2003 Jaguar S-Type: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Jaguar S-Types, from 1,206 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Jaguar S-Types than on all cars registered in 2003.
- Ball joint dust cover4.1× usualJaguar S-Type19.5% All 2003 cars4.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 1.8% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Track rod ends2.2× usualJaguar S-Type13.9% All 2003 cars6.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Sub-frame2.2× usualJaguar S-Type12.3% All 2003 cars5.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.
- Engine warning light2.4× usualJaguar S-Type6.2% All 2003 cars2.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Rust around sub-frame mountings2.9× usualJaguar S-Type4.1% All 2003 cars1.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.
Exhaust system: 2.5% here, against 9.7% of all 2003 cars. Number plate lights: 2.9% here, against 7.9% of all 2003 cars.
By area
The share of 2003 Jaguar S-Type MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension53% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes39% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics30% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres28% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks22% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Rust and bodywork12% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1,646 | Suspension 47% |
| 2006 | 1,441 | Suspension 49% |
| 2005 | 1,318 | Suspension 53% |
| 2004 | 1,441 | Suspension 50% |
| 2002 | 891 | Suspension 54% |
| 2001 | 599 | Suspension 58% |
| 2000 | 561 | Suspension 52% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Jaguar S-Types registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score