1989 Jaguar Xjs recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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.
What could happen: SPLITTING OF THE INJECTOR HOSES WOULD CAUSE EXPULSION OFFUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OFIGNITION.
The fix: REPLACE THE HIGH TENSION LEADS WITH SHORTER HIGH TENSION LEADS. REPLACE BOTH THE FUEL INJECTOR AND THE #4A FUEL INJECTOR HOSE AS NECESSARY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1989 XJS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jaguar dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 92V009000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Summary: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: IGNITION SYSTEM.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: COUPES AND CONVERTIBLES WITH MARELLI IGNITION SYSTEMS.
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. EXCESSIVE FUEL VAPOR PRESSURE CAN OCCUR THAT, AFTER PROLONGED CYCLING, COULD WEAKEN THE FUEL TANK STRUCTURE.
What could happen: THIS CAN CAUSE FUEL TANK LEAKS WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OFAN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The fix: INSTALL A REVISED FUEL PURGE SYSTEM WHICH ELIMINATES EXCESSIVE VAPOR PRESSURE BUILD-UP.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1989 XJS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jaguar dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V123000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL TANK - FUEL PURGE SYSTEM.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS; 2 DOOR COUPE, CABRIOLET, CONVERTIBLE.
3. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VALVES IN THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY DUE TO DIRT ENTERING THE VALVES.
What could happen: CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE UNDER NORMAL OPERATINGCONDITIONS WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
The fix: REPLACE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR AND INSTALL ADDITIONAL VACUUM DUMP VALVE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1989 XJS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jaguar dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V035000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: CRUISE CONTROL. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.
4. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. THE NORMAL LOCKUP FUNCTION OF THE AUTOMATIC (PASSIVE) BELT REEL CAN CAUSE THE BELT MOTOR WINCH ASSEMBLY TO LOCKUP SUCH THAT THE PASSIVE BELT SYSTEM WILL NOT DEPLOY/FUNCTION OR GETS STUCK AT VARIOUS POINTS ALONG THE TRACK CAUSING THE KINKING OR BREAKING OF ITS CABLE OR DETACHMENT OF THE TONGUE.
What could happen: IF THIS OCCURS THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE CANNOT USETHE SAFETY BELTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOPOR ACCIDENT.
The fix: JAGUAR WILL REPAIR THE PASSIVE BELT SYSTEM IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS OR HAS OCCURRED. JAGUAR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE EXISTENCE OF A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON COMPONENTS OF THE AUTOMATIC (PASSIVE) BELT SYSTEM.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1989 XJS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jaguar dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93V179000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS
Summary: THE NORMAL LOCKUP FUNCTION OF THE AUTOMATIC (PASSIVE) BELT REEL CAN CAUSE THE BELT MOTOR WINCH ASSEMBLY TO LOCKUP SUCH THAT THE PASSIVE BELT SYSTEM WILL NOT DEPLOY/FUNCTION OR GETS STUCK AT VARIOUS POINTS ALONG THE TRACK CAUSING THE KINKING OR BREAKING OF ITS CABLE OR DETACHMENT OF THE TONGUE.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE CANNOT USETHE SAFETY BELTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOPOR ACCIDENT.
Remedy: JAGUAR WILL REPAIR THE PASSIVE BELT SYSTEM IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS OR HAS OCCURRED. JAGUAR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE EXISTENCE OF A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON COMPONENTS OF THE AUTOMATIC (PASSIVE) BELT SYSTEM.
Notes: SYSTEM: INTERIOR SYSTEMS; PASSIVE RESTRAINTS; BELTS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDAN AND COUPE PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPONSERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREEOF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASECONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETYHOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1989 Jaguar Xjs owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (5), Gasoline (5), Seat belts (4), Engine (2), Electrical system (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/17/2011 · Seat belts
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 JAGUAR XJS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM HAD BECOME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 93V179000 (SEAT BELTS) AND CONTACTED THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND HE HAD BEEN ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED FOR APPROXIMATELY…
08/11/2003 · Seat belts
EMAIL FWD FM ROGER W. JOHNSON (TX) RE DEFECTIVE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS IN HIS 1989 JAGUAR XJS, REQUESTS A DEFECT INVESTIGATION FOR POSSIBLE RECALL.*MR THE VEHICLES AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS HAVE FAILED SIX TIMES SINCE THE CONSUMER OWNED THE VEHICLE. EACH TIME THE MANUFACTURER REPAIRED OR REPLACED THE MECHANISM. THE LAST FAILURE OCCURRED OVER A YEAR AGO AND I…
07/18/2003 · Seat belts
I REQUEST YOUR INTERVENTION AND INVESTIGATION ON MY BEHALF IN REGARDS TO JAGUAR MOTORCAR'S SEAT BELT FAILURES. SPECIFICALLY, I OWN A 1989 JAGUAR XJS WITH AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS. THESE BELTS HAVE FAILED NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE OWNING THIS CAR. THE LAST FAILURE OCCURRED NEARLY A YEAR AGO AND IS NOT REPAIRABLE DUE TO NON-AVAILABILITY OF PARTS. THE LOCAL DEALE…
01/29/2002 · Fuel system
AFTER THE RECALL WAS FIXED THE FUEL TANK DEVELOPED A BREAK AND CONSEQUENT SERIOUS FUEL LEAK, REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK AT A COST OF $1,791.46. CONSUMER STATED THAT, THIS WAS AN ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECT IN THE TANK THAT WAS ON GOING OR NOT PROPERLY FIXED. THEREFORE, CONSUMER IS SEEKING A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT OF TANK (RECALL #…
01/29/2002 · Fuel system
AFTER THE RECALL WAS FIXED THE FUEL TANK DEVELOPED A BREAK AND CONSEQUENT SERIOUS FUEL LEAK, REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK AT A COST OF $1,791.46. CONSUMER STATED THAT, THIS WAS AN ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECT IN THE TANK THAT WAS ON GOING OR NOT PROPERLY FIXED. THEREFORE, CONSUMER IS SEEKING A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT OF TANK (RECALL #…
11/17/2000 · Engine
CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. ENGINE RAN ROUGH, MOTOR WOULD STICK & HESITATE. DEALER CHANGED SPARK PLUGS & REPAIRED SEALS & INJECTOR. THE CAR HAS A STEADY HISTORY OF PROBELMS. *AK
06/19/2000 · Fuel system
WHEN THE IGNITION CUTS OUT ON THE LEFT SIDE, THE FUEL INJECTORS CONTINUED TO DUMP FUEL, WHICH WENT INTO THE PREHEATED CONVERTERD AND BURNED, HIGH HEAT CAUSED THE CATALYST TO MELT AND SAG IN BOTH CONVERTERS. NLM
12/24/1999 · Body / structure
CONTINUOUS RAW FUEL ODOR WHEN TRUNK LID OPENED---CALLED LOCAL JAGUAR DEALER AND IT. *AK