2021 Jaguar XE petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Jaguar XE petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Jaguar XE petrol than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Brake discs2.2× usual
  Jaguar XE

  13.6% All 2021 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Shock absorbers3.9× usual
  Jaguar XE

  5.4% All 2021 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Common 2021 Jaguar XE petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Jaguar XE petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  24% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  16% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Suspension
  6% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  3% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Seats and seatbelts
  1% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2021 Jaguar XE petrol

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Engine oil leaks and turbo failures

  All engines

  Engine problems, including oil leaks and turbo failures, were common in What Car?'s survey and led to expensive repairs.

  At the viewing: Look for oil leaks, blue smoke or poor pulling, and check for warning lights.

  Source: What Car?: used Jaguar XE (2015-2024) reliability

• Electrical, infotainment and warning light faults

  All engines

  Electrical faults are frequent, including faulty infotainment units and false warning lights.

  At the viewing: Test the screen and every electrical item, and check no warnings stay on.

  Source: What Car?: used Jaguar XE (2015-2024) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Jaguar XE petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has it had any engine or turbo work?
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2021 Jaguar XE petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2021 Jaguar XE petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?