1990 Jaguar XJS Problems
- Complaints
- 15filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 152,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 5.3L 12-cyl RWD · 12 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 Jaguar XJS (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 1990 Jaguar XJS. The part named most often is brakes, with 4 complaints (27% of the total), followed by fuel system (3) and electrical system (2). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 152,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 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.
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.
- Brakes4 27%
- Fuel system3 20%
- Electrical system2 13%
- Engine cooling2 13%
- Tires2 13%
- Other or unknown1 6.7%
- Seat belts1 6.7%
- Suspension1 6.7%
Example complaints
Brakes: “When brakes were applied slightly harder than normal the vehicle jerked violently to the left crossing center line of roadway. Driver stuggled to pull it back to the right. The right front brakes failed causing that wheel to lock up.”
NHTSA complaint #781704, filed 1998-07Fuel system: “Fuel tank developed leak. Web search revealed this is not an uncommon problem. Cause is either tank puncture by contact with rivet over time or a rear window leak allowing water intrusion. Water saturates foam on which tank rests and corrodes metal from outside. Passenger cabin is contaminated with fumes unless windows are closed and fan is on. Trunc contains both liquid and fumes in the area of the battery and electrical fuel pump.”
NHTSA complaint #741685, filed 2001-02Electrical system: “The Jaguar XJS v12 from mid 1989-on, equipped with marelli ignition has a design defect in the distributor rotor that results in loss of ignition on the right bank of cylinders. The motor continues to run on the 6 left bank cylinders, and unburned fuel passes through the right hand cylinders, and ignites in the hot catalytic converter, resulting in a fire that leads to the total loss of the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #731619, filed 2000-09Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 152,000 and 152,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1990 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).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XJS Convertible RWD | 5.3L 12-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 11 | 16 | 13 | $6,300 |
| XJS Coupe RWD | 5.3L 12-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 12 | 17 | 14 | $5,850 |
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
- 92V009000Jan 23, 1992Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Jaguar XJS 1989–1991
The high tension lead from the ignition coil can move from the production location closer to the #4a fuel injector hose. This could lead to the outer and inner injector hoses cracking or splitting from ozone deterioration.
- 90V123000Jul 2, 1990Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Jaguar XJS 1978–1990
Excessive fuel vapor pressure can occur that, after prolonged cycling, could weaken the fuel tank structure.
- 90V035000Feb 20, 1990Vehicle speed controlCovers: Jaguar XJS 1982–1990, XJ12 1979
Electronically controlled valves in the cruise control actuator may not function properly due to dirt entering the valves.
Recall details for the 1990 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.
- 10212845Apr 14, 2021Electrical system. Attachment.
- 10212844Apr 14, 2021Electrical system. Attachment.
- 10212843Apr 14, 2021Electrical system. Attachment.
- 10146032Aug 20, 2018Electrical system. A customer may report "Hood Open" message displays on IP with hood closed.
- 10146031Aug 20, 2018Electrical system. 18C - New face of InControl Touch Pro and 18C software improvements
- 10146030Aug 20, 2018Equipment. SIM card activation issues
- 10146029Aug 20, 2018Equipment. InControl Touch Pro phase 4 customer letter
- 10134968Mar 8, 2018Equipment. Jaguar Land Rover Shop Foreman Conference Call
- 10127619Dec 14, 2017Equipment. Presentation from Dealer Shop Foreman Conference Call
- 10212857Dec 1, 2012Electrical system. Mongoose Update.
Other model years of the Jaguar XJS
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 7 | 44,300 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 6 | 56,890 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 8 | — | 1 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 15 | 152,000 | 3 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 14 | 70,831 | 4 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 7 | 43,001 | 4 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1990 Jaguar XJS have?
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 1990 Jaguar XJS as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 Jaguar XJS is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 4 complaints (27% of the total), followed by fuel system with 3.
Has the 1990 Jaguar XJS been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Jaguar XJS get?
The EPA rates the 1990 Jaguar XJS (XJS Coupe, 5.3L 12-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 12 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1990 Jaguar XJS reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 152,000 miles and the middle half falls between 152,000 and 152,000 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 27, 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.