Model year guide

1985 Jaguar xjs

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1985 Jaguar xjs is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1985 Jaguar xjs — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1985 Jaguar xjs at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints4
Combined13 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1985 Jaguar xjs recalls 3

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #90V123000 · 02/07/1990

EXCESSIVE FUEL VAPOR PRESSURE CAN OCCUR THAT, AFTER PROLONGED CYCLING, COULD WEAKEN THE FUEL TANK STRUCTURE.

Fix: INSTALL A REVISED FUEL PURGE SYSTEM WHICH ELIMINATES EXCESSIVE VAPOR PRESSURE BUILD-UP.

Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA Campaign #90V035000 · 20/02/1990

ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED VALVES IN THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY DUE TO DIRT ENTERING THE VALVES.

Fix: REPLACE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR AND INSTALL ADDITIONAL VACUUM DUMP VALVE.

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail NHTSA Campaign #85V087000 · 03/07/1985

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.

Fix: A NEW FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE FUEL HOSE CLIPS WILL BE INSTALLED.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1985 Jaguar xjs common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Other
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

1985 Jaguar xjs MPG & running costs

Combined13 mpg
City11 mpg
Highway16 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$5,150
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd
Passenger volume73 cu ft
Cargo volume12 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$13,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1985 Jaguar xjs costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$25,750
Fuel only$25,750
Per mile$0.34

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.

1985 Jaguar xjs trims & engines on record

Engines
5.3L 12-cyl

1985 Jaguar xjs vehicles on record

1985 Jaguar xjs 1985 Jaguar xjsSAJNV5844FC120713

1985 Jaguar xjs — frequently asked questions

Does the 1985 Jaguar xjs have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1985 Jaguar xjs. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1985 Jaguar xjs?

Across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel system, gasoline, other.

What gas mileage does the 1985 Jaguar xjs get?

The 1985 Jaguar xjs has a U.S. EPA estimate of 13 mpg combined (11 city / 16 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.