1997 Jaguar XK8: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (34% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 jaguar xk8. While driving 40 mph and slowing to make a right turn, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately five minutes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2018
“While driving the vehicle the drivers seat suddenly began moving forward with the seat back leaning forward as well. This forced me up against the steering wheel almost crushing me. I tried to use the seat controls to stop the movement and return the seat to it's proper position but the switch overheated and caught on fire. Thankfully I was able to stop but had I been driving at highway speeds this could have been a disaster. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Oct 2014
“While driving my 1997 jaguar xk8 on polaris parkway @50mph, the car lost total power. I had to weave out of the middle lane in order to reduce a potential accident.. *tr the local jaguar dealer tested and reported that the throttle body failed thus causing vehicle to lose all power...during the dealer test drive, the car also lost power on highway #670.. Due to the safety issue, jaguar should make the necessary repairs..”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 jaguar xk8. The contact drove the vehicle to the shopping center and when she attempted to restart it, she was unsuccessful. The repair shop inspected the vehicle and found that the tension bar failed, which caused the engine to fail. The vehicle was towed away. The engine will need to be replaced at the cost of $18,000. A report was filed with the manufacturer and they stated that the vehicle was out of warranty; therefore, they would not assist with the repair. The failure and current mileages were 44,604. Updated 04/28/09.*jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2009
“1997 jaguar xk8 recall for defective wheel bearings. Consumer states that front right tire locked up. Consumer was informed of the defective wheel bearing. He would like more info and investigation of this problem. *kb the right front roller bearing failed. *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2008
“Timing chain tensioner failed, broken chain, bent valves. Jag service said '97 xk8 had faulty tensioners. Most warranty replaced. Many NHTSA complaints & tsb's on this failure. Jag. Is aware of this dangerous problem. Jag. Agreed to pay for 1/2 repair, if I bought a new jag. Not acceptable! Does someone have to be killed on the freeway for jag to take notice! There needs to be a recall for this problem! Not just service bulletins! Both service and sales said that these tensioners will fail! Revised tensioners were used on later models! *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2006
“Car stalls (cuts out) at highway speeds. The first 2 times I had to let it stop, turn off and restart. The last instance just as I was trying to pull over it restarted. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2004
“Intermittently while driving at 55 mph, the vehicle stalled. It stalled three times in two weeks. There was a recall for this problem, but only foreign vehicles were involved. *ak the problem continued. *sc *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2004
“Normal cruising highway speed, let off the accelarator and car stalls. Have to weave my way out of traffic as car is decelerating. Had to come to full stop and then attempted restart with no problems. Has happened four times at highway cruising speeds, luckily light traffic on highway at all times.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2004
“Jaguar has 40,000 l997 model xk8 sold for $75,0000. Needs new engine! Dealer wont take of expense of replacing it. Web says they have faulty tensioners, and cylinder liners. *la”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2004
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
THE DIFFERENTIAL OUTPUT SHAFT RETAINING RINGS ON THE REAR SUSPENSION CAN BECOME DISPLACED ALLOWING THE OUTPUT SHAFT TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL UNIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S DIFFERENTIAL SERIAL NUMBER AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE NECESSARY PARTS.
How other years compare
Check your exact XK8 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Jaguar XK8 reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Jaguar XK8. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (34% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Jaguar XK8 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 61,000 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Jaguar XK8 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.