1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Jaguar XJ MOT pass rate and common faults

601 MOT tests in 2024. 75.4% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

114Well above average
Passed first time75.4%
Failed or needed repairs24.6%
Typical mileage at test100,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 601 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.7%
  2. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush2.2%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.2%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.2%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.2%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.0%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.7%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low1.5%
  9. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.5%
  10. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting1.3%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks12.6%
  2. Suspension11.1%
  3. Brakes8.7%
  4. Body & chassis8.3%
  5. Lights & electrics8.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.3%
  7. Seat belts & airbags2.8%
  8. Tyres2.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Wheel bearings: has excessive play16.6%
  2. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened16.1%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.0%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.6%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases7.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Jaguar XJ?

In 2024, 75.4% of 1996 Jaguar XJ cars passed their MOT first time, across 601 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Jaguar XJ?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1996 Jaguar XJ reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 114, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).