Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 1988 Jaguar XJ6 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
14
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
3
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 5 | 36% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 14% | new |
| Fuel System | 2 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 7% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 7% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 7% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 7% | new |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
HIGH PRESSURE FLUID SUPPLY HOSE COULD RUPTURE CAUSING LOSS OF FLUID OF THE BRAKE POWER ASSIST SYSTEM.
Consequence
LOSS OF FLUID COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF POWER ASSIST TO THE BRAKING SYSTEM, WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT, AND THE EXPELLED FLUID FROM THE HOSE FAILURE COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy
INSTALL NEW POWER HYDRAULIC HOSE OF A DIFFERENT SPECIFICATION.
Defect
BRAKE ACCUMULATOR SWITCH WHICH CONTROLS HYDRAULIC FLUID FLOW TO AND FROM THE ENGINE DRIVEN PUMP, COULD LEAK, CAUSING LOSS OF FLUID IN THE POWER BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM. THIS LEAK IS ALSO IN THE VICINITY OF ELECTRICAL WIRING.
Consequence
THE LEAKING BRAKE ACCUMULATOR SWITCH COULD CAUSE ELECTRICAL POWER INTERRUPTION AND COULD CAUSE THE ASSIST FEATURE OF BRAKES NOT TO RECHARGE. ALSO, FLUID LOSS COULD LEAD TO SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER ASSISTANCE TOTHE BRAKING SYSTEM, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE BRAKE ACCUMULATOR SWITCHES WITH REVISED SEALS.
Defect
CERTAIN FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER SPRING PAN FIXINGS MAY FAIL DUE TO STRESS CORROSION.
Consequence
THIS MAY ALLOW THE CARS FRONT SUSPENSION TO SETTLE ONTOTHE BUMP STOP ON ONE SIDE.
Remedy
INSTALL REVISED SPECIFICATION FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING PAN FIXINGS.
Defect
CRUISE CONTROL MAY FAIL TO DISENGAGE IN A NORMAL MANNER UPON APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES, AND THE REAR BRAKE LAMPS MAY FAIL DUE TO MALFUNCTION OF BRAKE LAMP MICROSWITCH ASSEMBLY.
Consequence
POSSIBLE LOSS OF STOP LAMPS AND FAILURE OF CRUISECONTROL TO DISENGAGE IN THE NORMAL MANNER MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL A MODIFIED MICROSWITCH IN ALL VEHICLES.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I HAVE A JAGUAR XJ6 1988 FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS I NEVER USE IT UNTIL DECEMBER 2007. I BECAME INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AROUND DEC. 15 2007. THE POLICE SAY THAT IT WAS MY FAULT BECAUSE I WAS MOVING TO FLORDIA DURING THAT TIME I DID NOT FIGHT THE CASE BECAUSE THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT I HAVE NOW AM…”
“WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OWNER NOTICED A PUDDLE OF GREEN FLUID UNDER THE CAR ON RIGHT FRONT SIDE. MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ACCUMULATOR FLUID LEAKED OUT FROM ONE SIDE COMPLETELY, AND WAS LEAKING VERY FAST FROM THE OTHER SIDE. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. MANUFACTURER STATED THAT VEHICLE…”
The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (5 complaints), speed control (2 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Jaguar XJ6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.