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Jaguar XJSModel year report

1989 Jaguar XJS Problems

Complaints
14filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
70,831miles, 2 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
13 mpgcombined, 5.3L 12-cyl RWD · 11 city / 15 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Jaguar XJS (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

NHTSA recorded 14 consumer complaints for the 1989 Jaguar XJS. The part named most often is fuel system, with 4 complaints (29% of the total), followed by seat belts (4) and electrical system (2). 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 70,831 miles. Of all complaints, 4 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 15 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the tank assembly filed under the same part. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.

This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Example complaints

Fuel system: “After the recall was fixed the fuel tank developed a break and consequent serious fuel leak, requiring the replacement of the fuel tank at a cost of $1,791.46. Consumer stated that, this was an acknowledged defect in the tank that was on going or not properly fixed. Therefore, consumer is seeking a reimbursement for the cost of replacement of tank (recall #90v123000).”

NHTSA complaint #564169, filed 2002-01

Seat belts: “I request your intervention and investigation on my behalf in regards to Jaguar motorcar's seat belt failures. Specifically, I own a 1989 Jaguar XJS with automatic seat belts. These belts have failed numerous times since owning this car. The last failure occurred nearly a year ago and is not repairable due to non-availability of parts. The local dealer states he has a backlog of other customers with similar circumstances. Further, the dealer states that the automated system has design errors that are the root cause of the problems. …”

NHTSA complaint #10028587, filed 2003-07, 83,662 miles

Electrical system: “Consumer had problems when vehicle was purchased. Engine ran rough, motor would stick & hesitate. Dealer changed spark plugs & repaired seals & injector. The car has a steady history of probelms.”

NHTSA complaint #875144, filed 2000-11

Mileage when problems were reported

0% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 58,000 and 83,662 miles.

0%0–100%10–250%25–5050%50–7550%75–1000%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (2 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 70,831 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

19951996219971998219992200022002200322011
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1989 Jaguar XJS version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
XJS Convertible RWD5.3L 12-cyl3-speed automatic111513$5,150
XJS Coupe RWD5.3L 12-cyl3-speed automatic111613$5,150

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1989 Jaguar XJS → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 15 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 15 bulletins →

Other model years of the Jaguar XJS

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
1996744,3000—18—Not enough data
1995656,8900—18—Not enough data
19946—0—17—Not enough data
19918—1—14—Not enough data
199015152,0003—14—Stable
19891470,8314—13—Not enough data
1988743,0014—13—Not enough data

All Jaguar XJS model years

Frequently asked questions

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1989 Jaguar XJS have?

NHTSA recorded 14 consumer complaints for the 1989 Jaguar XJS as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1989 Jaguar XJS is reported most often?

Fuel system is named most often, in 4 complaints (29% of the total), followed by seat belts with 4.

Has the 1989 Jaguar XJS been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1989 Jaguar XJS get?

The EPA rates the 1989 Jaguar XJS (XJS Convertible, 5.3L 12-cyl) at 13 mpg combined, 11 city and 15 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,150 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1989 Jaguar XJS reported?

Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 70,831 miles and the middle half falls between 58,000 and 83,662 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.