Jaguar XK / XKR MOT Failures: Common Issues & Parts Guide (X150, 2006–2014)
The Jaguar XK X150 was Jaguar's grand tourer — a beautiful, aluminium-bodied two-door available as a coupe or convertible. Launched in 2006 with the 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 (and supercharged XKR), it was facelifted in 2009 with the now-familiar 5.0-litre V8 in both naturally aspirated and supercharged forms, before the fire-breathing XKR-S arrived in 2011 with 542hp. With the earliest cars now 20 years old and 12,632 MOT tests recorded in 2024, here's exactly what's failing and the parts you need.
XK X150 MOT Pass Rate
The XK holds an 81.4% MOT pass rate — 4.7 percentage points above the UK average of 76.7%. For a car now up to 20 years old, that's a solid result — though the pre-facelift models (2006–2008) are dipping below 78%.
| Model Year | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 89.5% | 1,147 |
| 2013 | 88.5% | 853 |
| 2012 | 86.5% | 898 |
| 2011 | 84.0% | 1,215 |
| 2010 | 81.5% | 1,433 |
| 2009 | 79.8% | 1,227 |
| 2008 | 77.9% | 1,442 |
| 2007 | 76.7% | 2,346 |
| 2006 | 76.2% | 2,148 |
The median mileage at MOT is 61,022 miles — moderate for a car of this age, reflecting GT usage patterns rather than daily commuting. The severity split is 84.4% major / 15.6% dangerous — one of the lowest dangerous ratios of any Jaguar we've analysed, meaning the XK's failures tend to be wear items rather than safety-critical issues.
1. Suspension — A Dominant 44.1% of All Failures
Suspension is overwhelmingly the #1 failure area on the XK, accounting for a massive 44.1% of all recorded failure items (2,744 items). One single item drives this number.
What Fails
- Suspension joint dust cover missing or deteriorated — 1,732 failures (the #1 individual item by a huge margin — 27.8% of all failure items)
- Suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn — 272 failures
- Shock absorber bush excessively worn — 59 failures
- Suspension component excessively damaged or corroded — 50 failures
The dust cover count at 1,732 is extraordinary — 1 in 7 XKs tested has this failure. The XK's double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension uses multiple ball joints and bushes, each with a rubber dust cover that perishes with age. At 12–20 years old, these covers are splitting wholesale. The underlying joints may be fine, but the cracked covers are an MOT failure regardless.
What You Need
| Part | Shop |
|---|---|
| Wishbones, Control Arms & Links | View parts |
| Bushes, Bearings & Mountings | View parts |
| Ball Joints | View parts |
| Shock Absorbers & Springs | View parts |
Tip: At this age, it's worth having all the suspension dust covers inspected before the MOT. Replacing a split cover early (often part of the ball joint or bush assembly) is far cheaper than an emergency repair after failure. If one is gone, the rest aren't far behind.
2. Steering — The Hidden #2
Steering rack gaiter failure is the #2 individual failure item at 521 failures (8.4%) — an unusually high count that reflects the same age-related rubber deterioration as the suspension dust covers.
What Fails
- Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover deteriorated — 521 failures
The steering gaiters on the XK perish at the same rate as the suspension dust covers. At 12–20 years old, the rubber simply degrades.
What You Need
| Part | Shop |
|---|---|
| Tie Rod Ends & Track Rod Ends | View parts |
| Steering Racks | View parts |
| Steering Hoses | View parts |
| Steering Sensors | View parts |
| Steering Misc Parts | View parts |
3. Tyres & Wheels — 15.3% of Failures
Tyres and wheels account for 15.3% of all failure items (951 items).
What Fails
- Tyre seriously damaged — 396 failures (the #3 individual item)
- Tyre cords visible or damaged — 200 failures
- Tyre tread depth non-compliant — 163 failures
The XK is rear-wheel drive with staggered tyre setups on many models (wider rears). The rear tyres wear faster than the fronts, and the large 19" and 20" wheels are susceptible to pothole damage. At 61,000 miles median mileage, many XKs are on their fourth or fifth set of tyres.
What You Need
| Part | Shop |
|---|---|
| TPMS Sensors & Modules | View parts |
| Wheel Bolts, Caps & Nuts | View parts |
Tip: TPMS sensors on the XK are all well past their battery life at this age. A persistent TPMS warning light is an MOT advisory. Budget for a full set of four.
4. Lamps & Lighting — 13.3% of Failures
Lighting accounts for 13.3% of failure items (830 items) — a high figure reflecting the XK's age and its complex adaptive lighting system.
What Fails
- Headlamp aim outside limits — 190 failures (the #8 individual item)
- Lamp missing or inoperative — 83 failures
- Headlamp or light source inoperative — 81 failures
- Stop lamp inoperative — 81 failures
- Headlamp cleaning device inoperative (HID) — 45 failures
The headlamp aim count at 190 is notably high for the test volume. The XK's adaptive headlamp system uses self-levelling motors and sensors that degrade with age. The stop lamp count at 81 is also notably high.
What You Need
| Part | Shop |
|---|---|
| Light Units (headlamps, taillights) | View parts |
| Bulbs | View parts |
| Fog Lights | View parts |
| Indicators & Side Markers | View parts |
| Headlamp Washer Parts | View parts |
Tip: Xenon/HID-equipped XKs must have working headlamp washers and self-levelling to pass the MOT. If either system is faulty, the car fails — even if the headlamps themselves work perfectly. Check both before the test.
5. Brakes — 11.0% of Failures
Brakes account for 11.0% of failure items (682 items). Beyond pad and disc wear, the XK has some model-specific brake issues.
What Fails
- Brake lining/pad worn below 1.5mm — 129 failures
- Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded — 121 failures (a standout — the #12 individual item)
- Brake binding — 71 failures
- Parking brake inoperative on one side — 52 failures
- Parking brake efficiency below minimum — 50 failures
The corroded brake hose ferrule count at 121 is remarkably high — a direct consequence of the XK's age. At 12–20 years, the metal ferrules where the rubber hose meets the caliper corrode, weakening the connection. This is a safety-critical failure. The parking brake failures (102 combined) reflect the electronic parking brake mechanism seizing from lack of use.
What You Need
| Part | Shop |
|---|---|
| Brake Pads | View parts |
| Brake Discs | View parts |
| Cables & Hoses | View parts |
| Calipers | View parts |
| Handbrake Mechanism | View parts |
| Brake Sensors & Switches | View parts |
| Brake Hydraulics | View parts |
Tip: Replace the flexible brake hoses proactively at this age — corroded ferrules are a safety issue, not just an MOT issue. And exercise the electronic parking brake regularly to prevent the rear mechanism from seizing.
6. Visibility — 7.5% of Failures
Visibility issues account for 7.5% of failure items (467 items).
What Fails
- Windscreen washers non-functional — 272 failures (the #4 individual item)
- Wiper blade not clearing windscreen — 193 failures
The washer count at 272 is very high — the heated washer jets on the XK corrode and block with age, and the pumps seize from inactivity on cars that aren't driven regularly.
What You Need
| Part | Shop |
|---|---|
| Wiper Arms & Blades | View parts |
| Washer Bottles, Jets & Pumps | View parts |
| Wiper Switch | View parts |
| Headlamp Washer Parts | View parts |
7. Emissions & Engine Management — 3.0% of Failures
Emissions issues account for 3.0% of failure items (189 items).
What Fails
- Engine MIL illuminated — 127 failures
- SRS (airbag) MIL malfunction — 111 failures
- ABS/stability warning device malfunction — 95 failures
- Lambda coefficient outside limits — 62 failures
The SRS warning light count at 111 is notably high — often triggered by seat occupancy sensor faults or wiring issues rather than actual airbag problems. The ABS warning at 95 is similarly common, frequently caused by corroded wheel speed sensors at this age.
What You Need
| Part | Shop |
|---|---|
| Lambda Sensors | View parts |
| Downpipes & Catalysts | View parts |
| Exhaust Components | View parts |
| Exhaust Gaskets, Mountings & Clamps | View parts |
| Emission System Parts | View parts |
| Engine Sensors & Switches | View parts |
Beyond the MOT: Major XK X150 Faults That Drive Workshop Visits
Timing Chain Issues (4.2 V8 & 5.0 V8)
Both the 4.2 naturally aspirated and the 5.0 supercharged V8 use timing chains with tensioners that can fail. The 5.0 is particularly vulnerable — the chain tensioner design allows the chain to slacken overnight, and on cold start the chain can jump before oil pressure builds. A cold-start rattle is the classic warning sign. Regular oil changes with the correct specification are the best prevention.
| Part | Shop |
|---|---|
| Timing Chains, Tensioners & Dampers | View parts |
| Gaskets & Seals | View parts |
Water Pump & Cooling System
The same cooling system issues that affect the XF, XJ, and F-Type supercharged engines. Coolant enters the water pump bearing housing and corrodes the bearing. The plastic coolant crossover pipe and connectors become brittle with age — replace them all when one fails. On the earlier 4.2, the thermostat housing is a common leak point.
| Part | Shop |
|---|---|
| Water Pumps | View parts |
| Hoses, Thermostats & Sensors | View parts |
| Expansion Tanks | View parts |
| Radiators | View parts |
| Fans, Motors & Parts | View parts |
| Radiator Misc Parts | View parts |
ZF 6-Speed Gearbox (Pre-2009) / 6HP26
The earlier 4.2-litre models use the ZF 6HP26 automatic, which can develop a shudder on the 2–3 upshift when the torque converter lock-up clutch wears. A fluid and filter change can help, but eventually the torque converter needs rebuilding. The post-2009 5.0-litre models switched to the ZF 8HP, which has its own (milder) shift quality issues.
| Part | Shop |
|---|---|
| Differential, Transfer Box & Gearbox Parts | View parts |
| Flywheel, Clutch & Cylinders | View parts |
| Transmission Sumps, Seals & Misc | View parts |
Convertible Roof Hydraulics (Convertible Models)
The power-folding roof mechanism uses hydraulic rams and a pump that can develop leaks or lose pressure with age. Symptoms include slow roof operation, failure to latch, or the roof stopping mid-cycle. On the coupe, the panoramic roof drain tubes can block, leading to water ingress into the boot and cabin — damaging the electronics.
Rear Differential (XKR & XKR-S)
The rear differential on the supercharged models can develop a whine at motorway speeds from worn bearings or degraded fluid. An oil change can resolve early-stage noise. A complete rebuild is expensive.
| Part | Shop |
|---|---|
| Differential, Transfer Box & Gearbox Parts | View parts |
Electrical & Battery Drain
The XK shares the same sensitivity to battery health as the rest of the range. A weak battery causes cascading warning lights. Cars that sit for weeks between use need a trickle charger. The seat memory module is a known parasitic drain source.
| Part | Shop |
|---|---|
| Alternators | View parts |
| Starter Motors | View parts |
| Looms, Harnesses & Miscellaneous | View parts |
Supercharger Nose Cone Bearing (XKR & XKR-S)
The Eaton supercharger's nose cone bearing wears, producing a whine that increases with engine speed. Replacement is a significant but well-understood job.
| Part | Shop |
|---|---|
| Belts, Pulleys & Tensioners | View parts |
XK X150 MOT Failure Summary — At a Glance
| Failure Category | Share of Failures | Top Parts Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 44.1% | Arms & Links, Bushes, Ball Joints, Springs |
| Tyres & Wheels | 15.3% | TPMS Sensors, Wheel Bolts |
| Lamps & Lighting | 13.3% | Light Units, Bulbs, Fog Lights |
| Brakes | 11.0% | Pads, Discs, Hoses |
| Visibility | 7.5% | Wipers, Washers |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 3.0% | Lambda Sensors, Catalysts |
Keeping Your Jaguar XK on the Road
The XK X150 is one of the most beautiful GTs of its era — and with an 81.4% pass rate at up to 20 years old, it's proving durable too. The aluminium body means corrosion is virtually non-existent (structure failures are just 0.3% of the total).
The MOT story is dominated by rubber degradation — suspension dust covers alone account for 27.8% of all failures, and steering gaiters add another 8.4%. At this age, a proactive rubber refresh (dust covers, gaiters, brake hoses) before the MOT will address over a third of all failure items in one go. Beyond the MOT, the timing chain and cooling system are the mechanical risks to watch.
The 2009+ facelift models with the 5.0 V8 are now in the sweet spot — old enough to have depreciated heavily, young enough to be reliable with proper maintenance. They're spectacular cars at the money.
Browse all Jaguar XK / XKR X150 (2006–2014) parts at myton.parts
We stock genuine, OEM, and aftermarket parts with next-day UK delivery available.
Service & Maintenance Parts
Regular servicing with the correct oil specification is critical for timing chain longevity. Gearbox fluid should be changed every 60,000 miles on the 6-speed and 60,000–80,000 on the 8-speed, despite "lifetime fill" claims.
| Part | Shop |
|---|---|
| Filters (oil, air, fuel, cabin) | View parts |
| Spark & Glow Plugs & Leads | View parts |
| Belts, Pulleys & Tensioners | View parts |
| Ignition System | View parts |
| Engine & Gearbox Mounts | View parts |
Data sourced from DVSA anonymised MOT test results (2024 test year, 12,632 tests on X150-era Jaguar XK/XKR models with first use dates 2006–2014). 6,222 individual failure items analysed. Specialist fault data from K Motors and Jaguar workshop reporting.