1989 Jaguar XJS
Only 14 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 14 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 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 14 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 JAGUAR XJS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAD BECOME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 93V179000 (SEAT BELTS) AND CONTACTED THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111017
EMAIL FWD FM ROGER W. JOHNSON (TX) RE DEFECTIVE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS IN HIS 1989 JAGUAR XJS, REQUESTS A DEFECT INVESTIGATION FOR POSSIBLE RECALL.*MR THE VEHICLES AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS HAVE FAILED SIX TIMES SINCE THE CONSUMER OWNED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030826
2 of 14 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
FUEL LEAK FROM FUEL INJECTOR RAIL, CAUSING FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950310
1 of 14 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 14 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 14 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 FRO
Remedy: REPLACE THE HIGH TENSION LEADS WITH SHORTER HIGH TENSION LEADS. REPLACE BOTH THE FUEL INJECTOR AND THE #4A FUEL INJECTOR HOSE AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 92V009000 — check if this car was fixed
PASSIVE RESTRAINT FAILURE
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 PO
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 SYSTE
Campaign 93V179000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Jaguar XJS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V035000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V123000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V009000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V179000 (seat belts) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1989 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 1989 Jaguar XJS?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Jaguar XJS have?
4 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.