2003 Jaguar S-Type · 5,402 MOT tests
2003 Jaguar S-Type reliability
2003 Jaguar S-Types fail 37.1% of first MOT tests, 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 9 S-Type years (5,402 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Jaguar S-Types: 37.2%)
- 37.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Jaguar S-Types: 37.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 12% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 93,274
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,402
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 4.8% of tests fail here (24% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 55% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Jaguar S-Type
Fail rate by area
- Suspension16.7%
- Lights and electrics13%
- Brakes11.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.9%
- Tyres5.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.1%
- Steering4.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 5.15%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 3.3%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 2.61%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 2.35%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.28%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Track rod end dust cover damaged 2.2%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the ball joint, which speeds up wear and may lead to a costly replacement.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (15.2%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (13.85%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.53%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.74%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.11%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.77%)
Other years
Every Jaguar S-Type year
The full picture: Jaguar S-Type reliability. Before you pay for any Jaguar S-Type, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Jaguar S-Type reliable?
2003 Jaguar S-Types fail 37.1% of first MOT tests, 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 9 S-Type years (5,402 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Jaguar S-Type MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (5.15% of tests), ball joint dust cover no longer sealed (3.3% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (2.61% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Jaguar S-Type have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Jaguar S-Type shows 93,274 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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