The Jaguar XJ is a time-honored luxury sedan that was completely transformed and reborn in 2011.
It has potent engine choices, pleasing handling, and a long list of standard features.
In this article, we’ll be analyzing all of the best and worst model years of the XJ.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Jaguar XJ Are:
The best Jaguar XJ model years are 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. The worst model years of this model are 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Jaguar XJ?
2019 Jaguar XJ
The 2019 model marks the last edition ever made, though there are whispers of a brand-new, all-electric variant of the sedan being introduced.
It is known for its powerful range of supercharged V6 and V8 engines, dynamic handling, agile steering, and alluring exterior design.
New for this particular model year are the following:
- XJ50 Special Edition
- Automatic emergency braking feature as standard on rear-wheel-drive models
- Refreshed Touch Pro infotainment system graphics
- Integration of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Voice command system recognizing navigation inputs
There are 2 available trims: R-Sport and Supercharged.
Both models come equipped with supercharged engines paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, featuring a rear-wheel-drive as standard.
The entry-level R-Sport comes with a V6 engine (340 horsepower, 332 pound-feet of torque) while the Supercharged trim has a beefier 5-liter V8 engine (470 horsepower, 424 pound-feet of torque).
- Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
2019 Jaguar XJ, Edmunds Review:
“We purchased the 2019 XJR Sport 17 days and 390 miles ago. It’s new to us and is spectacular! Edmund’s review is an accurate assessment. We like the lite steering feel, the brake pedal feels fine to me, the ZF 8 speed auto transmission is smooth as silk and does it’s job seamlessly as does the supercharged 3.0 V6 engine. The V6 is extremely satisfactory for this lux car…”
2018 Jaguar XJ
The 2018 XJ has sharp styling, a luxurious interior, and great overall driving performance and capabilities.
Additions and upgrades for this model year include:
- Frameless rearview mirror
- Updated infotainment system with a larger 10-inch central touchscreen panel
- Split-screen operation
- 4G Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Added standard active safety features (for rear-wheel-drive variants).
The EPA reports that the R-Sport trim can achieve up to 21 miles per gallon (MPG) for combined city and highway driving, while the Supercharged trim has a marginally lower fuel efficiency, with an average of 18 MPG.
Noteworthy safety features are as follows:
- Driver condition monitor
- Forward traffic detection
- Surround camera system
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
2018 Jaguar XJ, Edmunds Review:
“This is a big, extremely good looking, very comfortable, excellent handling, luxury, sedan. I’ve owned it for two years, and nothing has broken. All of the electronic toys are a bit much, but it seems that most people want this crap these days. This car is so much superior to my previous Mercedes CLS 550 that there is just no comparison, and it is trouble free, unlike my CLS, which had many returns to the dealer. I now have two Jaguars, no more Benz for me…”
2017 and 2016 Jaguar XJ
For 2016 a significant number of changes and upgrades were introduced whilst the 2017 model remained relatively unchanged with the exception of a few new paint colors and a new 19-inch wheel design.
Changes for 2016 include the following:
- Mild facelift
- Updated headlights and tail lights
- Revamped grille
- Modernized front and rear fascias
- Added standard equipment
- Electric power steering (for rear-wheel-drive variants)
Based on owners’ reviews online, these are the best aspects of the models:
- Appearance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Manufacturing quality
- Driving experience
- Value for money
2017 Jaguar XJ:
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
2016 Jaguar XJ:
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
2016 Jaguar XJ, Edmunds Review:
“I purchased this car as a demo/used vehicle directly from a dealer. The price was great and the luxury of the car is unsurpassed versus it’s direct competition: Lexus, Mercedes and BMW. I have owned all 3 and will choose the Jaguar again.”
Consumer Scores For Best Jaguar XJ Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating |
| 2019 Jaguar XJ | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| 2018 Jaguar XJ | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| 2017 Jaguar XJ | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| 2016 Jaguar XJ | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
Related: 9 Best & Worst Jaguar XF Years (With Facts & Stats)
What Are The Worst Years For The Jaguar XJ?
2011 Jaguar XJ
The 2011 XJ is the most problematic model year produced in recent history – this is somewhat expected as it was the first model introduced since it received a full transformation.
Owners had to deal with several electrical system issues and component failures which affected the vehicle’s throttle, stability, and entertainment functions.
As a result of the variety of issues, owners’ complaints ranged from annoying inconveniences to severe safety concerns.
“I … have experienced several problems within the first 1,000 miles, the first of which presents a severe safety risk. 1) the tft digital speedometer display will vanish without warning… 2) audio and navigation systems have become completely inoperative… 3) power windows will not remain closed. 4) numerous other problems, though not necessarily safety issues (have been reported to the dealer).” – CarProblemZoo.com
- The 2011 Jaguar XJ had a total of 23 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Throttle body problems
- Stability control issues
- Random engine shutdown
- Loss of control on wet road
- Digital speedometer malfunction
- Navigation system glitches
2012, 2013, and 2014 Jaguar XJ
Owners of the 2012, 2013, and 2014 did not have much to complain about when it came to their XJ units except for one major issue: the vehicle’s malfunctioning cooling system.
Based on reports we have found online, the car would frequently overheat, prompting the illumination of various warning indicators.
Upon diagnosis, these symptoms were caused by a defective intercooler pipe, resulting in poor or improper circulation to keep the engine (and surrounding systems) sufficiently cooled.
“While driving 15 mph, the vehicle started to overheat and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and had it towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was later taken to Jaguar freeport… where it was diagnosed that a new water pump and cooling pump needed to be replaced…” – CarProblemZoo.com
- The 2012 Jaguar XJ had a total of 3 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 111 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2013 Jaguar XJ had a total of 9 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2014 Jaguar XJ had a total of 1 complaint on CarComplaints.com and 12 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Water pump problems
- Intercooler pipe defects
- Engine cooling issues
- Check engine warning indicator flashing
2015 Jaguar XJ
The 2015 Jaguar XJ was notorious for its various equipment malfunctions.
A number of owners experienced the car rolling back while in park, sudden unintended acceleration, brake issues, and even spontaneous fires (among a variety of other problems).
“My 2015 Jaguar Xj , which was in park gear – with engine running, started rolling back on the driveway in a dangerous and unexplained fashion and almost hit my kids and I.” – CarProblemZoo.com
“Early one morning we found our car engulfed in flames. Fire apparently started in the trunk area, where the battery is contained. The car had not been driven that day. Fire ‘investigation’ revealed nothing. Car was a total loss. This model had a recall that was supposedly fixed 5 weeks prior to my car being manufactured. I don’t believe it was truly fixed…” – CarProblemZoo.com
- The 2015 Jaguar XJ had a total of 12 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Car caught on fire
- Sudden unintended acceleration
- Brake failure
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) | Recalls (NHTSA.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Jaguar XJ | 0 | – | 1 |
| 2018 Jaguar XJ | 0 | – | 0 |
| 2017 Jaguar XJ | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| 2016 Jaguar XJ | 2 | 5 | 2 |
| 2015 Jaguar XJ | 0 | 12 | 3 |
| 2014 Jaguar XJ | 1 | 12 | 2 |
| 2013 Jaguar XJ | 0 | 9 | 3 |
| 2012 Jaguar XJ | 3 | 11 | 0 |
| 2011 Jaguar XJ | 0 | 23 | 3 |
What Problems Do Jaguar XJ Have?
- Engine failure
- Entertainment system issues
- Apps not working
- Brake problems
- Equipment issues
- Engine defects
- Water pump malfunction
- Vehicle stalling
Related: 9 Best & Worst Jaguar S-Type Years (With Facts & Stats)
References
- https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/jaguar/xj
- https://www.edmunds.com/jaguar/xj/2019/review/
- https://www.kbb.com/jaguar/xj/
- https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2019/jaguar/xj
- https://www.carcomplaints.com/Jaguar/XJ/
- https://www.carproblemzoo.com/jaguar/xj/
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/
