Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1986 Jaguar XJS — 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.
2
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 2 | 100% | ▼ down |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
EXCESSIVE FUEL VAPOR PRESSURE CAN OCCUR THAT, AFTER PROLONGED CYCLING, COULD WEAKEN THE FUEL TANK STRUCTURE.
Consequence
THIS CAN CAUSE FUEL TANK LEAKS WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OFAN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy
INSTALL A REVISED FUEL PURGE SYSTEM WHICH ELIMINATES EXCESSIVE VAPOR PRESSURE BUILD-UP.
Defect
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VALVES IN THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY DUE TO DIRT ENTERING THE VALVES.
Consequence
CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE UNDER NORMAL OPERATINGCONDITIONS WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR AND INSTALL ADDITIONAL VACUUM DUMP VALVE.
Defect
EXCESSIVE FUEL VAPOR PRESSURE CAN OCCUR.
Consequence
THIS CREATES FUEL ODORS AND AFTER PROLONGED CYCLINGCOULD CAUSE WEAKENING OF THE FUEL TANK STRUCTURE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN FUELTANK LEAKS. IF A SOURCE OF IGNITION IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.
Remedy
INSTALL REVISED PURGE SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
Defect
ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY INSTALLED AND COULD CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
SHORT CIRCUIT COULD RESULT IN A ELECTRICAL FIRE.
Remedy
REROUTE HARNESS; IF CHAFED OR DAMAGED CONDITION WILL BE CORRECTED.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DUE TO EXCESSIVE FUEL VAPOR PRESSURE THE FUEL TANK STRUCTURE HAS WEAKENED, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Jaguar XJS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation 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.