2002 Jaguar XK — MOT failures & pass rate
3,735 MOT tests on the 2002 Jaguar XK are in this dataset, and 80.0% of them passed. That is 2.6 percentage points better than coupes & convertibles of a similar age, which fail at 22.6%. Failures cluster in suspension, brakes and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — suspension (8.4%) and brakes (7.8%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are component mounting prescribed areas, anti-lock braking system and headlamp aim — component mounting prescribed areas alone was recorded 151 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 12.4% in the 0-30k band and 29.0% in the 150k+ band, a 16.6-point spread — more than double.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: suspension was flagged on 28.4% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 8.4% | 315 |
| 2 | Brakes | 7.8% | 291 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 6.9% | 258 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 3.7% | 138 |
| 5 | Visibility | 3.4% | 126 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 3.3% | 123 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 151 |
| 2 | Anti-lock braking system | 122 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 104 |
| 4 | Rigid brake pipes | 102 |
| 5 | Pins and bushes | 94 |
| 6 | Wipers | 88 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 28.4% | 1,062 |
| 2 | Brakes | 22.9% | 857 |
| 3 | Tyres | 19.3% | 722 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 10.9% | 409 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 7.8% | 292 |
| 6 | Other defects | 7.6% | 285 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 169 | 12.4% |
| 30-60k | 735 | 15.2% |
| 60-90k | 1,357 | 16.6% |
| 90-120k | 994 | 25.3% |
| 120-150k | 375 | 28.5% |
| 150k+ | 100 | 29.0% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 789 | 19.3% |
| 2022 | 794 | 20.3% |
| 2023 | 749 | 18.6% |
| 2024 | 740 | 22.3% |
| 2025 | 663 | 19.8% |
What to check before buying a 2002 XK
On a 2002 XK, suspension is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 8.4% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Suspension (8.4% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Brakes (7.8% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
- Lighting & signalling (6.9% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2002 Jaguar XKs pass their MOT?
80.0% of the 3,735 2002 Jaguar XK MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 20.0% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2002 Jaguar XK?
Suspension, recorded in 8.4% of tests, followed by brakes (7.8%).
Does the 2002 XK get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 12.4% in the 0-30k band to 29.0% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 3,735 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.