Jaguar XF common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Jaguar XF?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Electrical faults and DPF problems

  Cars registered 2016–2024 · All engines

  29% of owners reported a fault: infotainment freezing, warning lights and door locks, plus costly diesel particulate filter repairs.

  At the viewing: Test the screen and locks, check for warnings, and ask what journeys a diesel does.

  Source: What Car?: used Jaguar XF (2015-2024) reliability

• Many recalls (19)

  Cars registered 2008–2015 · All engines

  The XF has had 19 recalls, covering rear seatbelts, instrument clusters, fuel starvation, fuel and power steering leaks, short circuits, chafing brake pipes, airbags, suspension and engine fuelling.

  At the viewing: Ask a Jaguar dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Jaguar XF (Mk1) review

• Fuel line, fuel leak and airbag recalls

  Cars registered 2016–2018 · Built 2015 to 2018

  Recalls covered a fuel line that could detach and stop the engine (built Apr 2015 to Feb 2016), chafing fuel lines (Nov 2016 to Apr 2017 and diesels Apr 2015 to May 2016), airbag software (Feb 2017 to Jan 2018), blanking instruments and a missing passenger seat sensor.

  At the viewing: Ask a Jaguar dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: What Car?: used Jaguar XF (2015-2024) reliability

• Particulate filter sensor and limp mode (3.0 diesel)

  Cars registered 2008–2015 · 3.0 diesel

  The 3.0 diesel’s particulate filter sensor can fail and put the car into limp mode. Only the sensor needs replacing.

  At the viewing: Drive it properly and watch for warning lights or a sudden loss of power.

  Source: Auto Express: used Jaguar XF (Mk1) review

• Fast-wearing rear brakes

  Cars registered 2008–2015 · All engines

  The rear pads wear quickly, and if they’re left too long the discs get damaged too.

  At the viewing: Look at the rear discs for a lip or scoring, and ask when the pads were last done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Jaguar XF (Mk1) review

• Cambelt due (diesel)

  Cars registered 2008–2015 · Diesel

  The diesel’s cambelt is due every 7 years or 112,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Ask for an invoice showing it was changed on time.

  Source: Auto Express: used Jaguar XF (Mk1) review

• Tyre pressure sensors failing

  Cars registered 2008–2015 · All engines

  The tyre pressure sensors in the valves can corrode and stop working.

  At the viewing: Make sure no tyre pressure warning shows.

  Source: Auto Express: used Jaguar XF (Mk1) review

• Rattles on early cars

  Cars registered 2016–2017 · Early cars

  Early cars can have rattles and squeaks that take a long time to trace.

  At the viewing: Listen on a rough road.

  Source: What Car?: used Jaguar XF (2015-2024) reliability

Common Jaguar XF MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Sub-frame

  up to 4.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Ball joint dust cover

  up to 3.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Flexible brake hoses

  up to 5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Transmission oil leaks

  up to 6.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Link ball joint covers

  up to 1.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2012 and 2013.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints

  up to 1.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Jaguar XF MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2012 Jaguar XF did best (72% passed first time, 8 points above all 2012 cars) and the 2020 did worst (86%, 1 point below all 2020 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Jaguar XF

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. What has gone wrong and been fixed?
2. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Jaguar dealer confirm from the VIN?
3. Have the fuel line and airbag recalls been done?
4. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the Jaguar XF as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the Jaguar XF as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the Jaguar XF as on other cars the same age.)