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.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Engine4
- Electrical system3
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Suspension2
- Service brakes2
- Visibility2
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Structure1
- Steering1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Engine
“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.”
Electrical system
“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.”
Fuel/propulsion system
“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.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XJ Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,050 | 468 |
| XJ LWB Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,300 | 494 |
| XJ Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,550 | 523 |
| XJ LWB Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.0 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,550 | 523 |
- 19mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
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).