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2012 Jaguar XJ problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Jaguar XJ has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 12owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 1fire report
- 20%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Jaguar XJ year on file: 12 complaints, against an average of 7 for the other 5 model years.
Every Jaguar XJ model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Jaguar XJ?
The components named most often in the 12 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2012 Jaguar XJ been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2012 Jaguar XJ as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2012 Jaguar XJ recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASecurity Guidance
Risk: Jaguar Land Rover in conjunction with law enforcement and insurance bodies is aware of the increase in thefts of vehicles in specific geographical locations within the United Kingdom. There is no fault with Jaguar Land Rover's security systems and they continue to meet stringent automotive legislation. Jaguar Land Rover is offering owners guidance on how to maximise vehicle security and protect against theft
Fix: Vehicle registered keepers will be sent a security guidance letter only - there is no repair action.
UK DVSAFront air bags may not deploy when required
Risk: Front Air Bags may not deploy when required.
Fix: Update the Restrain Control Module (RCM) with the latest software
UK DVSAPossible loss of steering assistance
Risk: The auxiliary drive belt pulley retainer may fail and cause loss of drive to auxiliary items including the water pump and power steering pump. This may cause an engine management lamp to illuminate engine overheating or a reduction in steering assistance though steering control will be maintained.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace auxiliary belt idler pulley and retainer.
UK DVSADirectional control may be compromised
Risk: A concern has been identified where in the event of prolonged aggressive driving it is possible that the rear toe link will separate from the rear sub-frame. In this event vehicle stability will be compromised and degree of directional control minimised which increases the risk of an accident.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the nut and washer assembly on the rear toe link with components of revised design.
UK DVSAEngine may cut out
Risk: It has been established that the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) hoses and resonator pipe have not been assembled to the correct specification. It is therefore possible that under certain conditions the CAC hose can detach from the resonator. This could result in the engine cutting out and possible loss of vacuum assistance for the brake servo.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicle and rectify the issue.
EU Safety GateThe Restraint Control Module (RCM) can be reverted to a default level calibration in case an update is unsuccessfully undertaken.As a result, the Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) may fail to correctly deploy the front airbags in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of an injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 10/09/2020
EU Safety GateDue to a problem linked with the electronics, the engine may cut out without any detectable warning signs.This could potentially cause a crash.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIf the front end accessory drive belt or steering pump becomes loose or detaches, the vehicle may lose power.Years estimatedThis will lead to difficulty in steering and could increase the risk of a road accident. If the battery cable fixing is loose, arching may occur and this could increase the risk of a fire under the bonnet.Incidents reported.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 23/10/2014
EU Safety GateIn the event of a vehicle being involved in a crash, the performance of the supplementary restraint system (SRS) may not be to…Years estimatedIn the event of a vehicle being involved in a crash, the performance of the supplementary restraint system (SRS) may not be to specification and there will be an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Withdrawal of the product from the market; Date of entry into force: 29/05/2014
EU Safety GateThere is a risk that the rear toe link of the rear suspension can separate from the rear sub frame when braking is applied with frequent…There is a risk that the rear toe link of the rear suspension can separate from the rear sub frame when braking is applied with frequent force. This could compromise the stability of the vehicle and increase the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe Charge Air Cooler (CAC) hose may detach from the charge air cooler resonator when the CAC assembly is subjected to high boost…Years estimatedThe Charge Air Cooler (CAC) hose may detach from the charge air cooler resonator when the CAC assembly is subjected to high boost pressures, for example during vehicle acceleration. This may cause the engine to cut out without warning and not re-start. One accident reported.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 01/08/2013
How often does the 2012 Jaguar XJ fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Jaguar XJ owners report?
12 of the 12 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The engine has issues where there is a jerk while accelerating at times. I was told of a misfire issue that Jaguars have and have not been corrected. I was driving my 2012 Jaguar XJ on the interstate when it started slowing down. The engine light than appears on the dash and it starts to jerk as I try to speed up to get off the highway it goes from 60mph to 45mph. I take my foot off the gas and press the gas again for the car to jerk and accelerate slowly back up to 60mph. Not only was I almost hit from behind but almost crashed trying to get over and off the road for my safety and others. I…
The contact owns a 2012 Jaguar XJ. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle stalled. The contact performed a diagnostic himself and found that the fuel pump wires were melted and caused the wires to fuse together and caused a short circuit. The contact replaced the fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 67,894.
I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS REPAIRING THE SUEDE LINING ON THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. NOW, I CAN'T EVEN FIND ANYONE THAT WILL TOUCH IT! THE WOOD GRAIN HAS FADED AND THE VEHICLE IS GARAGE KEPT. THE HORRIBLE BUTTONS WERE MADE OF A MATERIAL THAT LITERALLY BECAME GUMMY. I SPENT HUNDREDS HAVING THEM REPLACED. SUNROOF HAD TO BE REPLACED/MOTOR MORE THAN ONCE, THE CLEAR COAT ON THE BACK PANEL OF THE ROOF HAS PEELED. I HAVE HAD OTHER CARS WITH ALMOST 200,000 MILES THAT HAD PERFECT PAINT WHEN TRADED. THE PAINT ON THIS VEHICLE IS TERRIBLE. THIS IS ONLY TO NAME A FEW OF THE ISSUES. I COULD HAVE…
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN ALIGNMENT. AFTER CHECKING UNDER THE CAR, THE MECHANICS REALIZED THAT THE COOLANT TUBING WAS MADE OF PLASTIC AND BROKE. THEY STATED THAT IF I DROVE THE CAR, I WOULD BE IN DANGER OF THE CAR SMOKING AND MAYBE CATCHING FIRE. I HAD TO REPLACE THE COOLANT. I WAS INFORMED THE JAGUAR HAS CHANGED THEIR ENGINEERING OF THIS RISK DUE TO THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND REPAIRS. I ALSO HAVE A 2012 XF AND IT HAS THE SAME ISSUE WITHIN THE SAME WEEK WHICH IS COSTING ME $2200 TO REPLACE. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE IF THE COOLANT ISSUES RESULTS IS SMOKING AN POTENTIAL FIRE OF THE ENGINE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JAGUAR XJL. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A KNOCKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND EXHAUST FUMES WERE PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (BROWNS JAGUAR IN RICHMOND, VA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUPER CHARGER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO RESOLVE THE ENGINE/EXHAUST FAILURE, AND THE UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND TRUST BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO RESOLVE THE SUSPENSION ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER…
TAKATA RECALL: I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE A SOUND IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I WAS TOLD THE CAR NEEDED A WATER PUMP, BRAKE SYSTEM REPAIRS, WHEEL ALIGNMENT, AND NEW TIRES. MORE RECENTLY I WAS TOLD THERE ARE MULTIPLE LEAKS IN CONNECTIONS RELATED TO THE WATER PUMP PROBLEM. THERE IS ALSO VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SOUND IS WHEN IDLING IN MY DRIVEWAY; THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION OCCURS WHILE DRIVING ON LOCAL STREETS; IT DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JAGUAR XJ. ON A COLD DAY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DOOR LATCH WAS FROZEN AND COULD NOT BE LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
DROPPED MY CAR OFF AT THE DEALERSHIP JULY 23 AND PICKED IT UP ON AUGUST 23 AND MY BRAKE CALIBER FEEL OFF AS I WAS DRIVING AND MY TIE ROD END ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS DAMAGE AND MY CAR HAD ONLY 29,000 MILES ON IT. BUT WHEN I DROPPED MY CAR JULY 23 I HAD NO ISSUES WITH MY CAR EXCEPT FOR THE SUNSHADE VISOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY.
2012 JAGUAR XJ. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUNROOF MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ELECTRONIC SHADE WOULDN'T CLOSE ALL THE WAY. IT WOULD CLOSE CROOKED, AND THERE WAS A HORRIBLE CREAKING NOISE THAT CAME ANYTIME, HE TRAVELED ON AN UNEVEN PAVEMENT. THE DEALER ADJUSTED, CALIBRATED AND LUBRICATED THE SUNROOF SEVERAL TIMES. *JB
APPLYING BRAKES MY FOOT ALSO HITS THE GAS PEDAL WHICH MAKES THE CAR LEAP FORWARD. *TT
THE PROBLEMS I HAVE ENCOUNTERED, SOME INFREQUENTLY, SOME OFTEN, INCLUDE: THE ADAPTIVE SPEED CONTROL SILENTLY AND INVISIBLY CEASING TO WORK (BUT ONLY AT TURNPIKE SPEEDS); SOME WINDOWS NOT LOWERING WHILE OTHERS DO; THE PASSENGER OUTSIDE MIRROR NOT DIPPING IN REVERSE; THE DRIVER'S DOOR REFUSING TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE (REQUIRING ME TO CRAWL OVER TO THE PASSENGER DOOR TO EXIT THE CAR); THE TRUNK NOT OPENING WITH THE BUTTON; THE TRUNK NOT CLOSING WITH THE BUTTON; THE RADIO NOT PLAYING (UNTIL THE CAR IS SHUT OFF AND THEN RE-STARTED); THE IGNITION BUTTON NOT TURNING OFF THE CAR ON THE FIRST OR SECOND…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JAGUAR XJL. THE CONTACT STATED THE BLUE LIGHTING EMITTING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR VENT REFLECTED THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND THE GLARE OBSTRUCTED THE CONTACTS VIEW. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10. RVK
2012 Jaguar XJ: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Jaguar XJ reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Jaguar XJ; the most common categories were engine (4, 33.3%), electrical system (3, 25%), fuel/propulsion system (2, 16.7%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 1 mentions a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jaguar XJ?
Across 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (33.3% of complaints), electrical system (25% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (16.7% of complaints), service brakes (16.7% of complaints), suspension (16.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Jaguar XJ have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2012 Jaguar XJ. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own XJ
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only; combines NHTSA's entries for XJ (LWB) and XJ (SWB).