Avoid: 2006, 2005 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2018 (few owner reports)
15 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 18 model years, the Jaguar XJ has 414 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 29 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and power train. 1998 drew the most complaints (121), 2019 the fewest (1).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Jaguar XJ vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $12,035–$17,725.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2013 | 8 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2011 | 20 |
| 2008 | 7 |
| 2007 | 17 |
| 2006 | 42 |
| 2005 | 53 |
| 2001 | 15 |
| 2000 | 27 |
| 1999 | 27 |
| 1998 | 121 |
| 1997 | 12 |
| 1996 | 22 |
Highest: 1998 (121 complaints). Lowest: 2019 (1).
Sentiment is deeply divided and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain.
Plastic pipes, thermostat housings, water pumps, and crossover pipes become brittle and leak, requiring comprehensive replacement.
From blue-screen failures requiring a full reboot in older models to pervasive electronic component failures (instrument clusters, battery drains) in newer ones.
Door handle cables breaking, adhesive failing on trim, leather and wood deteriorating, especially in high-mileage examples.
Particularly on pre-2013 AJ-V8 and AJ126 engines, where tensioner or guide failure is a known, costly flaw.
Expensive to repair; conversion to coil springs is a common owner recommendation.
Owner insights cover all generations of the XJ. Individual model years are broken down above.
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy