MYRModel Year Report

1988 Jaguar XJS

○ Not enough data
1988 Jaguar XJS
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:42:46.918Z

Only 7 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 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
7

Too few to rank

Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1988

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 1983 1984: 2 complaints 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 2 complaints 1987: 1 complaint 1988: 7 complaints 1988 7 1989: 14 complaints 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 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 2 complaints 1986 1987: 1 complaint 1988: 7 complaints 1988 7 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 1986: 2 complaints 1986 1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 7 complaints 1988 7 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

1988: 7 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 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Seat belts

3 of 7 total reports mention: seat belts.

Show complaint excerpts

1988 Jaguar XJS. Consumer writes in regards to defective drivers side seat belt. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer repaired the seat belt, but the failure recurred.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-05-06

The driver's side seat belt mechanism (Automatic seat belts) on my 1988 Jaguar XJ6 coupe are not working. Jaguar claims a lifetime warranty. However the parts are on "National back order" According to my dealer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-10-15

Fuel system, other

2 of 7 total reports mention: fuel system, other, most commonly citing tank assembly.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I was parked in a small strip center. I had just left the barber shop and I took note of all the kids in the parking lot and a SUV parked nearby. I turned on the engine of my 1988 xjsc Jaguar, engine sound seemed normal.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-05-05

Consumer states that the gas tank is leaking gas all over the rear passenger seats and into the trunk. Consumer states that vehicle has 3 fuel tanks characteristics and poor design is causing a leak.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-11

Fuel/propulsion system

1 of 7 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1988 Jaguar XJS. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the fuel line became loaded with fuel, which caused pressure to build in the fuel tank. The contact smelled fuel coming from the fuel tank and the vehicle stalled.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-08

Fuel system, gasoline

1 of 7 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1990-02-26Engine and engine cooling89V168000 Excessive fuel vapor pressure can occur.

    Remedy: Install revised purge system components.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1993-05-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-11-04 Passive restraint failure
  5. R
    1994-02-21Seat belts93V179000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Jaguar XJS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, other: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 89V168000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 90V035000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 90V123000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 93V179000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 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 1988 Jaguar XJS?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Jaguar XJS have?
4 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.