- The problem
- Excessive fuel vapor pressure can occur that, after prolonged cycling, could weaken the fuel tank structure.
- The risk
- This can cause fuel tank leaks which, in the presence ofan ignition source, could result in a vehicle fire.
- The fix
- Install a revised fuel purge system which eliminates excessive vapor pressure build-up.
Vehicle safety record
1985 Jaguar XJS Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1985 Jaguar XJS with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (4) and the electrical system (1). Those complaints describe 2 fires. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in July 1990 for the tank assembly. For comparison, the 1984 has 2 and the 1986 has 2.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical XJS year, for its age
#67 most complained-about 1985 vehicle
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1985 Jaguar XJS problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1985 Jaguar XJS recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Electronically controlled valves in the cruise control actuator may not function properly due to dirt entering the valves.
- The risk
- Cruise control would not disengage under normal operatingconditions which could result in loss of control and an accident.
- The fix
- Replace cruise control actuator and install additional vacuum dump valve.
- The problem
- Possible fuel leakage from the engine fuel injection system, particularly in the area of the hose/clip fittings. Consequence of defect: the presence of an ignition source, with fuel leakage, could result in an engine compartment fire or the destruction of ignition distributor cap.
- The fix
- A new fuel delivery system designed to eliminate fuel hose clips will be installed.
What owners say
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4 complaints about the 1985 Jaguar XJS
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
This 1985 jaguar had an engine fire with the previous owner, parts were replaced and the car had a second engine fire in my garage, I have replaced the parts again. The fire starts in the fuel rack area.I have some of the old parts that were burnt. Thank you
Engine fire, burnt several items on engine, replaced with used parts, engine fire a second time, replaced again. *Ak
There is a fuel odor in the trunk. Owner concerned that a spark could cause a fire or explosion because the battery is located right next to the fuel tank.
Received recall for fuel tank, had two inches of gas in trunk, dealer would not do recall work. Preston jaguar york, pa 717 755-0973. Tt
Jaguar XJS: every year compared
All XJS years1985 Jaguar XJS vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 Jaguar XJS | 4 | 3 | C | |
| 1985 Jaguar XJ6 | 4 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1985 Jaguar Jaguar | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1985 Jaguar Vanden Plas | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1985 Jaguar XJS
Does the 1985 Jaguar XJS have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1985 Jaguar XJS: tank assembly (July 1990); vehicle speed control (February 1990); fuel rail (July 1985). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Jaguar XJS?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (4), electrical system (1).
How many complaints has the 1985 Jaguar XJS had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 8, 1995 and the latest on June 17, 2005. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1985 Jaguar XJS a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 40 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Jaguar XJS year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Jaguar XJS years have the most complaints?
1990 (15), 1989 (14), 1991 (8). See every Jaguar XJS year compared.
What should I do if my 1985 Jaguar XJS has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data