1985 Jaguar xjs
SAJNV5844FC120713
Vehicle history report for the 1985 Jaguar xjs (VIN SAJNV5844FC120713). Custom, coupe, 5.3L 12-cyl, gasoline. Title: Clean. 29,000 mi reported. Registered in Pa. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 3 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN SAJNV5844FC120713, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 3 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
📋 All factory specifications on file3 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1985 Jaguar xjs with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1985 Jaguar xjs costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE Closed
NHTSA #PE90060 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Mar 1990 · closed Sep 1990An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 12
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 12.
Attachment.
Bulletin SSM59597Attachme · Electrical System · Apr 2021Attachment.
Bulletin SSM59597Attachme · Electrical System · Apr 2021Attachment.
Bulletin SSM59597Attachme · Electrical System · Apr 2021A customer may report "Hood Open" message displays on IP with hood closed.
Bulletin SFCC_09AUG18_REV · Electrical System · Aug 2018SIM card activation issues
Bulletin SFCC_09AUG18_REV · Equipment · Aug 2018InControl Touch Pro phase 4 customer letter
Bulletin SFCC_09AUG18_REV · Equipment · Aug 201818C - New face of InControl Touch Pro and 18C software improvements
Bulletin SFCC_09AUG18_REV · Electrical System · Aug 2018Jaguar Land Rover Shop Foreman Conference Call
Bulletin SFCC_08MAR18 · Equipment · Mar 2018Presentation from Dealer Shop Foreman Conference Call
Bulletin SFCC_14DEC17 · Equipment · Dec 2017Mongoose Update.
Bulletin SSM62038Attachme · Electrical System · Dec 2012Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the XJS. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 3
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1985 Jaguar xjs. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Fuel System
NOTE: 1978-90 MODELS EXCESSIVE FUEL VAPOUR PRESSURE CAN OCCUR SUCH THAT A WEAKENING OF THE FUEL TANK STRUCTURE CAN RESULT IN FUEL LEAKS. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE COULD RESULT. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED FUEL PURGE SYSTEM WHICH ELIMINATES EXCESSIVE VAPOUR PRESSURE BUILD-UP.
Transport Canada #1990114 · Jul 1990Engine
XJ-S 1982-90 XJ12/VANDEN PLAS 1980-90 DIRT INGRESS MAY CAUSE THE ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VALVES IN THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR TO MALFUNCTION. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL FAIL TO DISENGAGE UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS RESULTING IN POSSIBLE LOSS OF DRIVER CONTROL. CORRECTION: CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR OPERATION WILL BE CHECKED AND AN ADDITIONAL VACUUM DUMP WILL…
Transport Canada #1990034 · Feb 1990Fuel System
V.I.N. XJ12 - 310613 TO 431598 XJS - 104146 TO 125224 A POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR LEAKAGE FROM THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM WHICH COULD RESULT IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.
Transport Canada #1985080 · Jul 1985Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Jaguar xjs
The Jaguar XJ-S is a luxury grand tourer manufactured and marketed by British car manufacturer Jaguar Cars from 1975 to 1996, in coupé, fixed-profile and full convertible bodystyles. There were three distinct iterations, with a total production of 115,413 units over 20 years and 7 months.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
EXCESSIVE FUEL VAPOR PRESSURE CAN OCCUR THAT, AFTER PROLONGED CYCLING, COULD WEAKEN THE FUEL TANK STRUCTURE.
Remedy: INSTALL A REVISED FUEL PURGE SYSTEM WHICH ELIMINATES EXCESSIVE VAPOR PRESSURE BUILD-UP.
NHTSA Campaign #90V123000 · 02/07/1990VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VALVES IN THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY DUE TO DIRT ENTERING THE VALVES.
Remedy: REPLACE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR AND INSTALL ADDITIONAL VACUUM DUMP VALVE.
NHTSA Campaign #90V035000 · 20/02/1990FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, PARTICULARLY IN THE AREA OF THE HOSE/CLIP FITTINGS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, WITH FUEL LEAKAGE, COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE OR THE DESTRUCTION OF IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR CAP.
Remedy: A NEW FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE FUEL HOSE CLIPS WILL BE INSTALLED.
NHTSA Campaign #85V087000 · 03/07/1985These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 4 Nov 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1985 Jaguar xjs, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
🔥 2 involved a fire
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 4
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1985 Jaguar xjs.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THIS 1985 JAGUAR HAD AN ENGINE FIRE WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER, PARTS WERE REPLACED AND THE CAR HAD A SECOND ENGINE FIRE IN MY GARAGE, I HAVE REPLACED THE PARTS AGAIN. THE FIRE STARTS IN THE FUEL RACK AREA.I HAVE SOME OF THE OLD PARTS THAT WERE BURNT. THANK YOU
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10125592FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE FIRE, BURNT SEVERAL ITEMS ON ENGINE, REPLACED WITH USED PARTS, ENGINE FIRE A SECOND TIME, REPLACED AGAIN. *AK
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10118713FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THERE IS A FUEL ODOR IN THE TRUNK. OWNER CONCERNED THAT A SPARK COULD CAUSE A FIRE OR EXPLOSION BECAUSE THE BATTERY IS LOCATED RIGHT NEXT TO THE FUEL TANK.
NHTSA ODI #781569FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
RECEIVED RECALL FOR FUEL TANK, HAD TWO INCHES OF GAS IN TRUNK, DEALER WOULD NOT DO RECALL WORK. PRESTON JAGUAR YORK, PA 717 755-0973. TT
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