Jaguar XJS Series 2 (facelift) (1981-1990) reliability
Jaguar XJS Series 2 (facelift) built before 2000: about average at the MOT
Jaguar XJS Series 2 (facelift) models built before 2000 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 XJS Series 2 (facelift) right now?
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Key figure
18% of MOT tests on Jaguar XJS Series 2 (facelift) models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 19% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Jaguar XJS Series 2 (facelift) models built before 2000 involves fluid leaks.
Based on 1,715 tests of XJS models registered 1981-1990.
About 1 in 10 XJS Series 2 (facelift) MOTs (9.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 1,715 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 25 XJS Series 2 (facelift) MOTs (3.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Based on 1,715 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Series 2 (facelift) 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 25+ years old.
How the XJS Series 2 (facelift) compares
At each age below, see how the XJS Series 2 (facelift) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 15,509 tests across 8 Jaguar models, built before 2000 (over 25 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.
Leaks
Worth checkingInspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Axles & Wheels
Worth checkingInspect the axles & wheels carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Suspension springs
Worth checkingCheck ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.
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.
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 coupes to compare
Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the XJS Series 2 (facelift).
- 1
Porsche 911
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.1%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 94%
Lower fail rate: 13.1%, against 17.9% for the Jaguar XJS Series 2 (facelift), both built before 2000.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
10,428 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 2
MG B GT
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 15.4%
Lower fail rate: 15.4%, against 17.9% for the Jaguar XJS Series 2 (facelift), both built before 2000.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,331 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 3
Mercedes-Benz CLK
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 24.8%
No clear edge over the Jaguar XJS Series 2 (facelift) on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,725 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 4
Audi TT
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 29.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.5%
No clear edge over the Jaguar XJS Series 2 (facelift) on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,275 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- 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
1 recall in all1 XJS Series 2 (facelift) recall covers cars built in these years.
- 1 recall
Top concerns
- Leakage from power steering hose
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on XJS Series 2 (facelift) cars built before 2000
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 910 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 37% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
Series 2 (facelift) variants compared
Most common issues on Jaguar XJSes of this age
This list covers every Jaguar XJS built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Series 2 (facelift) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 118.6%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 210.1%Advisory
Wheel bearing has slight play
- 38.4%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 48.1%Advisory
Coil spring corroded
- 56.6%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Based on 3,539 tests
Looking at a Jaguar XJS Series 2 (facelift) right now?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Jaguar XJS Series 2 (facelift) (1981-1990) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,715 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.