1985 Jaguar XJS
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1989 | 14 |
| 1990 | 15 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 4 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 6 |
| 1995 | 6 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 4 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE FIRE, BURNT SEVERAL ITEMS ON ENGINE, REPLACED WITH USED PARTS, ENGINE FIRE A SECOND TIME, REPLACED AGAIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20050429
1 of 4 total reports mentions: fuel system, other.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE FIRE, BURNT SEVERAL ITEMS ON ENGINE, REPLACED WITH USED PARTS, ENGINE FIRE A SECOND TIME, REPLACED AGAIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20050429
1 of 4 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 19950908
1 of 4 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
FIRE1 of 4 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 19980208
SAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
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.
Campaign 90V035000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 90V123000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 85V087000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Jaguar XJS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, other issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V087000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V035000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V123000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
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:fuel injection system:fuel rail, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Jaguar XJS have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.