Summary
The Jaguar XJ has 23 recalls spanning 1995 through 2019, with the most serious being a crankshaft pulley bolt defect on 2019 models that can crack and fail, causing sudden engine seizure and potential loss of control, with the possibility of the pulley separating from the engine entirely.
The most recent production years carry several other significant concerns. On 2016 and 2016-2017 models, the front passenger airbag inflator can fail to ignite in a crash, leaving the passenger unprotected. The 2014-2015 model years have brake line junctions under the vehicle that can leak fluid, extending stopping distances. The 2013 model year has a rear suspension toe link that can separate from the subframe under high loads, causing sudden loss of directional control. That same year, a restraint control module software issue can cause airbags to not deploy correctly in a crash, and a small production window in 2013 has a missing or incomplete certification label that could allow the vehicle to be operated over its weight limit.
On 2010-2011 and 2017 models, the restraint control module software can cause frontal airbags to deploy incorrectly in a crash. A prior repair attempt for related software on 2010-2011 vehicles could leave the airbag system with incorrect default calibration settings if the update did not complete successfully. Those same 2010-2011 model years also have wiper arm mounting hardware that can loosen, causing the arms to lose synchronization, clash, and detach, sharply reducing visibility. The 2015 model year has an owner's manual that incorrectly describes how the passenger seat occupant sensor works, which could lead to misunderstanding of airbag behavior.
Going back further, 2006 models have a transmission parking pawl guide plate that can prevent Park from fully engaging, allowing the vehicle to roll away on an incline if the parking brake is not set. That same year, fuel module seals inside the tank can fail, allowing fuel to leak onto the ground and producing fuel odor. The 2006 moonroof assembly also has a reinforcement bar that can contact the glass and cause it to shatter from door closure or a hard road impact. The 2004 model year has rear brake pipes that can corrode and leak fluid, extending stopping distances, and a passenger airbag that can rupture during deployment due to a sharp edge in the trim panel surrounding it. On 1995 models, the front track rod retaining nut can loosen, producing knock and vibration through the steering.
