2012 Jaguar XF: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Jaguar XFs, from 9,449 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 2012 Jaguar XFs than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Sub-frame2.9× usualJaguar XF14.3% All 2012 cars5%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.3% of all 2012 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 cover3.9× usualJaguar XF11.3% All 2012 cars2.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.2% of all 2012 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.
- Flexible brake hoses3.3× usualJaguar XF5% All 2012 cars1.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£200 our estimateAt the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.
- Rust around sub-frame mountings5× usualJaguar XF2.5% All 2012 cars0.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2012 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.
- Link ball joint covers1.8× usualJaguar XF4.5% All 2012 cars2.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 1.4% of all 2012 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.
Exhaust system: 1.1% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars. Sidelights: 1% here, against 5% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Jaguar XF MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension42% 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.
- Tyres33% 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.
- Brakes31% 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 electrics18% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks4% 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.
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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% |
| 2011 | 7,614 | Suspension 46% |
| 2010 | 8,207 | Suspension 48% |
| 2009 | 5,689 | Suspension 51% |
| 2008 | 4,024 | Suspension 48% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Jaguar XFs registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score