1991 Jaguar Xjs problems

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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.

1991 Jaguar Xjs

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Common 1991 Jaguar Xjs problems

The 1991 Jaguar XJS is a classic vehicle that has been known for its grand touring capabilities, presence, and performance.

Intermittent Starting Problems

One of the most common problems with the 1991 Jaguar XJS is intermittent starting issues. This problem can be caused by various factors, including a deficient fuel regulator, a malfunctioning ignition system, or issues with the crankshaft or flywheel position sensors.

For instance, one owner reported that their 1991 XJS intermittently did not start, and after going through the entire ignition system, they discovered that the fuel regulator was the culprit. The regulator had started leaking fuel, which caused the starting issues. This owner also recommended bridging the fuel pump relay to ensure the pump would run continuously during diagnosis.

Another possible cause of intermittent starting issues in the 1991 Jaguar XJS is a failing crankshaft or flywheel position sensor. These sensors provide vital information to the ignition and fuel injection computers, and if they fail, they can cause starting problems. Replacing these sensors with new ones can solve the issue, as they are relatively easy to remove and replace, and are less than $100 each if you shop around.

Engine Overheating

Another common problem with the 1991 Jaguar XJS is engine overheating. This issue can be caused by a blown or cracked head gasket, which allows coolant to mix with the engine oil. If ignored, this problem can lead to severe engine damage, including a possible engine fire caused by the hot catalytic converter filling with combustible air.

To diagnose and fix this issue, you'll need to remove the head and install a new one. This is a challenging job, but it's necessary to prevent further engine damage. Additionally, if you notice that your coolant has turned brown, it's a sign that your coolant needs flushing and replacing immediately to prevent a blown head gasket.

In some cases, engine overheating in the 1991 Jaguar XJS can be caused by a blocked air conditioning drain, which results in the front carpets getting wet. This issue can be resolved by unblocking the air conditioning drain and drying out the carpets to prevent dampness from setting in.

In conclusion, the 1991 Jaguar XJS is a classic vehicle with its fair share of common problems. Intermittent starting issues and engine overheating are two of the most reported problems by owners. By addressing these issues promptly, you can prevent further damage to your vehicle and ensure its longevity.

1991 Jaguar Xjs engine

1991 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
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Suspension problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Jaguar Xjs vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1991 Jaguar Xjs complaints

The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Jaguar Xjs.

2000-09-11

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: SAJTW4847MC
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: WHEN BRAKING AT LOW SPEED, A LOUD THUNK IS HEARD FROM THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION, INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THE TOP OF THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER HAD BROKEN AWAY, THE INNER END OF THE CONTROL ARM WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE CAR. NLM
1999-09-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT AND STALL OUT COMPLETELY DUE TO DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. DEALER SAID THAT CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
1999-05-10

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: SAJTW4842MC
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL LINE FAILURE CAUSED VEHICLE TO CAUGHT FIRE ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. *YC
1999-03-19

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-03-10
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: SAJTW4840MC
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: JAGUAR HAS BEEN AWEAR OF FREQUENT ENGINE FIRES IN THE V12 MODEL CARS FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND HAS RUN OUT OF REPLACEMENT IGNITION HARNESSS WORLD WIDE B/C OF THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE A FAULTY DESIGNED LIGHT DISTRIBUTOR CAPS WHICH HAVE LEAD TO THE FIRES ALL THE DEALS AND EXPERT MECHANICS ARE AWEAR OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY WIL NOT ADMIT OR CORRECT IT! I WOULD LIKE INFORMATION ON OTHER REPORTS TO START A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGANST THEM!!
1998-03-25

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-02-02
  • VIN: SAJTW4847MC
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: HAD JUST SHIFTED VEHICLE INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT, WHEN VEHICLE TOOK OFF. HAD FOOT ON BRAKES AT THE TIME. THE ENGINE WAS REVVING AT THE TIME. DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. *AK
1998-03-03

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: DESIGN/LOCATION OF IGNITION COIL COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE COIL TO MOVE CLOSE TO FUEL INJECTOR HOSE, RESULTING IN FIRE.
1997-12-02

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
  • VIN: SAJTW5844MC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: VEHICLEPULLS STRONGLY TO THE RIGHT WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *AK
1995-09-14

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-09-12
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY VEERS TO THE RIGHT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

1991 Jaguar Xjs recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 Jaguar Xjs.

1992-01-23
  • 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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1991 Jaguar Xjs problems:

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

1992 XJS V12 Reliability? - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts ...
1992 XJS V12 Reliability? - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts ...
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xjs-x27-32/1992-xjs-v12-reliability-81323/

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 ...

Advice on buying a Jaguar XJS | FinalGear.com Forums
Advice on buying a Jaguar XJS | FinalGear.com Forums
https://forums.finalgear.com/threads/advice-on-buying-a-jaguar-xjs.23528/

The cars made '91 and earlier had fuel hoses connecting each injector to the fuel rail. Those hoses have been known to crack and have fuel leaks ...

5 Things That Make The Jaguar XJ-S Great (5 Reasons We Won't ...
5 Things That Make The Jaguar XJ-S Great (5 Reasons We Won't ...
https://www.hotcars.com/things-that-make-jaguar-xj-s-great-reasons-we-wont-buy-one/

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 ...

Other years of Jaguar Xjs

jaguar xjs 1992 photo
Xjs 1992
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4

2

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jaguar xjs 1993 photo
Xjs 1993
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1

1

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jaguar xjs 1994 photo
Xjs 1994
Jaguar

10

1

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jaguar xjs 1995 photo
Xjs 1995
Jaguar

7

1

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jaguar xjs 1996 photo
Xjs 1996
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9

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jaguar xjs 1998 photo
Xjs 1998
Jaguar

1

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  • 4
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  • 1

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1991 Jaguar Xjs photo