VehicleVerdict

1991 Jaguar XJS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1991 Jaguar XJS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other XJS years?

XJS NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted19 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 1 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 5 complaints1985: 7 complaints1986: 2 complaints1987: 1 complaints1988: 7 complaints1989: 17 complaints1990: 19 complaints1991: 8 complaints1992: 6 complaints1993: 1 complaints1994: 10 complaints1995: 7 complaints1996: 9 complaints1998: 2 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 1 complaints
XJS NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XJS years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Jaguar XJS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes225%
Fuel System225%
Electrical System113%
Engine113%
Speed Control113%
Suspension113%

Does the 1991 Jaguar XJS have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

92V009000Electrical SystemJanuary 23, 1992 · 11,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

SPLITTING OF THE INJECTOR HOSES WOULD CAUSE EXPULSION OFFUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OFIGNITION.

Remedy

REPLACE THE HIGH TENSION LEADS WITH SHORTER HIGH TENSION LEADS. REPLACE BOTH THE FUEL INJECTOR AND THE #4A FUEL INJECTOR HOSE AS NECESSARY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“JAGUAR HAS BEEN AWEAR OF FREQUENT ENGINE FIRES IN THE V12 MODEL CARS FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND HAS RUN OUT OF REPLACEMENT IGNITION HARNESSS WORLD WIDE B/C OF THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE A FAULTY DESIGNED LIGHT DISTRIBUTOR CAPS WHICH HAVE LEAD TO THE FIRES ALL THE DEALS AND EXPERT MECHANICS ARE AWEAR OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 10, 1999 · fire

“VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT AND STALL OUT COMPLETELY DUE TO DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. DEALER SAID THAT CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“WHEN BRAKING AT LOW SPEED, A LOUD THUNK IS HEARD FROM THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION, INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THE TOP OF THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER HAD BROKEN AWAY, THE INNER END OF THE CONTROL ARM WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE CAR. NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

“HAD JUST SHIFTED VEHICLE INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT, WHEN VEHICLE TOOK OFF. HAD FOOT ON BRAKES AT THE TIME. THE ENGINE WAS REVVING AT THE TIME. DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 2, 1998

1991 Jaguar XJS — common questions

Is the 1991 Jaguar XJS reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1991 Jaguar XJS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Jaguar XJS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Jaguar XJS under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.