Jaguar XK8 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 6,920 MOT tests on the Jaguar XK8 carried out in 2023. 26% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 XK8s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1996 to 2006. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2006 models did best (77% passed, +21.3 points against the average for 17-year-old cars), while 2000 models fared worst (68%, +7.0 points). Tested cars had covered 84,391 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 10.2% of tests (roughly in line with the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength", on 4.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 6,920
- First-time pass rate
- 74%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +2.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 84,391
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular XK8?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
XK8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 111 | 77% | 56% | +21.3 points | 71,483 |
| 2005 | 621 | 73% | 56% | +17.0 points | 74,893 |
| 2004 | 566 | 76% | 56% | +19.8 points | 80,081 |
| 2003 | 613 | 73% | 57% | +15.9 points | 83,415 |
| 2002 | 634 | 76% | 58% | +18.0 points | 81,625 |
| 2001 | 678 | 77% | 59% | +18.8 points | 82,154 |
| 2000 | 542 | 68% | 61% | +7.0 points | 84,313 |
| 1999 | 522 | 74% | 62% | +11.1 points | 86,882 |
| 1998 | 980 | 74% | 64% | +9.7 points | 90,643 |
| 1997 | 1,223 | 74% | 64% | +9.1 points | 88,790 |
| 1996 | 319 | 76% | 65% | +10.6 points | 91,794 |
Why the Jaguar XK8 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | XK8 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 10.2% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 8.6% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 8.3% | 6.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.4% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 4.1% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 3.7% | 3.5% |
| Tyres | 3.1% | 6.3% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.0% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 1.2% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.0%
- 2warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.0%
- 3not working2.9%
- 4pin or bush excessively worn2.5%
- 5Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.5%
- 6does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
- 7inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.7%
- 8efficiency below requirements1.7%
- 9corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced1.4%
- 10excessively corroded1.3%
Common XK8 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used XK8, 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 | 10.5% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 9.4% |
| prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | Suspension | 8.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 8.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.3% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 6.4% |
| corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body and structure | 5.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 5.6% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.5% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.0% |
Tips to help your XK8 pass
Based on where XK8s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 8.6% of XK8 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 · 8.3% of XK8 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 XK8 ULEZ compliant? See the Jaguar XK8 ULEZ check, or view all Jaguar models.
Other Jaguar models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 6,920 first MOT tests of the Jaguar XK8 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 6,920 first MOT tests of the Jaguar XK8.
What is the Jaguar XK8 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 26% of 6,920 first MOT attempts on the Jaguar XK8 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Jaguar XK8 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (10.2% of tests), lights and electrics (8.6% of tests), brakes (8.3% of tests).
Which XK8 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2006 cars performed best: 77% passed first time, +21.3 points against the average for 17-year-old cars. The weakest was 2000, at 68% (+7.0 points).
How many miles had a typical Jaguar XK8 covered at its MOT?
The average was 84,391 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2006 cars averaged 71,483 miles and 1996 cars 91,794.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Jaguar XK8?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 10.5% of tests, in the tyres area. 3.1% of XK8s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific XK8's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 6,920 XK8s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 68% to 77% 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 XK8's MOT history
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