1990 Jaguar XJS
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1990 Jaguar XJS is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.
1990 Jaguar XJS at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1990 Jaguar XJS recalls 3
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.
Fix: REPLACE THE HIGH TENSION LEADS WITH SHORTER HIGH TENSION LEADS. REPLACE BOTH THE FUEL INJECTOR AND THE #4A FUEL INJECTOR HOSE AS NECESSARY.
EXCESSIVE FUEL VAPOR PRESSURE CAN OCCUR THAT, AFTER PROLONGED CYCLING, COULD WEAKEN THE FUEL TANK STRUCTURE.
Fix: INSTALL A REVISED FUEL PURGE SYSTEM WHICH ELIMINATES EXCESSIVE VAPOR PRESSURE BUILD-UP.
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VALVES IN THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY DUE TO DIRT ENTERING THE VALVES.
Fix: REPLACE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR AND INSTALL ADDITIONAL VACUUM DUMP VALVE.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1990 Jaguar XJS common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
PASSIVE RESTRAINT FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #PE93042 · Seat Belts · opened May 1993 · closed Nov 1993An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 23
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 23.
Attachment.
Bulletin SSM59597Attachme · Electrical System · Apr 2021Attachment.
Bulletin SSM59597Attachme · Electrical System · Apr 2021Attachment.
Bulletin SSM59597Attachme · Electrical System · Apr 2021A customer may report "Hood Open" message displays on IP with hood closed.
Bulletin SFCC_09AUG18_REV · Electrical System · Aug 2018SIM card activation issues
Bulletin SFCC_09AUG18_REV · Equipment · Aug 2018InControl Touch Pro phase 4 customer letter
Bulletin SFCC_09AUG18_REV · Equipment · Aug 201818C - New face of InControl Touch Pro and 18C software improvements
Bulletin SFCC_09AUG18_REV · Electrical System · Aug 2018Jaguar Land Rover Shop Foreman Conference Call
Bulletin SFCC_08MAR18 · Equipment · Mar 2018Presentation from Dealer Shop Foreman Conference Call
Bulletin SFCC_14DEC17 · Equipment · Dec 2017Mongoose Update.
Bulletin SSM62038Attachme · Electrical System · Dec 2012Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the XJS. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 3
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1990 Jaguar XJS. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Fuel System
THE HIGH TENSION LEAD FROM THE IGNITION COIL MAY MOVE FROM ITS PRODUCTION LOCATION CLOSER TO THE #4A FUEL INJECTOR HOSE. THIS COULD RESULT IN OZONE DEGRADATION OF THE INJECTOR HOSE AND POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKS. SUCH LEAKS COULD CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. CORRECTION: BOTH "A & B" BANK HIGH TENSION KING LEADS WILL BE REPLACED. #4 INJECTOR HOSE WILL BE INSPECTED FOR SIGNS OF CRACKING/SPL…
Transport Canada #1992005 · Jan 1992Fuel System
NOTE: 1978-90 MODELS EXCESSIVE FUEL VAPOUR PRESSURE CAN OCCUR SUCH THAT A WEAKENING OF THE FUEL TANK STRUCTURE CAN RESULT IN FUEL LEAKS. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD RESULT. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED FUEL PURGE SYSTEM WHICH ELIMINATES EXCESSIVE VAPOUR PRESSURE BUILD-UP.
Transport Canada #1990114 · Jul 1990Engine
XJ-S 1982-90 XJ12/VANDEN PLAS 1980-90 DIRT INGRESS MAY CAUSE THE ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VALVES IN THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR TO MALFUNCTION. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL FAIL TO DISENGAGE UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS RESULTING IN POSSIBLE LOSS OF DRIVER CONTROL. CORRECTION: CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR OPERATION WILL BE CHECKED AND AN ADDITIONAL VACUUM DUMP WILL…
Transport Canada #1990034 · Feb 1990Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Jaguar XJS
The Jaguar XJ-S is a luxury grand tourer manufactured and marketed by British car manufacturer Jaguar Cars from 1975 to 1996, in coupé, fixed-profile and full convertible bodystyles. There were three distinct iterations, with a total production of 115,413 units over 20 years and 7 months.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.