2013 Jaguar XF petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Jaguar XF petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Jaguar XF petrol than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Ball joint dust cover2.7× usual
  Jaguar XF

  5.7% All 2013 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.9% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2013 Jaguar XF petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Jaguar XF petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  25% 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.

• Suspension
  20% 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.

• Brakes
  17% 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.

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

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Rust and bodywork
  2% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Known faults on the 2013 Jaguar XF 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.

• Many recalls (19)

  All engines

  The XF has had 19 recalls, covering rear seatbelts, instrument clusters, fuel starvation, fuel and power steering leaks, short circuits, chafing brake pipes, airbags, suspension and engine fuelling.

  At the viewing: Ask a Jaguar dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Jaguar XF (Mk1) review

• Fast-wearing rear brakes

  All engines

  The rear pads wear quickly, and if they’re left too long the discs get damaged too.

  At the viewing: Look at the rear discs for a lip or scoring, and ask when the pads were last done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Jaguar XF (Mk1) review

• Tyre pressure sensors failing

  All engines

  The tyre pressure sensors in the valves can corrode and stop working.

  At the viewing: Make sure no tyre pressure warning shows.

  Source: Auto Express: used Jaguar XF (Mk1) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Jaguar XF petrol

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

1. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Jaguar dealer confirm from the VIN?
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2013 Jaguar XF petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?