1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Jaguar XJ MOT pass rate and common faults

611 MOT tests in 2024. 69.2% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time69.2%
Failed or needed repairs30.8%
Typical mileage at test88,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 611 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.9%
  2. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.1%
  3. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.9%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.1%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.6%
  7. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.6%
  8. Washers: not working1.5%
  9. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting1.5%
  10. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced1.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension16.2%
  2. Brakes12.4%
  3. Lights & electrics11.0%
  4. Body & chassis10.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.5%
  6. Tyres5.1%
  7. Emissions & leaks4.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened13.1%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.8%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.5%
  5. Wheel bearings: has excessive play9.2%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 1998 Jaguar XJ?

In 2024, 69.2% of 1998 Jaguar XJ cars passed their MOT first time, across 611 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Jaguar XJ?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault; integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1998 Jaguar XJ reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).