1998 Jaguar XK8: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 32 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (29% of complaints); the 2000 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Why hasn't jaguar been ordered to recall the 1997 through 2002 1/2 models for the timing belt tensioner plastic guide issue? It has been reported here in the past, and is widely known across the internet. I would just like to know why NHTSA hasn't considered this design defect to be eligible for a recall when it is clearly a major safety issue. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jaguar xk8. The contact stated that when driving between 35-50 mph, there was a growling noise coming from the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitant when accelerating and the noise does would not stop until the vehicle reached 50 mph and above. The contact stated that the failure would also occur when decelerating. The dealer inspected the vehicle and assumed that the planetary gears were failing and that the transmission should be replaced. The failure mileage was 50,600 and the current mileage was 50,700.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2011
“My rear vision mirror failed. It fogged up and began leaking an oily substance. I couldn't see; it was raining and I had a perilous journey home. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Apr 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 jaguar xk8. The contact stated that the transmission is failing and is not shifting gears correctly. The vehicle will be towed to the dealer. The manufacturer stated that they were not aware of NHTSA campaign id number 99v138000 (power train: automatic transmission). The current and failure mileages were 65,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2009
“1998 jaguar xk8 has a history of stalling on the freeway at speeds of 55-60mph. This occurred twice (prior owner - 38,246 miles) - prior owner told by jaguar that automobile had been repaired by replacing throttle. Same incident occurred at later. On-line information shows that several other 1998 xk8 owners have the same issue that engine turns off without warning - the car has a design flaw. There has been recalls regarding the throttle. I do not understand why the nhtsb has not forced jaguar to repair this 1998 xk8. The model, 1998 jaguar xk8, has a design flaw and is a safety risk. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Oct 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 jaguar xk8. While driving approximately 10 mph, the contact heard a loud sound underneath the vehicle. He was unable to shift into any gear. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and it was discovered that there was a lock-up in the automatic gear box. In addition, the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle currently is not operable. The authorized dealer ordered the replacement transmission. The failure and current mileages were 110,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 jaguar xk8. The contact discovered NHTSA campaign id number 98v022000 (vehicle speed control) online and was never notified by the manufacturer. The dealer stated that they could not service the vehicle because they did not have time. He also took his vehicle to a jaguar dealer in darian, ct from 1998-2004 for service and they never performed a repair or informed him of the recall. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 61,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2007
“Timing tensioner defect- 1998 jaguar xk8 with 50000 miles. Engine failed to start after loud popping noise. No previous issues prior. Cause-plastic timing tensioners failed, causing timing chain to break and damage pistons. Solution new engine. Dealer quoted $14,000. This car was regularly maintained. My mechanic stated he was aware of a problem with tensioners, and jaguar had redesigned them for later models. This was a known defect on low mileage vehicles! There were many documented cases. Jaguar refused to acknowledge and offered no assistance. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2007
“Windshield wipers suddenly stopped working in the middle of rain storm causing me to lose visibility. No warning - the wipers just stop as the nut holding the wiper arm has become loosened/stripped. Two previous times this has been repaired. This is a design defect. *nm”Owner report · Visibility · Feb 2006
“My 1998 xk8 jaguar timing chain broke and ruined the engine requiring a new one for $11,000 with only 49,000 miles on it. I had taken it to the dealer for service the entire time. This is a very common problem occuring within the jaguar line. Jaguar refuses to help and tries to keep it under wrap until the warranty expires. It is a well known design flaw that has cost tons of people thousands. My car also stalled without warning on the highway and this too is a common problem. Both of these could have caused me serious injury.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
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).
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE CABLE ADJUSTER BRACKET NUT ON THE OUTER SLEEVE OF THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN BECOME DISPLACED FROMTHE CABLE ABUTMENT BRACKET ON THE ENGINE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND MODIFY THE THROTTLE CABLE SYSTEM.
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 1998 Jaguar XK8 reliable?
NHTSA has 32 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Jaguar XK8. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Jaguar XK8 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 56,950 miles or less.
Does the 1998 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.