2008 Jaguar XF: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Jaguar XFs, from 4,024 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 2008 Jaguar XFs than on all cars registered in 2008.
- Sub-frame2.2× usualJaguar XF16.8% All 2008 cars7.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.4% of all 2008 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.
- Ball joint dust cover2.7× usualJaguar XF12.8% All 2008 cars4.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2% of all 2008 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.
- Link ball joint covers1.8× usualJaguar XF6.2% All 2008 cars3.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.9% of all 2008 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.
- Transmission oil leaks2.7× usualJaguar XF3.8% All 2008 cars1.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
- Rust around sub-frame mountings2.6× usualJaguar XF3.7% All 2008 cars1.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2008 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.
Headlights: 4% here, against 10.7% of all 2008 cars. Engine oil leaks: 5.9% here, against 12.5% of all 2008 cars.
By area
The share of 2008 Jaguar XF MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension48% 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.
- Tyres34% 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.
- Brakes32% 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 electrics25% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks10% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 710 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 1,359 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 3,362 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 5,749 | Tyres 27% |
| 2017 | 6,952 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 8,205 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 9,620 | Tyres 32% |
| 2014 | 11,912 | Suspension 32% |
| 2013 | 10,663 | Suspension 37% |
| 2012 | 9,449 | Suspension 42% |
| 2011 | 7,614 | Suspension 46% |
| 2010 | 8,207 | Suspension 48% |
| 2009 | 5,689 | Suspension 51% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Jaguar XFs registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score