1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Jaguar XJ MOT pass rate and common faults

377 MOT tests in 2024. 67.4% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time67.4%
Failed or needed repairs32.6%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 377 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits7.7%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.9%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.2%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.4%
  5. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.4%
  6. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.9%
  7. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.7%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.7%
  9. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting2.4%
  10. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks27.3%
  2. Suspension18.3%
  3. Brakes12.5%
  4. Body & chassis11.1%
  5. Lights & electrics10.6%
  6. Tyres5.0%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.9%

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 weakened12.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.4%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play9.8%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength9.3%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.8%

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 1999 Jaguar XJ?

In 2024, 67.4% of 1999 Jaguar XJ cars passed their MOT first time, across 377 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Jaguar XJ?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1999 Jaguar XJ reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).