Jaguar S-Type Mk1 (1999-2007) reliability
Jaguar S-Type Mk1 built around 2007: about average at the MOT
Jaguar S-Type Mk1 models built around 2007 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.
Looking at a Jaguar S-Type Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
27% of MOT tests on Jaguar S-Type Mk1 models built around 2007 ended in a fail (retests included), against 28% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Jaguar S-Type Mk1 models built around 2007 involves the suspension.
Based on 11,918 tests of S-Type models registered 1999-2007.
About 1 in 9 S-Type Mk1 MOTs (10.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2007 (18 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 1,979 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 15 S-Type Mk1 MOTs (7.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2007 (18 years old).
Based on 1,979 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk1 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 24 years old.
How the S-Type Mk1 compares
At each age below, see how the S-Type Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 10,013 tests across 7 Jaguar models, built around 2007 (18 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension
Worth checkingInspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the S-Type Mk1.
- 1
Lexus IS
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 24.1%
Lower fail rate: 24.1%, against 26.8% for the Jaguar S-Type Mk1, both built around 2007.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
2,214 MOT tests on cars built around 2007
- 2
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 23.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 7.5%
- Dangerous
- 7.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 79.9%
Lower fail rate: 23.4%, against 26.8% for the Jaguar S-Type Mk1, both built around 2007.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
5,172 MOT tests on cars built around 2007
- 3
Chrysler 300
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 27%
No clear edge over the Jaguar S-Type Mk1 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,113 MOT tests on cars built around 2007
- 4
BMW 3 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 25.3%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 8.2%
- Dangerous
- 7.9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 89.8%
No clear edge over the Jaguar S-Type Mk1 on these figures.
15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
25,001 MOT tests on cars built around 2007
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
7 recalls in all6 of the 7 S-Type Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 5 more
Top concerns
- Diesel particulate filter excessive heat
- Poor adhesion of space saver spare wheel speed restriction label
- Possibile unintentional application of parking brake
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on S-Type Mk1 cars built around 2007
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 287 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 29% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
How S-Type Mk1 cars have aged
How S-Type Mk1 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age
The share of diesel cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 18 years | 19 years | 20 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 52% | 52% | 56% |
| Brakes | 54% | 53% | 59% |
| Emissions | 13% | 9% | 9% |
| Tyres | 60% | 54% | 64% |
| Lighting | 45% | 46% | 47% |
| Drivetrain | 1% | No figure | No figure |
| Bodywork | 10% | 12% | 9% |
| Steering | 1% | 4% | 4% |
| Corrosion | 29% | 21% | 19% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 275 to 294 cars at each age.
Mk1 variants compared
S-Type Mk1 variants built around 2007
The fail rate for each S-Type Mk1 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Diesel
- S-TYPE26.7%1,225 tests
Petrol
- S-TYPE27.1%750 tests
Most common issues on Jaguar S-Type models of this age
This list covers every Jaguar S-Type built around 2007, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 120.4%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 216.7%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 312.8%Minor
Suspension ball joint dust cover badly deteriorated
- 412.5%Advisory
Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened
- 511.5%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Based on 1,979 tests
Looking at a Jaguar S-Type Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2007 (18 years old), the Jaguar S-Type Mk1 (1999-2007) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,979 18-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.