Used buying checklist
Jaguar S Type reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Jaguar S Type looks worse than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 25.6% of 16,825 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 25.6% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 91,989 miles
- 4,302 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (68.8 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include excessively corroded, corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced, and corroded and seriously weakened.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- excessively corroded
- corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced
- corroded and seriously weakened
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- across an axle
- ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated
- ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt
- ball joint excessively worn
- warning lamp indicates an ABS fault
- with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning
Focus on corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical
The model's recorded failure rate is 25.6%, +6.8 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed16,825 tests
- Median tested mileage91,989 miles
- Failed MOT tests4,302
Should you buy a used Jaguar S Type?
74.4% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 25.6%, +6.8 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "excessively corroded"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (68.8 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Jaguar S Type, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
The MOT failure rate rises from 0.0% at 3-6 years to 25.6% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, lights and electrical, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
-
Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (68.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
-
Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (62.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
-
Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (17.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
-
Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (13.7 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
-
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (7.2 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
-
Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Jaguar S Type, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (68.8 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Jaguar S Type mainly involve 6 areas: brakes, suspension and steering, seatbelts and safety systems, and tyres and wheels. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Jaguar S Type, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and lights and electrical.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 1,525 | 1,232 | 18.9%+8.1 percentage points vs all models | 39,294 miles |
| 50-100k | 8,299 | 6,245 | 24.9%+4.1 percentage points vs all models | 78,520 miles |
| 100-150k | 5,716 | 4,288 | 28.0%+1.8 percentage points vs all models | 117,235 miles |
| 150-200k | 972 | 721 | 30.9%+3.6 percentage points vs all models | 162,670 miles |
| 200k+ | 114 | 84 | 28.1%+1.5 percentage points vs all models | 214,203 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Jaguar S Type, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
|
|
| 50-100k |
|
|
| 100-150k |
|
|
| 150-200k |
|
|
| 200k+ |
|
|
Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 0.0% at 3-6 years to 25.6% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 25.6% for 15+ years cars, based on 16,816 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
1 | 1 | 0.0%-10.6 percentage points vs all models | 4.7 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
2 | 2 | 0.0%-16.6 percentage points vs all models | 7.1 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
6 | 5 | 16.7%-6.9 percentage points vs all models | 14.8 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
16,816 | 12,657 | 25.6%-0.3 percentage points vs all models | 18.8 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2007-04-23 | DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER EXCESSIVE HEAT The diesel particulate filters (DPF) of the 2.7 litre engine may exhibit smoke and or fire from the underside of the vehicle flames emanating from within the rear exhaust tailpipe or an orange glow from the underside of the vehicle. Heat from within the DPF can radiate to the surrounding vehicle components and may lead to heating of the underside of the transmission tunnel and subsequent melting of interior components with the potential for an interior fire. Recalled vehicles will have the engine management control module re-programmed with the latest calibration file. The vehicle will self test for DPF blockage which where required will be replaced. |
|---|---|
| 2005-11-30 | THE PARKING FUNCTION OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY Due to the presence of an out of specification component within the automatic gearbox parking brake interlock system. The parking function may not fully engage when the operating lever is moved to park despite all indicators showing that park has been achieved. If the parking brake is not applied the vehicle may roll away if the ignition key remains in the ignition. Recalled vehicles will have the out of specification component replaced with a quality assured item. |
| 2004-10-06 | POOR ADHESION OF SPACE SAVER SPARE WHEEL SPEED RESTRICTION LABEL On vehicles supplied with a space saver spare wheel poor adhesion of the speed restriction label could result in the label becoming detached. Likely to be affected vehicles will be recalled at which time the speed restriction label will be replaced. |
| 2004-10-06 | POSSIBILE UNINTENTIONAL APPLICATION OF PARKING BRAKE The possibility exists that the electronic parking brake (EPB) may apply unintentionally which can result in the vehicle decelerating and in extreme cases cause the rear wheels locking up. Recall likely to be affected vehicles and replace the electronic parking brake module on those vehicles equipped with the AF level of module with one of a later level. Additionally add a link lead and wiper motor suppression module. |
| 2004-03-02 | AUTO GEARBOX MAY ENGAGE REVERSE WHEN IN FORWARD DRIVE. (a) In conditions of low oil pressure or a sticking valve in the gearbox with the vehicle stationary in Drive the gearbox will without warning or indication select Reverse. (b) With the vehicle moving forward in 1st 2nd or 3rd gear reverse may be selected without any manual input in the event of a loss of oil pressure in the transmission. Reprogramme the gearbox gear selector module. |
| 2000-11-23 | FRONT LOWER SUSPENSION BALL JOINT MAY FAIL An under torque condition may exist in the front lower ball joint. This may result in a high bending fatigue loading of the joint which could result in a fracture of the first thread of the ball stud which then leads to separation of the lower control arm from the knuckle. This separated condition will limit steering control. Recall affected vehicles and check ball joint security and condition. Replace vertical link if necessary. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Jaguar S Type. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Jaguar reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.