Jaguar XJ X350 (2003-2009) reliability
Jaguar XJ X350 built around 2004: fails its MOT less often than average
Jaguar XJ X350 models built around 2004 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.
Looking at a Jaguar XJ X350?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
24% of MOT tests on Jaguar XJ X350 models built around 2004 ended in a fail (retests included), against 29% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Jaguar XJ X350 models built around 2004 involves the brakes.
Based on 9,575 tests of XJ models registered 2003-2009.
About 1 in 9 XJ X350 MOTs (11%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2004 (21 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 1,985 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 XJ X350 MOTs (5.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2004 (21 years old).
Based on 1,985 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
X350 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 20 years old.
How the XJ X350 compares
At each age below, see how the XJ X350 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 7,617 tests across 6 Jaguar models, built around 2004 (21 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.
Brake pipes and hoses
High priorityLook under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Suspension
Worth checkingInspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
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 XJ X350.
- 1
Lexus IS
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 27.2%
No clear edge over the Jaguar XJ X350 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,525 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- 2
BMW 3 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 25.9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 89.8%
No clear edge over the Jaguar XJ X350 on these figures.
15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
11,084 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- 3
Saab 9-3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 30%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 9.7%
- Dangerous
- 7%
No clear edge over the Jaguar XJ X350 on these figures.
1,761 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- 4
Honda Accord
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 31.6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 9.7%
- Dangerous
- 8%
No clear edge over the Jaguar XJ X350 on these figures.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
2,454 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- 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.
How many are still registered
UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical
The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).
Recall context
22 recalls in all10 of the 22 XJ X350 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 2 Critical
- 8 more
Top concerns
- Diesel particulate filter excessive heat
- Air bag may rupture
- Front air bags may not deploy when required
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on XJ X350 cars built around 2004
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 3,950 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 42% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
Fail rate by engine size, built around 2004 (21 years old)
Engine sizes across all petrol XJ tests (not specific to X350).
How XJ X350 cars have aged
How XJ X350 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 X350 cars age
How each part holds up as X350 cars age
The share of petrol cars built pre-2005 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 | 21 years | 22 years | 23 years | 24 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 67% | 68% | 51% | 49% |
| Brakes | 58% | 63% | 43% | 40% |
| Emissions | 18% | 17% | 32% | 29% |
| Tyres | 57% | 56% | 53% | 45% |
| Lighting | 45% | 56% | 50% | 38% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | No figure | 1% | No figure |
| Bodywork | 4% | 1% | 26% | 27% |
| Steering | 2% | 3% | 8% | 2% |
| Corrosion | 31% | 17% | 53% | 53% |
Based on petrol cars in the pre-2005 build-year band, from 141 to 232 cars at each age.
X350 variants compared
Most common issues on Jaguar XJs of this age
This list covers every Jaguar XJ built around 2004, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the X350 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 117.1%Advisory
Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease
- 216.5%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 316.3%Advisory
Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened
- 415.1%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 513.1%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
Based on 1,985 tests
Looking at a Jaguar XJ X350?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2004 (21 years old), the Jaguar XJ X350 (2003-2009) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,985 21-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.