IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1999 Jaguar S-Type

The 1999 launch of the S-Type heralded Jaguar's return to the mid-size executive saloon market, featuring retro-inspired styling that deeply divided opinion. Early models suffered from build quality issues and relatively cheap interior materials.

What changed for 1999

  • •Debut of the all-new S-Type on a platform shared with the Lincoln LS.
  • •Available with 3.0-litre V6 and 4.0-litre V8 petrol engines.

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Severe corrosion on the sills, particularly where hidden by plastic covers.
  • !Failure of the electronic handbrake mechanism on slightly later models.
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Sill & Rear Subframe Mounting Corrosion Concealed Behind Plastic Covers

SeriousBodywork & Rust

Road dirt and wet road salt accumulate behind the full-length plastic sill threshold covers and around the rear subframe front mounting heel boards, corroding structural steel out of plain sight.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£1,200
Warning Signs:

Crumbly rust flaking from rear sill jacking points, MOT failure advisory for corrosion within 30cm of suspension mountings, Soft or spongy metal beneath underseal around rear wheel arches

What to Inspect:
  • Probe the underside of the outer sills and jacking points with a firm flashlight and pry tool
  • Look for previous weld repairs or MOT structural corrosion advisories
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Lower Wishbone Rear Hydrobush Fluid Leak & Ball Joint Play

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The large fluid-filled hydraulic compliance bushes on the curved front lower control arms rupture and weep black fluid, leading to steering shimmy under braking and MOT failure.

Est. Repair Cost: £280–£650
Warning Signs:

Steering wheel judder or vibration under moderate braking from 60mph, Dull knocking sound from front wheels over sharp road joints, Uneven front tyre shoulder wear

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect front lower curved wishbone rear bushes for oily black silicone staining
  • Pry lower ball joints to test for vertical play
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Dual Climate Control Valve (DCCV) Solenoid Short & Module Burnout

MinorInterior & Trim

The dual solenoid heater water valve mounted in the engine bay leaks coolant internally into its electrical coils, shorting out and blowing the heater control circuit traces inside the cabin climate control module (RCCM).

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£350
Warning Signs:

Heater blows blistering hot air from vents even when AC is set to lowest temperature, Driver side blows cold while passenger side blows hot, Air conditioning compressor clicks off immediately

What to Inspect:
  • Cycle both sides of dual-zone climate control through maximum cold (Lo) and maximum hot (Hi)
  • Verify cold refrigerated airflow from all dashboard vents
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 1999 Jaguar S-Type

  • ✓Inspect the sills meticulously; severe rust is the primary killer of early S-Types.
  • ✓Check the early Ford-sourced automatic gearbox for smooth shifting, as they are less robust than later ZF units.
2000–2001
Check a 1999 Jaguar S-Type by Registration