1989 Jaguar XJS 5.3L Petrol · DJW 2Y
1989 Jaguar XJS (5.3L, petrol). First registered 31 Dec 1989. Recorded mileage 67,399 miles. MOT valid until 09 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- JAGUAR XJS
- Year / Origin
- 1989 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 09 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 67,399 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 5.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
DJW 2Y Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 31/03/2026
- 67,399 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DJW 2Y MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1989 Jaguar Xjs (DJW 2Y) between May 2023 and March 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 31 March 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
DJW 2Y Mileage History
- 17/05/202364,343 mi
- 13/05/202465,440 mi+1,097 mi
- 13/05/202465,440 mi
- 10/04/202566,299 mi+859 mi
- 31/03/202667,399 mi+1,100 mi
Average of roughly 1,064 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Jaguar Jaguar XJS
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Common Problems: JAGUAR XJS
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Inboard Rear Brake Caliper Seizure and Fluid Overheating(Serious)
Until mid-1993, all XJS models utilized inboard rear disc brakes mounted directly to the differential housing within the rear suspension subframe. Due to their close proximity to the hot differential and exhaust pipes, the brake calipers suffer from extreme heat soak, boiling brake fluid, and hardening hydraulic piston seals. Road grime and inaccessible location mean the calipers frequently seize, while differential output shaft oil leaks saturate the brake pads, causing severe brake fade, handbrake failure, and requiring a laborious complete rear subframe drop to repair.
- Marelli V12 Twin-Rotor Ignition Distributor Melt and Catalytic Fire Risk(Serious)
V12 models manufactured between 1989 and 1993 feature a Marelli digital electronic ignition system utilizing a single distributor with a two-tiered rotor arm firing each cylinder bank independently. If the rotor arm develops dielectric breakdown or the secondary coil fails, one entire 6-cylinder bank loses spark while the fuel injection continues spraying fuel. The raw unburnt petrol pours into the glowing hot catalytic converters, melting the ceramic substrate and creating an immediate, severe engine bay and underbody fire risk.
- Floorpan, Jacking Point, and Radius Arm Mount Corrosion(Serious)
The XJS bodyshell is susceptible to hidden corrosion, particularly on cars built before the 1994 introduction of full galvanization. Road spray and blocked scuttle drains trap moisture within the double-skinned floorpans, sills, and front chassis legs. The rear suspension radius arm forward mounting points on the floor are especially vulnerable; rust here weakens rear axle location, creating dangerous instability under heavy braking and cornering that results in immediate MOT failure.
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JAGUAR XJS Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1989 model year cars.
- Inboard Rear Brake Caliper Seizure and Fluid OverheatingSerious
Until mid-1993, all XJS models utilized inboard rear disc brakes mounted directly to the differential housing within the rear suspension subframe. Due to their close proximity to the hot differential and exhaust pipes, the brake calipers suffer from extreme heat soak, boiling brake fluid, and hardening hydraulic piston seals. Road grime and inaccessible location mean the calipers frequently seize, while differential output shaft oil leaks saturate the brake pads, causing severe brake fade, handbrake failure, and requiring a laborious complete rear subframe drop to repair.
- Marelli V12 Twin-Rotor Ignition Distributor Melt and Catalytic Fire RiskSerious
V12 models manufactured between 1989 and 1993 feature a Marelli digital electronic ignition system utilizing a single distributor with a two-tiered rotor arm firing each cylinder bank independently. If the rotor arm develops dielectric breakdown or the secondary coil fails, one entire 6-cylinder bank loses spark while the fuel injection continues spraying fuel. The raw unburnt petrol pours into the glowing hot catalytic converters, melting the ceramic substrate and creating an immediate, severe engine bay and underbody fire risk.
- Floorpan, Jacking Point, and Radius Arm Mount CorrosionSerious
The XJS bodyshell is susceptible to hidden corrosion, particularly on cars built before the 1994 introduction of full galvanization. Road spray and blocked scuttle drains trap moisture within the double-skinned floorpans, sills, and front chassis legs. The rear suspension radius arm forward mounting points on the floor are especially vulnerable; rust here weakens rear axle location, creating dangerous instability under heavy braking and cornering that results in immediate MOT failure.
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