AI Damage1985 Jaguar XJS: common problems
Owners of the 1985 Jaguar XJS filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 100% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 25% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 4 complaints (100% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (25% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 5.3 L · petrol · 12 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
Drive: RWD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
This 1985 jaguar had an engine fire with the previous owner, parts were replaced and the car had a second engine fire in my garage, I have replaced the parts again. The fire starts in the fuel rack area.I have some of the old parts that were burnt. Thank you
Engine fire, burnt several items on engine, replaced with used parts, engine fire a second time, replaced again.
Owner concerned that a spark could cause a fire or explosion because the battery is located right next to the fuel tank.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 15,521 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 42% most complained about).
On average one model year of the XJS has 4 complaints (21 years in the data). This year has 4, about average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Jaguar XJS?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, electrical system. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (75%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1985 Jaguar XJS?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1985 Jaguar XJS from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1985 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.