1996 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.

1996 Jaguar Xjs

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Common 1996 Jaguar Xjs problems

The Jaguar XJS, produced in 1996, is known for a variety of common problems that Jaguar owners may face. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:

  • Car Pulling to One Side: This issue is caused by the twin-wishbone front suspension top inner bushes wearing out, which requires replacement every 50,000 miles. This is a frustrating job, but it's not complex and can be done as a DIY fix.
  • Slow Braking: Slow braking in the Jaguar XJS is usually caused by worn-out brake pads or discs, which are easy to replace with new ones from a reputable supplier.
  • Knocking from Gearbox: This issue is caused by the gearbox mount on the XJS occasionally coming loose, which can be resolved by tightening the bolts.
  • Overheating Engine: Overheating in the Jaguar XJS is usually caused by a blown or cracked head gasket, which requires the removal of the head and installation of a new one.
  • Rattle from Engine: A loud rattling noise from the engine is usually caused by a stretched or cracked timing chain, which requires replacement.
  • Brown Coolant: Brown coolant in the Jaguar XJS is a sign that the coolant needs to be flushed and replaced every two years.
  • Air Conditioning Drain Blockage: This issue is caused by the air conditioning drain getting blocked, which results in the front carpets getting wet.
  • Water Leak through Door Mirror: Water leakage through the door mirror is caused by a seal around the door mirror that needs to be sealed with something like silicone sealer.
  • Oil Leaks: Oil leaks in the Jaguar XJS are usually caused by worn-out seals or gaskets, which require replacement.

In addition to these common problems, the Jaguar XJS is known for its expensive replacement parts, especially for the lined canvas tops, which are very expensive to replace.

In summary, the Jaguar XJS is a classic car that has its share of common problems, many of which are related to the engine, suspension, and braking systems. While some owners report that their cars have been very reliable, others have experienced frequent breakdowns and expensive repair bills. It's essential to maintain the car regularly and address any issues promptly to ensure its longevity and reliability.

1996 Jaguar Xjs engine

What are the problems with Jaguar XJ-S?

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.

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.

Are Jaguar V12 engines reliable?

The 6.0 litre V12 is a great engine, much improved over earlier V12s, and nearly indestructible unless overheated. A real powerhouse, too. They are definitely more complicated, expensive, and time consuming to work on. For this reason they're not for everybody.

1996 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:

  • Structure problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Power train problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Jaguar Xjs vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1996 Jaguar Xjs complaints

The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Jaguar Xjs.

2004-08-28

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-07-30
  • VIN: SAJNX2743TC
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: ACCELERATOR PEDAL JAMS IN UP POSITION. TO CLEAR ACCELERATOR PEDAL, DRIVER MUST TAP UPPER FACE OF THE PEDAL WITH THE BALL OF HIS FOOT. THE PEDAL WILL NOT JAM AGAIN UNLESS THE DRIVER TAKES HIS FOOT OFF THE PEDAL. TO UNJAM, REPEAT PROCEDURE ABOVE. NOTE WHEN ENGINE IS IN NEUTRAL OR TURNED OFF, THE PEDAL WORKS PERFECTLY. *JB
2002-10-31

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-04-30
  • VIN: SAJNX2743TC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ADVISED ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS NOT AVAILABLE, LOCAL JAGUAR REPRESENTAIVE (DAVID BAMBER) NOTIFIED AND HE INDICATED HE WOULD LOCATE. AFTER TWO MONTHS I CALLED JAGUAR CUSTOMER SERVICE ON JUNE 26, 2002 1-800-452-4827, OPTION 9, EXT. 8264 (ROBERT BOSACK AND SUBJECT WAS ASSIGNED CASE #6182217. JULY 18, 2002 TALKED WITH MS ROMERO , SUPERVISOR IN CUSTOMER SERVICE, 1800-452-4827, OPTION 9 EXT 8089, NO NEW RESULTS. JULY 18, 2002 WROTE PRESIDENT MICHAEL O'DRISCOLL, JAGUAR, 555 MACARTHUR BLVD., MAHWAH, NJ 07430 ASKING FOR HELP. JULY 22, 2002 RECEIVED RESPONSE FROM MS NANCY SYNOL, EXECUTIVE LIAISON, BUT NO NEW ADVICE. FROM JULY 29, 2002 THROUGH OCT, 30, 2002 TALKED WITH CUST. SVS.REPS.- ONLY WORD WAS STILL TRYING TO OBTAIN PART. I HAVE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. IN MORE DETAIL AVAILABLE. DT
2002-08-19

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-07-19
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: SAJNX2742TC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING, TRANSMISSION LINE EXPLODED AND OIL SPILLED ALL OVER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER CONTACTED.*AK CONSUEMR WAS IN MOTION WHEN SMOKE EMMITED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. CONSUEMR EXITED VEHICLE AND PASSER BYS LET HIM KNOW THERE WAS A FIRE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. OIL WAS STILL LEAKING. *JG
2002-01-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-08-12
  • VIN: SAJNX2748TC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ENGINE DIES WHEN SLOWING DOWN IN TRAFFIC. HAS DIED OUT IN TRAFFIC ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY THREE TIMES. DEALER CANNOT FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG.- HAS BEEN SERVICED THREE TIMES (TOTAL OF 26 DAYS) SINCE AUGUST, AND TODAY IS BEING FLATBEDDED BACK FOR FOURTH TIME BECAUSE OF SAME PROBLEM. MILEAGE IN AUGUST 49099 AND NOW 50963. FIRST SERVICE FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS AT THOMAS JAGUAR IN HARTFORD, LAST TWO TIMES CHECKERED FLAGG LYNNHAVEN IN VA. BEACH, VA, TELEPHONE 757-490-1111. *AK
1998-10-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: SAJNX2747TC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY SHUT OFF/LOSS OF POWER WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE DEFECT. *AK
1997-12-11

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: DOOR LOCKS STUCK ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.
1997-12-11

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: CONVERTIBLE TOP LEAKING.
1997-11-24

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: DOOR LOCKS HAVE LOCKED UP SEVERAL TIMES, FREEZING IN COLD WEATHER.
1997-11-24

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: CONVERTIBLE TOP LEAKS.

1996 Jaguar Xjs recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1996 Jaguar Xjs.

2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
  • Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
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Additional sources

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1996 Jaguar XJS Common Parisitic power loss problems to look for ...
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Other years of Jaguar Xjs

jaguar xjs 1998 photo
Xjs 1998
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jaguar xjs 2001 photo
Xjs 2001
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jaguar xjs 2002 photo
Xjs 2002
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jaguar xjs 1978 photo
Xjs 1978
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jaguar xjs 1980 photo
Xjs 1980
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jaguar xjs 1982 photo
Xjs 1982
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1996 Jaguar Xjs photo