The picture
Xjs: above-average pass rates, with caveats
Across 3,757 MOT tests, the Xjs returns 80.0% first-time pass — above the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a binding brake. A weak handbrake and parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 81,687, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.
Top ten reasons for rejection.
- 01
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
102 occurrences · 2.7% of tests
- 02
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
78 occurrences · 2.1% of tests
- 03
Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value
77 occurrences · 2.0% of tests
- 04
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
63 occurrences · 1.7% of tests
- 05
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
58 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
- 06
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
58 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
- 07
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
56 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
- 08
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
56 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
- 09
Parking brake inoperative on one side
52 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 10
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
47 occurrences · 1.3% of tests
Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.
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Picked against this car's top failure patterns. Affiliate links to Amazon UK — we earn a small cut at no cost to you. Disclosed up-front, doesn't shape the data.
Buying or keeping a Xjs?
Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.
If you own a Xjs and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.