUEL TANKS CHARACTERISTICS AND POOR DESIGN IS CAUSING A LEAK. MR
1988 Jaguar Xjs recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1988 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 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 ...
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 ...
Newcomer XJS V12 - 1988 and some problems ; start, but no crank ...
Sep 22, 2020 ... when start : fuel is coming in the rail and injectors open · when crank, the fuel in the combustion chamber is burnt and the engine starts, But ...
5 Things That Make The Jaguar XJ-S Great (5 Reasons We Won't ...
Aug 20, 2022 ... The Marelli failure is one of the most common problems almost every XJ-S owner might have faced. For those who do not know what a Marelli ...
1989 xjs heated seats common faults? - XJ-S - Jag-lovers Forums
Jan 16, 2018 ... Hi everyone. I have had maybe 5 xjs' over the years and cannot recall the heated seats working on any of them. Of course my lady very much ...
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