Jaguar XK MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 8,283 MOT tests on the Jaguar XK carried out in 2023. 19% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 XK models passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2005 to 2015. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2010 models did best (82% passed, +22.0 points against the average for 13-year-old cars), while 2015 models fared worst (84%, +8.8 points). Tested cars had covered 62,081 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 6.3% of tests (slightly below 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 4.5% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 8,283
- First-time pass rate
- 81%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +9.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 62,081
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular XK?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
XK 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 121 | 84% | 75% | +8.8 points | 30,869 |
| 2014 | 1,176 | 89% | 72% | +17.1 points | 38,731 |
| 2013 | 841 | 90% | 68% | +21.3 points | 43,538 |
| 2012 | 548 | 85% | 66% | +19.2 points | 49,205 |
| 2011 | 572 | 84% | 63% | +21.3 points | 55,660 |
| 2010 | 593 | 82% | 60% | +22.0 points | 62,847 |
| 2009 | 601 | 78% | 59% | +19.2 points | 67,322 |
| 2008 | 704 | 78% | 57% | +20.6 points | 71,047 |
| 2007 | 1,092 | 75% | 57% | +18.0 points | 76,754 |
| 2006 | 1,781 | 75% | 56% | +19.0 points | 81,052 |
| 2005 | 69 | 71% | 56% | +14.8 points | 77,754 |
Why the Jaguar XK fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | XK | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 6.3% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 5.3% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 4.3% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 3.3% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 3.2% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 2.2% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.5% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.9% | 1.0% |
| Body and structure | 0.5% | 3.5% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.5%
- 2not working1.9%
- 3ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.6%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
- 5too low1.2%
- 6inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.1%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.1%
- 8has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.9%
- 9has ply or cords exposed0.9%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid0.9%
Common XK MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used XK, 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 | 11.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.9% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 5.1% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 4.6% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 4.4% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 4.2% |
| badly distorted | Road Wheels | 2.8% |
| ferrule excessively corroded | Brakes | 2.6% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 2.0% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 1.9% |
Tips to help your XK pass
Based on where XK models most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 5.3% of XK 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 · 3.3% of XK 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 XK ULEZ compliant? See the Jaguar XK ULEZ check, or view all Jaguar models.
Other Jaguar models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 8,283 first MOT tests of the Jaguar XK 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 8,283 first MOT tests of the Jaguar XK.
What is the Jaguar XK MOT failure rate?
In our data, 19% of 8,283 first MOT attempts on the Jaguar XK ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Jaguar XK fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (6.3% of tests), lights and electrics (5.3% of tests), tyres (4.3% of tests).
Which XK year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2010 cars performed best: 82% passed first time, +22.0 points against the average for 13-year-old cars. The weakest was 2015, at 84% (+8.8 points).
How many miles had a typical Jaguar XK covered at its MOT?
The average was 62,081 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2015 cars averaged 30,869 miles and 2005 cars 77,754.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Jaguar XK?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 11.6% of tests, in the tyres area. 4.3% of XK models failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific XK's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 8,283 XK models in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 71% to 90% 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 · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
Check any XK's MOT history
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