1990 Jaguar XJS
Only 15 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 15 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 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 15 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
2 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
2 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE JAGUAR XJS V12 FROM MID 1989-ON, EQUIPPED WITH MARELLI IGNITION HAS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR THAT RESULTS IN LOSS OF IGNITION ON THE RIGHT BANK OF CYLINDERS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000922
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHIN THE IGNITION SYSTEM. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000919
1 of 15 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 15 total reports mentions: tires.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
PIRELLI TIRE BLEW OUT AT SIDEWALL WHILE IN SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING ACCIDENT/LOSS OF CONTROL. *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960314
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Jaguar XJS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 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.
FAQ
Is the 1990 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 1990 Jaguar XJS?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 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.