Common problems by part
Jaguar S-Type steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 7,774 MOT tests · Updated
At 18 years, 5.8 in 100 MOT tests of the Jaguar S-Type failed on steering, against 3.9 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 7,774 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 449 MOT tests with a fail
- When it starts: clear of 1.2 times from 17 years and at every older age seen
- Most common fail: Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt, 3.6 per 100 MOT tests
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
5.8 fails per 100 MOT tests at 18 years, against 3.9 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 18 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
Jaguar S-Type steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 2,614 | 3.1 | 3.3 |
| 16 | 4,688 | 3.9 | 3.4 |
| 17 | 6,310 | 4.9 | 3.6 |
| 18 | 7,774 | 5.8 | 3.9 |
| 19* | 7,057 | 6.2 | 4.1 |
| 20* | 6,341 | 6.5 | 4.2 |
| 21* | 5,238 | 7.4 | 4.2 |
| 22* | 4,230 | 7.5 | 4.0 |
| 23* | 3,169 | 8.1 | 3.9 |
| 24* | 1,825 | 9.4 | 3.7 |
All first-use years of the Jaguar S-Type pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years. * Only survivors are still tested at this age.
What fails in the steering at 18 years
Fails
- Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt: 3.6 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.5. Replace track rod end: estimated £54–£128 (0.5–1 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts £15–£50) Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt MOT fail
Advisories (not fails)
- Track rod end: ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt: 4.9 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 1.2. Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (MOT minor defect)
Repair figures are estimates, not quotes: how we estimate repair costs.
Buying a Jaguar S-Type? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
How to check on a test drive
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Track rod end: ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt.
Check one Jaguar S-Type, not the average
The figures here describe Jaguar S-Type cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Jaguar S-Type's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Jaguar S-Type problems
- Jaguar S-Type suspension problems
- Jaguar S-Type brakes problems
- Jaguar S-Type lights and electrics problems
- Jaguar S-Type body and structure problems
- Jaguar S-Type exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- Jaguar S-Type seat belts and airbags problems
- Jaguar S-Type windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Jaguar S-Type tyres problems
Steering on rival models
- Jaguar XJ steering problems: 4.8 per 100 MOT tests at 18 years, against 5.8 for the Jaguar S-Type (5,998 MOT tests)
- Nissan Primera steering problems: 3.3 per 100 MOT tests at 18 years, against 5.8 for the Jaguar S-Type (2,243 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Jaguar S-Type have more steering problems than other cars?
5.8 in 100 MOT tests at 18 years, against 3.9 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 7,774 MOT tests).
How common are Jaguar S-Type steering problems?
5.8 in 100 MOT tests at 18 years failed on steering, against 3.9 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 7,774 MOT tests).
What is the most common Jaguar S-Type steering fail?
3.6 in 100 MOT tests at 18 years: Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (281 MOT tests with it).
At what age do Jaguar S-Type steering fails start?
17 years: from then on the rate stays clear of 1.2 times all class 4 vehicles the same age at every age seen, 41,944 MOT tests.
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 49,246 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
- Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation, local price quotes (car repair items). ONS price quotes, series 610236. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare