1985 Jaguar XJS

○ Not enough data
1985 Jaguar XJS
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:34:50.155Z

Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
4

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 2 complaints 1985: 4 complaints 1985 4 1986: 2 complaints 1987: 1 complaint 1988: 7 complaints 1989: 14 complaints 1989 1990: 15 complaints 1991: 8 complaints 1992: 4 complaints 1992 1993: 1 complaint 1994: 6 complaints 1995: 6 complaints 1995 1996: 7 complaints 1998: 1 complaint 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 1 complaint
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 2 complaints 1985: 4 complaints 1985 4 1986: 2 complaints 1987: 1 complaint 1988: 7 complaints 1988 1989: 14 complaints 1990: 15 complaints 1990 1991: 8 complaints 1992: 4 complaints 1992 1993: 1 complaint 1994: 6 complaints 1994 1995: 6 complaints 1996: 7 complaints 1996 1998: 1 complaint 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 1 complaint
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1985 4 1986: 2 complaints 1986 1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 7 complaints 1988 1989: 14 complaints 1989 1990: 15 complaints 1990 1991: 8 complaints 1991 1992: 4 complaints 1992 1993: 1 complaint 1993 1994: 6 complaints 1994 1995: 6 complaints 1995 1996: 7 complaints 1996 1998: 1 complaint 1998 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 1 complaint 2002

1985: 4 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19810
19821
19831
19842
19854
19862
19871
19887
198914
199015
19918
19924
19931
19946
19956
19967
19981
20011
20021

Known problem areas

Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Fuel system, gasoline

5 of 4 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel rail and tank assembly.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine fire, burnt several items on engine, replaced with used parts, engine fire a second time, replaced again.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-04-29

Also filed under Fuel system, other and electrical system

There is a fuel odor in the trunk. Owner concerned that a spark could cause a fire or explosion because the battery is located right next to the fuel tank.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-02-08

Received recall for fuel tank, had two inches of gas in trunk, dealer would not do recall work. Preston Jaguar york, pa 717 755-0973. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-08

Fuel system, other

1 of 4 total reports mentions: fuel system, other, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.

FIRE

Electrical system

1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood.

FIRE

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1990-03-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-09-29 Fuel tank leakage
  2. R
    1990-05-21Vehicle speed control90V035000 Electronically controlled valves in the cruise control actuator may not function properly due to dirt entering the valves.

    Remedy: Replace cruise control actuator and install additional vacuum dump valve.

  3. R
    1990-12-24Fuel system, gasoline90V123000 Excessive fuel vapor pressure can occur that, after prolonged cycling, could weaken the fuel tank structure.

    Remedy: Install a revised fuel purge system which eliminates excessive vapor pressure build-up.

  4. R
    Date not on fileFuel system, gasoline85V087000 Possible fuel leakage from the engine fuel injection system, particularly in the area of the hose/clip fittings.

    Remedy: A new fuel delivery system designed to eliminate fuel hose clips will be installed.

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Jaguar XJS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Fuel system, gasoline: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, other: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 85V087000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 90V035000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 90V123000 · Fuel system, gasoline

FAQ

Is the 1985 Jaguar XJS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Jaguar XJS?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 125% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Jaguar XJS have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.