Research · Large Cars · 2 NHTSA variants

2012 Jaguar XJRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 2012 Jaguar XJ. Most complaints involve engine (4) and electrical system (3). The EPA rates it 17–19 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
17–19mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
12
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$4,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2012 Jaguar XJ as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

12 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2011 – Nov 2021
  1. Engine4
  2. Electrical system3
  3. Fuel/propulsion system2
  4. Suspension2
  5. Service brakes2
  6. Visibility2
  7. Fuel system, gasoline1
  8. Structure1
  9. Steering1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each XJ model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201118
201212
20138
201412
20157
20168
20172
20181
20191
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

4 reports
“The engine has issues where there is a jerk while accelerating at times. I was told of a misfire issue that Jaguars have and have not been corrected. I was driving my 2012 Jaguar XJ on the interstate when it started slowing down. The engine light than appears on the dash and it starts to jerk as I try to speed up to get off the highway it goes from 60mph to 45mph. I take my foot off the gas and press the gas again for the car to jerk and accelerate slowly back up to 60mph. Not only was I almost hit from behind but almost crashed trying to get over and off the road for my safety and others. I was told by a mechanic the car needed a new gas treatment, fuel cap, and tune up all this money paid and no results. The 2012 Jaguar xj still stalls when accelerating. The buttons are melted into a gummy substance and a barely used sunroof wont close has a loud noise when button is touched to try and close it. Worse experience ever with my 1st and last 2012 Jaguar XJ.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 1, 2021Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11438987

Electrical system

3 reports
“I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS REPAIRING THE SUEDE LINING ON THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. NOW, I CAN'T EVEN FIND ANYONE THAT WILL TOUCH IT! THE WOOD GRAIN HAS FADED AND THE VEHICLE IS GARAGE KEPT. THE HORRIBLE BUTTONS WERE MADE OF A MATERIAL THAT LITERALLY BECAME GUMMY. I SPENT HUNDREDS HAVING THEM REPLACED. SUNROOF HAD TO BE REPLACED/MOTOR MORE THAN ONCE, THE CLEAR COAT ON THE BACK PANEL OF THE ROOF HAS PEELED. I HAVE HAD OTHER CARS WITH ALMOST 200,000 MILES THAT HAD PERFECT PAINT WHEN TRADED. THE PAINT ON THIS VEHICLE IS TERRIBLE. THIS IS ONLY TO NAME A FEW OF THE ISSUES. I COULD HAVE PURCHASED A NEW VEHICLE FOR WHAT I HAVE SPENT ON THIS CAR. I LOVE THIS VEHICLE BUT MOST LIKELY WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER JAGUAR.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 26, 2021Electrical system, Structure, EngineODI 11389949

Fuel/propulsion system

2 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JAGUAR XJL. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A KNOCKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND EXHAUST FUMES WERE PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (BROWNS JAGUAR IN RICHMOND, VA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUPER CHARGER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO RESOLVE THE ENGINE/EXHAUST FAILURE, AND THE UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND TRUST BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO RESOLVE THE SUSPENSION ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2017Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11032095
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
5.0L 8-cyl · 5.0L 8-cyl supercharged
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
XJ
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162319$4,050468
XJ LWB
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152218$4,300494
XJ
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive
152117$4,550523
XJ LWB
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive
152117$4,550523
  • XJ
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $4,050/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • XJ LWB
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    15 city · 22 hwy · $4,300/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • XJ
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L, Sup Charg
    15 city · 21 hwy · $4,550/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • XJ LWB
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L, Sup Charg
    15 city · 21 hwy · $4,550/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Jaguar XJ as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 6119Vehicle 6118
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2012 XJ questions

How many recalls does the 2012 Jaguar XJ have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.

What are the most common 2012 Jaguar XJ problems?

Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (4), electrical system (3), fuel/propulsion system (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2012 Jaguar XJ get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Jaguar XJ at 17–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026