Jaguar XJ MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 25,226 MOT tests on the Jaguar XJ carried out in 2023. 24% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 XJ models passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1984 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2009 models did best (77% passed, +18.4 points against the average for 14-year-old cars), while 1988 models fared worst (67%, −4.3 points). Tested cars had covered 88,975 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 8.6% of tests (roughly in line with the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt", on 3.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 25,226
- First-time pass rate
- 76%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +4.4 points
- Average mileage at test
- 88,975
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular XJ?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
XJ MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 162 | 94% | 88% | +6.2 points | 21,716 |
| 2019 | 430 | 91% | 86% | +4.5 points | 26,721 |
| 2018 | 666 | 89% | 84% | +5.3 points | 38,532 |
| 2017 | 892 | 87% | 82% | +5.3 points | 48,154 |
| 2016 | 1,066 | 85% | 79% | +6.3 points | 57,660 |
| 2015 | 944 | 85% | 75% | +10.0 points | 62,854 |
| 2014 | 1,022 | 80% | 72% | +8.4 points | 76,028 |
| 2013 | 1,153 | 79% | 68% | +11.2 points | 84,060 |
| 2012 | 1,040 | 80% | 66% | +14.8 points | 88,929 |
| 2011 | 1,559 | 78% | 63% | +14.6 points | 96,954 |
| 2010 | 1,421 | 77% | 60% | +17.0 points | 100,396 |
| 2009 | 585 | 77% | 59% | +18.4 points | 91,837 |
| 2008 | 935 | 76% | 57% | +18.2 points | 97,488 |
| 2007 | 1,282 | 70% | 57% | +12.5 points | 103,035 |
| 2006 | 1,349 | 71% | 56% | +14.7 points | 104,484 |
| 2005 | 1,161 | 71% | 56% | +14.7 points | 105,415 |
| 2004 | 1,654 | 69% | 56% | +12.8 points | 105,933 |
| 2003 | 1,763 | 71% | 57% | +13.9 points | 108,931 |
| 2002 | 582 | 69% | 58% | +11.6 points | 91,691 |
| 2001 | 630 | 72% | 59% | +13.7 points | 92,736 |
| 2000 | 546 | 70% | 61% | +9.2 points | 92,507 |
| 1999 | 434 | 68% | 62% | +5.2 points | 89,256 |
| 1998 | 756 | 69% | 64% | +5.1 points | 90,785 |
| 1997 | 749 | 71% | 64% | +6.9 points | 101,868 |
| 1996 | 712 | 74% | 65% | +8.4 points | 102,708 |
| 1995 | 513 | 73% | 66% | +6.4 points | 103,281 |
| 1994 | 235 | 78% | 66% | +11.9 points | 94,521 |
| 1993 | 146 | 75% | 67% | +8.6 points | 97,580 |
| 1992 | 106 | 80% | 68% | +12.2 points | 91,914 |
| 1991 | 74 | 68% | 70% | −2.3 points | 98,123 |
| 1990 | 99 | 73% | 71% | +1.7 points | 82,186 |
| 1989 | 86 | 76% | 72% | +3.9 points | 88,288 |
| 1988 | 60 | 67% | 71% | −4.3 points | 77,444 |
| 1985 | 61 | 75% | 72% | +3.2 points | 74,189 |
| 1984 | 53 | 75% | 73% | +2.8 points | 101,929 |
Why the Jaguar XJ fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | XJ | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 8.6% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 7.2% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 5.9% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 4.9% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 3.9% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.2% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 2.5% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 2.1% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.1% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.6% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.0%
- 2not working2.5%
- 3pin or bush excessively worn1.9%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
- 5has ply or cords exposed1.5%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
- 7inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.4%
- 8prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.2%
- 9provides insufficient washer liquid1.1%
- 10ball joint excessively worn1.1%
Common XJ MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used XJ, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 13.5% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 8.8% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 7.2% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.3% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 5.8% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.6% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.2% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.1% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 3.2% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 2.8% |
Tips to help your XJ pass
Based on where XJ models most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 7.2% of XJ tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 5.9% of XJ tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the XJ ULEZ compliant? See the Jaguar XJ ULEZ check, or view all Jaguar models.
Other Jaguar models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 25,226 first MOT tests of the Jaguar XJ carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 25,226 first MOT tests of the Jaguar XJ.
What is the Jaguar XJ MOT failure rate?
In our data, 24% of 25,226 first MOT attempts on the Jaguar XJ ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Jaguar XJ fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (8.6% of tests), lights and electrics (7.2% of tests), brakes (5.9% of tests).
Which XJ year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2009 cars performed best: 77% passed first time, +18.4 points against the average for 14-year-old cars. The weakest was 1988, at 67% (−4.3 points).
How many miles had a typical Jaguar XJ covered at its MOT?
The average was 88,975 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 21,716 miles and 1984 cars 101,929.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Jaguar XJ?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 13.5% of tests, in the tyres area. 4.9% of XJ models failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific XJ's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 25,226 XJ models in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 67% to 94% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any XJ's MOT history
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