Problem Lookup โ€บ Jaguar โ€บ XJ โ€บ 2016

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2016 Jaguar XJ problems, recalls and owner complaints

What the 2016 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
  • 8owner complaints
  • 3crash reports
  • 0fire reports
  • 15%fail the UK MOT

8 complaints, against an average of 8 for the other 5 Jaguar XJ model years.

Every Jaguar XJ model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.

What goes wrong with the 2016 Jaguar XJ?

The components named most often in the 8 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  1. Air Bags1 (12.5%)
  2. Electrical System1 (12.5%)
  3. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1 (12.5%)
  4. Engine1 (12.5%)
  5. Engine And Engine Cooling1 (12.5%)
  6. Wheels1 (12.5%)

Has the 2016 Jaguar XJ been recalled?

NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 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 2016 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 Recall R/2025/488 ยท Dec 2, 2025 ยท built Aug 2012 to May 2024 ยท Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAFront air bags may not deploy when required Recall R/2020/261 ยท Sep 21, 2020 ยท built Jun 2009 to May 2019 ยท Risk and fix

Risk: Front Air Bags may not deploy when required.

Fix: Update the Restrain Control Module (RCM) with the latest software

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAInstrument cluster may intermittently go blank Recall R/2017/291 ยท Oct 31, 2017 ยท built Sep 2016 to Aug 2017 ยท Risk and fix

Risk: Due to a software issue the Instrument cluster may intermittently go blank.

Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled to have the latest software installed/downloaded.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAPassenger airbag may not deploy Recall R/2016/305 ยท Dec 31, 2016 ยท built Sep 2016 to Dec 2016 ยท Risk and fix

Risk: It has been identified by the air-bag manufacturer that the air-bag initiator generant mix ratio does not meet specification. This can therefore result in the initiator not functioning correctly which can lead to none deployment of the air-bag. Should a collision occur then there is an increased risk of injury to the passenger.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the air-bag with a new quality assured component.

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAAirbag may deploy incorrectly Recall R/2016/133 ยท Jun 30, 2016 ยท built May 2016 to Jun 2016 ยท Risk and fix

Risk: Due to a nonconformity of production the driver's air bag may not deploy correctly and may not provide protection as intended.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace driver's air bag

Check on GOV.UK

UK DVSAPossible loss of steering assistance Recall R/2016/036 ยท Jun 2, 2016 ยท built Mar 2012 to Aug 2015 ยท Risk and fix

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.

Check on GOV.UK

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. Alert A12/01255/20 ยท reported by United Kingdom ยท Sep 25, 2020 ยท Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe TFT Instrument Cluster (digital speedometer) screen can go blank and reset intermittently.This may distract the driver and increase the risk of an accident. Alert A12/1651/17 ยท reported by United Kingdom ยท Nov 24, 2017 ยท Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateIn certain vehicles, the driver's airbags may not correctly inflate.This increases the risk of injuries to the driver in the event of a vehicle crash. Alert A12/0791/16 ยท reported by United Kingdom ยท Jul 1, 2016 ยท Measures

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

View on EU Safety Gate

EU Safety GateThe Front End Auxiliary Drive (FEAD) idler pulley may fail, leading to a loss of the FEAD system.Years estimatedThis may cause warning lamp illumination, air conditioning failure, engine overheat warnings and reduced steering control, increasing the risk of an accident. Alert A12/0362/16 ยท reported by United Kingdom ยท Mar 25, 2016 ยท Measures

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: 03/03/2016

View on EU Safety Gate

How often does the 2016 Jaguar XJ fail its MOT?

14.9% of 1,132 MOT tests in 2023 on Jaguar XJs first registered in 2016 were a fail6.5 points better than the average car of the same age
  1. Tyres43%
  2. Suspension23%
  3. Lights and electrics17%
  4. Brakes12%
  5. Visibility (windscreen, wipers, mirrors)10%
  6. Body, chassis and structure6%

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 2016, 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 2016 Jaguar XJ owners report?

8 of the 8 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 contact owns a 2016 Jaguar XJ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, diagnostic trouble code P0119 was retrieved. The contact stated that the vehicle drove unusually rough and shook erratically. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys, where the contact was informed that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was then towed to EZ Foreign Auto Repairs, where it was diagnosed with a failed engine control module and low engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine and the engine control module needed to be replaced; however, theโ€ฆ
Engine And Engine CoolingNHTSA complaint 11749506 ยท Jul 10, 2026
I am reporting a safety defect involving my 2016 Jaguar XJ. The driver-side door cannot be opened from either the inside or the outside. This failure occurred without warning and has made the vehicle unsafe to operate. This issue presents a serious safety risk. If an emergency occurs, such as a crash, fire, or other urgent situation, the driver may be unable to exit the vehicle quickly. Being trapped inside the vehicle due to a non-functioning door creates a dangerous condition and increases the risk of injury. The vehicle has been used under normal conditions, and there were no priorโ€ฆ
Electrical System, Unknown Or OtherNHTSA complaint 11727978 ยท Mar 30, 2026
In 2019, I purchased a Jaguar Land Rover vehicle. Over the past four to five years, the Y-pipe for the coolant system has repeatedly cracked and broken after being replaced by the Jaguar dealership. This is a significant safety concern that leads to coolant leakage, triggering a warning light and causing panic to remove the vehicle from the road to prevent overheating, head gasket failure, or potential fire. The Y-pipe is not available upon request, and I was informed that it is made of plastic. Because it goes from hot to cold, it will always be a recurring problem as long as it isโ€ฆ
EngineNHTSA complaint 11713369 ยท Jan 26, 2026
Passenger front door will not open from outside the car or from inside. Dealership had to replace 2-cables, actuator & cable, and latch. The Jaguar forum has several complaints about this problem. It can be a computer issue in some cases but usually a cable or cables that fail. Essentially the door will not open leaving the passenger to either evacuate through the window or over the large center counsel. The car was not in an accident, the door was not slammed weather was warm and sunny when the door malfunctioned. I see this as a real safety issue! What if i took my elderly mother to theโ€ฆ
Unknown Or OtherNHTSA complaint 11550598 ยท Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jaguar XJ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and hydroplaning. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact then stated that the failure reoccurred and that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned, ran off the freeway, and crashed into a hillside as the "Stability Control" warning message was illuminated. The airbags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer wasโ€ฆ
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)CrashNHTSA complaint 11509279 ยท Feb 27, 2023
I LEASE A 2016 JAGUAR XJL WITH 20 INCH JAGUAR RIMS AND TIRES. THESE RIMS/TIRES ARE INHERENTLY DANGEROUS IN THAT THE TIRES HAVE FAILED WHILE DRIVING UPON STRIKING ANY SMALL BUMP OR ROAD DEFECT CAUSING THE TIRE SIDEWALL TO BULGE AND/OR FAIL AND SOMETIMES THE RIM TO BEND. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE A LITTLE OVER 1 YEAR AND HAVE HAD TO REPAIR ONE RIM AND REPLACE 3 TIRES ALREADY....ON 4/26/17, 3/9/18, AND 5/9/18.. AT THIS RATE, I WILL END UP REPLACE OVER 9 TIRES IN A 3 YR LEASE. JAGUAR REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. THESE TIRES ARE DANGEROUS AND SHOULD NOT BE SOLD WITH A $100,000.00 CAR....OR ANY CAR!
WheelsNHTSA complaint 11092730 ยท May 9, 2018
CAR WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION APRIL 17, 2018 WHICH TOTALLED THE CAR (MORE THAN $40,000 DAMAGE TO FRONT OF CAR) AND DURING THE COLLISION, THE CAR EMITTED A SPRAY/SUBSTANCE INTO THE AIR ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DASH AREA BUT THE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY CAUSING INJURIES TO MY WIFE WHO WAS RIDING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40MPH WHEN IT STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY WHEN IT TURNED IN FRONT OF US. I WAS A PASSENGER IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT IN THE COLLISION. WE WERE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. THEโ€ฆ
Air BagsCrashNHTSA complaint 11091013 ยท Apr 30, 2018
EXITING DRIVEWAY TO 4 LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY FROM COMPLETE STOP. CAR STATIONARY.RELEASED BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE LEFT TURN.BEFORE TURNING WHEEL, CAR ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, WHEN I LIGHTLY APPLIED GAS,AT GREAT RATE OF SPEED AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED OR SLOWED BY APPLYING BRAKES.HAD TO STEER CAR INTO CONCRETE POLE ON WHICH THE TRAFFIC LIGHT RESTED IN DIVIDED AREA TO STOP VEHICLE.
Unknown Or OtherCrashNHTSA complaint 11041155 ยท Oct 30, 2017

2016 Jaguar XJ: questions owners ask

Is the 2016 Jaguar XJ reliable?

NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Jaguar XJ; the most common categories were air bags (1, 12.5%), electrical system (1, 12.5%), electronic stability control (esc) (1, 12.5%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 3 complaints mention a crash, 4 injuries were reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jaguar XJ?

Across 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (12.5% of complaints), electrical system (12.5% of complaints), electronic stability control (esc) (12.5% of complaints), engine (12.5% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (12.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.

Does the 2016 Jaguar XJ have any recalls?

As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 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 2016 only; combines NHTSA's entries for XJ (LWB) and XJ (SWB).

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