Right rear bracket that holds the drivers seat to the mounting track broke. This allowed the drivers seat to swing back on acceleration and swing forward, into steering wheel, when applying the brakes. The seat would swivel around on the three remaining attach points. This occurred during normal driving. If this had happened as a resujlt of a rear end collision, it is likely that the entire seat would have torn loose and become an unguided flying object in the car. Given that the seat belt is attached to the seat frame rather than the car's frame, it would have provided no protection. If the airbag were to have deployed, the force of it would also have knocked the seat, cocked at an angle and with the driver strapped in it, across the back of the car and into any passenger sitting back there. I have detailed photos on the broken bracket and the frame mounting from which it separated.
The worst 1996 Jaguar Vanden Plas problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Acceleration1
- Electrical1
- Seat belts1
- Steering1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Acceleration1
- Electrical1
- Seat belts1
- Steering1
- Transmission1
- Visibility1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Jaguar Vanden Plas 13
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1996 Jaguar Vanden Plas owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Vehicle failure due to failed wire strands. Add to voq 10041323.*mr of seven strands it appeared that four or five may have been "trimmed" during manufacturing process leaving two or three strands to carry the current. Adjacent wires show damage from heat. On two wires the insulation is cracked sufficiently so that the wire strands are visible. Consumer believe the repair should've been at no charge due to defective product and perhaps design by placement of the wire crimp at point of flexure.
Vehicle1996 jaguar vanden plas VIN#[xxx] problemfailure of windshield wiper/washer causebroken wire at crimped junction in wiring harness that supplied power to control switch I had hoped to be able to get a photomicrograph of the failed wire. Of the seven strands it appears that 3 or 4 may have been trimmed leaving 2 or 3 strands to carry the current. Adjacent wires show damage from heat. On two wires the insulation is cracked sufficiently so that the wire strands are visible. This harness is subject to various degrees of flexure as the steering column lifts and retracts from the programmed drivers positions. The failure was 2.1 [55 mm] from the 10 pin connector that is rigidly clipped in place. *jb information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Consumer stated on 2 separate occassions, the accelerator pedal became stuck, and the accelerator had to be stomped on in order to dislodge it, the dealer repaired the problem under warranty the first time, however the second time consumer was informed that it was a maintenance item and that it would have to be fixed every 10,000 miles at the consumers expense, consumer is requesting reimbursment and feels this problem should not be considered a maintenance issue.
Computer chip failure. Qcaw
Transmission failed.
Compare the 1996 Jaguar Vanden Plas
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Questions about the 1996 Jaguar Vanden Plas
Is the 1996 Jaguar Vanden Plas reliable?
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 1996 Jaguar Vanden Plas, 2.0 times a typical Vanden Plas model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Jaguar Vanden Plas?
Acceleration and speed control, with 1 complaint. Next is electrical (1).
How many recalls does the 1996 Jaguar Vanden Plas have?
No recalls on record.
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