1990 Jaguar Xjs: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Jaguar Xjs: 3 recalls, 15 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.

Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #90V035000 · 1990 · 32,749 vehicles
What's wrong: Electronically controlled valves in the cruise control actuator May not function properly due to dirt entering the valves.
Why it matters: Cruise control would not disengage under normal operatingconditions which could result in loss of control and an accident.
The fix: Replace cruise control actuator and install additional vacuum dump valve.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #90V123000 · 1990 · 35,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Excessive fuel vapor pressure can occur that, after prolonged cycling, could weaken the fuel tank structure.
Why it matters: This can cause fuel tank leaks which, in the presence ofan ignition source, could result in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Install a revised fuel purge system which eliminates excessive vapor pressure build-up.
Electrical Vehicle recall #92V009000 · 1992 · 11,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The high tension lead from the ignition coil can move from the production location closer to the #4a fuel injector hose. This could lead to the outer and inner injector hoses cracking or splitting from ozone deterioration.
Why it matters: Splitting of the injector hoses would cause expulsion offuel in the engine compartment and result in a fire when exposed to a source ofignition.
The fix: Replace the high tension leads with shorter high tension leads. Replace both the fuel injector and the #4a fuel injector hose as necessary.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (3): the most common themes are leaks (3).
- Tires (2): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (2).
- Engine & cooling (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1990 Jaguar Xjs has 15 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 10 Xjs model years for complaints (3.0× the average Xjs year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 152,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (8 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3 L 12-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Premium |
| 5.3 L 12-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Jaguar Xjs.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1990 Jaguar Xjs have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Jaguar Xjs. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Jaguar Xjs problems?
Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (3), fuel system (3), tires (2).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Jaguar Xjs get?
EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (5.3 L, Automatic 3-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Jaguar Xjs repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.