1989 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 1989 Jaguar Xjs problems
The Jaguar XJS 1989 is a classic vehicle that has been praised for its craftsmanship and design, but it is also known for its reliability issues, which have been a major concern for its owners. Here are some of the common problems with the Jaguar XJS 1989 based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Engine overheating: One of the most common problems with the Jaguar XJS 1989 is engine overheating, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty thermostat, a damaged radiator, or a clogged cooling system. This problem can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Water leaks: The Jaguar XJS 1989 is prone to water leaks, especially in the areas around the windshield and the taillights. These leaks can cause rust and corrosion, which can lead to more serious problems down the line.
- Corrosion: Like other cars of the 70s and 80s, the Jaguar XJS 1989 is prone to rust and corrosion. Some of the most prominent rusting parts include the lower front wing section, around the windshield, and the taillights. Repairing and removing rust can be expensive, so it's important to keep an eye out for any signs of corrosion.
- Knocking from the gearbox: Another common problem with the Jaguar XJS 1989 is knocking from the gearbox, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out gears, a damaged clutch, or a faulty transmission. This problem can lead to serious transmission damage if not addressed promptly.
- Power loss: The Jaguar XJS 1989 is known for its power loss, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty fuel injection system, a clogged air filter, or a damaged spark plug. This problem can lead to poor performance and decreased fuel efficiency.
- Electrical problems: The wires all over the V12 in the Jaguar XJS 1989 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.
- Marelli failure: The Marelli failure is one of the most common problems almost every XJ-S owner might have faced. It happens because of the rotor failure that shuts down one bank, and the ECU basically continues the fuel supply to the other bank. This poured fuel reaches the CAT con and catches fire.
In summary, the Jaguar XJS 1989 is a classic vehicle that has been praised for its craftsmanship and design, but it is also known for its reliability issues, which have been a major concern for its owners. Some of the common problems with this car include engine overheating, water leaks, corrosion, knocking from the gearbox, power loss, electrical problems, and Marelli failure. It's important to keep an eye out for these problems and address them promptly to avoid more serious issues down the line.
What problems did the 1989 Jaguar XJ-S have?
9 Why We Won't Buy One: Reliability Issues
Therefore, it is no different from most other Jaguar models in that case. Reportedly, the XJ-S had many problems, including engine overheating, water leaks, corrosions, knocking from the gearbox, and mainly power loss.
Is a 1989 Jaguar a good car?
It is a sports touring car not a car you can beat up as a daily driver. The V-12 engine is powerful and was ahead of it's time. It rivals a lot of the cars on the road today but the cost is 14 MPG of premium gasoline.
Is the Jaguar XJ-S a good car?
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 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.
1989 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
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Jaguar Xjs vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Jaguar Xjs complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Jaguar Xjs.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-01
- VIN: SAJNA5846KC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 JAGUAR XJS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAD BECOME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 93V179000 (SEAT BELTS) AND CONTACTED THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND HE HAD BEEN ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: EMAIL FWD FM ROGER W. JOHNSON (TX) RE DEFECTIVE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS IN HIS 1989 JAGUAR XJS, REQUESTS A DEFECT INVESTIGATION FOR POSSIBLE RECALL.*MR THE VEHICLES AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS HAVE FAILED SIX TIMES SINCE THE CONSUMER OWNED THE VEHICLE. EACH TIME THE MANUFACTURER REPAIRED OR REPLACED THE MECHANISM. THE LAST FAILURE OCCURRED OVER A YEAR AGO AND IS NOT REPAIRABLE DUE TO NON-AVAILABILITY OF PARTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A BACKLOG OF CONSUMERS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *PH *NLM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-28
- VIN: SAJNY5842KC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I REQUEST YOUR INTERVENTION AND INVESTIGATION ON MY BEHALF IN REGARDS TO JAGUAR MOTORCAR'S SEAT BELT FAILURES. SPECIFICALLY, I OWN A 1989 JAGUAR XJS WITH AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS. THESE BELTS HAVE FAILED NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE OWNING THIS CAR. THE LAST FAILURE OCCURRED NEARLY A YEAR AGO AND IS NOT REPAIRABLE DUE TO NON-AVAILABILITY OF PARTS. THE LOCAL DEALER STATES HE HAS A BACKLOG OF OTHER CUSTOMERS WITH SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES. FURTHER, THE DEALER STATES THAT THE AUTOMATED SYSTEM HAS DESIGN ERRORS THAT ARE THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS. JAGUAR IS SUPPOSEDLY REDESIGNING THE REPLACEMENT PARTS BUT HAS NOT MADE THEM AVAILABLE TO THE DEALERS. PLEASE INQUIRE WITH WHOM EVER YOU FEEL COULD SUPPORT OUR NEEDS IN HAVING A FUNCTIONAL SEAT BELT SYSTEM WITHIN THE CAR. I UNDERSTAND FROM THE DEALER SEAT BELTS AND SEAT BELT SYSTEMS ARE LIFETIME WARRANTED ITEMS.*JB VERY RESPECTFULLY, ROGER W. JOHNSON
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: SAJNA5844KC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: AFTER THE RECALL WAS FIXED THE FUEL TANK DEVELOPED A BREAK AND CONSEQUENT SERIOUS FUEL LEAK, REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK AT A COST OF $1,791.46. CONSUMER STATED THAT, THIS WAS AN ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECT IN THE TANK THAT WAS ON GOING OR NOT PROPERLY FIXED. THEREFORE, CONSUMER IS SEEKING A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT OF TANK (RECALL #90V123000). *YD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: SAJNA5844KC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: AFTER THE RECALL WAS FIXED THE FUEL TANK DEVELOPED A BREAK AND CONSEQUENT SERIOUS FUEL LEAK, REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK AT A COST OF $1,791.46. CONSUMER STATED THAT, THIS WAS AN ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECT IN THE TANK THAT WAS ON GOING OR NOT PROPERLY FIXED. THEREFORE, CONSUMER IS SEEKING A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT OF TANK (RECALL #90V123000). *YD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-04-01
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. ENGINE RAN ROUGH, MOTOR WOULD STICK & HESITATE. DEALER CHANGED SPARK PLUGS & REPAIRED SEALS & INJECTOR. THE CAR HAS A STEADY HISTORY OF PROBELMS. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: SAJTY5843KC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHEN THE IGNITION CUTS OUT ON THE LEFT SIDE, THE FUEL INJECTORS CONTINUED TO DUMP FUEL, WHICH WENT INTO THE PREHEATED CONVERTERD AND BURNED, HIGH HEAT CAUSED THE CATALYST TO MELT AND SAG IN BOTH CONVERTERS. NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-05
- VIN: SAJNA5841KC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONTINUOUS RAW FUEL ODOR WHEN TRUNK LID OPENED---CALLED LOCAL JAGUAR DEALER AND IT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-15
- VIN: SAJTY584XKC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER'S SIDE MOTOR BELT FAILED TO OPERATE/ NHTSA RECALL # 93V-179 OOO. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED CONSUMER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS FORM SUCKS! I CAN'T MANAGE TO GET ANYTHING TO FIT! I GUESS I'LL JUST HAVE TO FORGET ABOUT IT.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: SAJNY5843KC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: UNSPECIFIED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: SAJNV4847KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVERHEATING. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-13
- VIN: SAJNA5849KC
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: POWER WINDOWS FAILED, PRIOR TO RECALL. *SD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-03-04
- VIN: SAJNA5849KC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS BRAKE RELEASED WHEN ON SLIPPERY SURFACE. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-29
- Fire: 1
- VIN: SAJNY5843KC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LEAK FROM FUEL INJECTOR RAIL, CAUSING FIRE. *AK
1989 Jaguar Xjs recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1989 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 CARS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: THE HIGH TENSION LEAD FROM THE IGNITION COIL CAN MOVE FROM THE PRODUCTION LOCATION CLOSER TO THE #4A FUEL INJECTOR HOSE. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE OUTER AND INNER INJECTOR HOSES CRACKING OR SPLITTING FROM OZONE DETERIORATION.
- Consequence: SPLITTING OF THE INJECTOR HOSES WOULD CAUSE EXPULSION OFFUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OFIGNITION.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE HIGH TENSION LEADS WITH SHORTER HIGH TENSION LEADS. REPLACE BOTH THE FUEL INJECTOR AND THE #4A FUEL INJECTOR HOSE AS NECESSARY.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 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 ...
1989 xjs heated seats common faults? - XJ-S - Jag-lovers Forums
Jan 16, 2018 ... As someone mentioned, there's a sensor built into that pad, a thermal overload switch or some such, and it often is the problem. If you can get ...
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 ...
Advice on buying a Jaguar XJS | FinalGear.com Forums
The biggest issue that Spectre (almost) correctly identified is what was known as the "Marelli failure." '89.5 was when the first Marelli ...
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