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XJS · Coupe

1987 Jaguar XJS

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1987 Jaguar XJS.

Safety record

Recalls on the 1987 Jaguar XJS

Recall·93V179000

Seat belts

THE NORMAL LOCKUP FUNCTION OF THE AUTOMATIC (PASSIVE) BELT REEL CAN CAUSE THE BELT MOTOR WINCH ASSEMBLY TO LOCKUP SUCH THAT THE PASSIVE…

Recall·89V168000

Engine and engine cooling: emission control

EXCESSIVE FUEL VAPOR PRESSURE CAN OCCUR.

Recall·90V123000

Fuel system: tank assembly

EXCESSIVE FUEL VAPOR PRESSURE CAN OCCUR THAT, AFTER PROLONGED CYCLING, COULD WEAKEN THE FUEL TANK STRUCTURE.

3 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 1 owners reported

Fuel system1

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

1987 Jaguar XJS at a glance

Trims
XJ-SCXJS
Engine
5.3L 12-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 3-spd
Drivetrain
RWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Coupe
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 1987 Jaguar XJS?

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1987 Jaguar XJS with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system. There are 6 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 1987 Jaguar XJS reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 6 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1987 Jaguar XJS?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1987 Jaguar XJS listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.