British luxury flagship at fraction of original cost
Jaguar's range-topping saloon offers a unique blend of sporting character and luxury that the S-Class and A8 cannot match. Savage depreciation means the aluminium-bodied X351 (2010-2019) offers extraordinary value, though running costs remain firmly in the luxury bracket.
We track 5 known issues across the Jaguar XJ range, including 2 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Jaguar XJ? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
XJ40 (1986–1994) — Engine options included the 3.0L AJ6, 3.6L AJ6, 4.0L AJ6. We track 1 known issues on this generation, with 1 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Wheel bearing wear (£200–£400 to address).
X300 (1994–1997) — Engine options included the 3.2L AJ16, 4.0L AJ16. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Structural corrosion reducing rigidity (£2,000–£5,000 to address).
X308 (1997–2003) — Engine options included the 3.2L V8, 4.0L V8. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Structural corrosion reducing rigidity (£2,000–£5,000 to address).
X350 (2003–2009) — Petrol options included the 3.0L V6, 3.5L V8, 4.2L V8, with 2.7L V6 TDV6, 2.7L V6 TDV6 on the diesel side. We track 2 known issues on this generation, with 1 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Wheel bearing wear (£200–£400 to address).
X351 (2009–2019) — Petrol options included the 3.0L V6 Supercharged, 5.0L V8, with 3.0L V6 TDV6 on the diesel side. We track 2 known issues on this generation, with 1 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Wheel bearing wear (£200–£400 to address).
The steel monocoque structure on X300 and X308 XJs suffers from corrosion that can compromise structural integrity, particularly around suspension mounting points and sill sections. This is distinct from cosmetic rust and represents a safety-critical failure where the car's structural rigidity is reduced. The aluminium-bodied X350 and X351 generations are not affected by this issue.
Structural corrosion is an MOT failure and renders the car unsafe to drive. Repair typically requires cutting out corroded sections and welding in new metal, with costs often exceeding the car's value on older examples. Cars with extensive structural corrosion are usually written off.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
The prescribed areas within 30cm of subframe and suspension mounting points are particularly vulnerable to corrosion on steel-bodied XJs. This affects the structural integrity around critical suspension attachment points and can lead to suspension components detaching from the body. MOT data shows failures at nearly 68 times the fleet average. This is a safety-critical issue that can cause sudden loss of vehicle control.
Subframe mounting point failure can cause suspension components to detach from the vehicle, leading to immediate loss of control. This is a dangerous defect requiring immediate repair. Typical repair involves cutting out corroded sections and welding in reinforcement plates or new metal.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
XJ models show exceptionally high wheel bearing failure rates across all generations, with MOT data showing failures at over 90 times the fleet average. The heavy weight of the XJ combined with complex suspension geometry places high loads on wheel bearings. Failure typically manifests as excessive play rather than noise, making it primarily detectable through physical inspection rather than audible symptoms.
Advanced bearing wear can lead to wheel detachment, causing immediate loss of control. Early detection allows replacement of bearings alone. Late detection may require hub assembly replacement and can damage associated ABS sensors and brake components.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Hydraulic power steering systems on X300 and X308 XJs suffer from pump failure and fluid leaks at nearly 28 times the fleet average failure rate. The high-pressure hydraulic system is prone to seal failure, particularly in the steering pump and rack assembly. Loss of power steering assistance makes the heavy XJ extremely difficult to manoeuvre, especially at parking speeds.
Complete power steering failure makes the car very difficult to control, especially during parking manoeuvres or emergency situations. Pump replacement typically costs £400-800 plus labour. Rack replacement can cost £800-1,500.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
Rubber dust covers protecting suspension ball joints, track rod ends, and steering rack gaiters deteriorate at an exceptionally high rate on XJ models. MOT data shows failures at over 500 times the fleet average. While not immediately dangerous, failed dust covers allow contamination of critical suspension joints, leading to accelerated wear and eventual joint failure. This affects all generations but is particularly severe on the 4.2L X350 models.
Failed dust covers lead to contamination and accelerated wear of expensive suspension components. Ball joint replacement typically costs £200-400 per corner. Steering rack replacement can cost £800-1,500. Early replacement of dust covers prevents these larger failures.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Jaguar XJ common problems page.
Based on 155k real DVSA MOT tests, the Jaguar XJ fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is suspension ball joints worn at 270x the fleet average, followed by anti-roll bar links worn (112x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Jaguar XJ MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include timing chain tensioner inspection (£800–£1,200), air suspension system service (£200–£400).
See the full Jaguar XJ service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Jaguar XJ has some well-documented weak points, including 2 safety-critical issues that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2015-2018 models offer the best balance of modern features and settled reliability. Petrol models are more dependable than diesels long-term.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Jaguar XJ, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Jaguar XJ issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.