Jaguar XJ8 — Recalls, Reliability, Specs & VIN Decoder

Tl* - the contact's stated the vehicle was purchased on august 30th 2006, and had problems with loss of power. The vehicle lost power about 100 times while driving65 mph. The contact took the vehicle to the local jaguar dealer for a check up. The dealer informed him that they did not know the cause of the failure. The contact states that on november 20, 2006, while exiting the highway, the vehicle was involved in a crash due to loss of vehicle power and difficulty in steering. The conta ct's vehicle struck the vehicle in front of her. The incident was reported to police. After the crash, the contact states took the vehicle to dealer an oil change and was informed that the vehicle had a recall on file. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer ,and was informed that it had already been repaired in november 2004. Also , was told that the vehicle was out of warranty, and so the costs of repairs would not be covered. The manufacturer refused to cover the repairs since the recall problems had already been repaired in 2004. *ak

While driving 40-45 mph vehicle started to smoke. A few minutes later vehicle caught on fire in the front end. *ak prior to the fire there was slight power loss, odor and white smoke coming from under the hood. *yh

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 jaguar xj8. The contact stated when starting the vehicle, the check engine and error warning lights were illuminated. The performance of the engine was restricted with minimal engine power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was advised the failure potentially was caused by the primary or secondary timing chain tensioner. The dealer advised having the vehicle diagnosed in order to determine the exact failure and repair needed. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. There was not a recall for the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were 90,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 jaguar xj8. The vehicle would not start and the contact took it to the dealer. Because the timing chain tensioner was made of plastic, the plastic shears kept entering into the engine timing chain tensioner. The repair cost over $1,000 and the manufacturer was unable to assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The current and failure mileages were less than 98,817.

Ltr fm (ca) re a defective plastic timing chain tensioner installed in their 1999 jaguar xj8. *ts the consumer stated the vehicle was not properly maintained prior to purchasing it. The consumer was told there was oil sludge build up in the engine. *jb

Dt: the contact states vehicle would not start. She had it towed to the dealership, and they determined there was sludge in the oil pan and the timing chain broke. The engine needed to be replaced. *ak the plastic timing chain tensioner failed and jammed in the timing chain which caused the chain to break in half. This resulted in the valves being stuck open and the pistons to collide. The consumer learned of sb x303-68 and 303-30 which addressed this problem. *nm the consumer learned a defective timing chain tensioner was installed when the vehicle was manufactured. Updated 01/25/06 *jb

Engine failure `99 jaguar xj8 vanden plaas ("lower engine disfunction," due to deficient tensioner malfunction per dealership diagnosis) at 61,400 miles. Vehicle well maintained and checked on numerous occasions. We were sent many warnings and suggestions about other maintenance objectives, but a potential problem with tensioners was never mentioned. We know of well over a hundred cases. One dealer told us they see at least one case like ours a month and suggested that a larger dealership in northern virginia would make their numbers look skimpy. The ignorance of this problem has nearly caused some catastrophic accidents that could have easily resulted in the loss of limb or life. If that in itself fails to move the nhtsa we have to wonder what will. There are several respected automotive experts who cannot figure out why jaguar and ford have not solved this situation (i.e. Replaced the faulty parts and/or taken care of the cost of installing a new power plant in the `98, `99, and some `00 xj8 models). This vehicle is still disabled because we had been led to believe that a rep. From jaguar planned on "helping us out." and, we have been quoted a wide range of engine replacement costs, none by formal written quote, not even the 12 month warranty text promised several months ago. We feel jaguar needs to "come to the table" as far as this example of potential consumer fraud and request proper investigation relative to what we consider to be the most rampant disregard for what most consumers expect when buying a vehicle, especially when the sales pitch centers on dependability that was supposed to result from the acquisition of jaguar by ford. These allegations are well documented and could hold up in any court in virginia as far as stating our case of misinformation and the aforementioned false promise. We would gladly "join in" as far as any class action is concerned yet are hopeful that the nhtsa will do what we believe is their "due diligence." *nm

1999 xj-8 secondary timing chain tensioner catastrophic failure. Plastic secondary timing chain tensioner broke into pieces, disabling engine and causing significant damage. Damage included 3 valves, one constantly variable valve timing unit (cvvt), timing chains and sprockets. Required removal of b bank head for machining necessary to replace valves and repair valve seats. No tsb or recall has been issued by jaguar with regard to this design deficiency. Contact with other jaguar owners has identified that this problem affects many owners. Jaguar repair is to replace entire engine ($7,000-10,000). I rebuilt engine myself, and contacted jaguar to question why replacement of the tensioners is not specified at some reasonable interval to prevent tensioner failure. Jaguar response to date has been to deny that any design deficiency exists. Failure of this component will disable the engine, and in certain conditions could cause accident leading to loss of property or life. Cost to repair by owner was over $3,000 (parts and head machining); dealer replaces entire engine vice rebuild/replace damaged. Components. *jb

Engine stall at high speed on highway, notice there has been recall on this before. Just purchase the car and check it out carfax and no mention this car was taking in for this recall can i still respond to this recall and how? [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 jaguar xj8. When the contact started the vehicle, he heard a clicking noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they determined that the timing tensioner was failing. The cost for repair would be $1,500. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 106,000 and current mileage was 106,050.

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling various speeds, the vehicle would not down shift correctly. The dealership replaced the transmission. Then two years later, the transmission began to growl; the vehicle was taken back to the dealership and the transmission was being replaced a second time.

My 1999 jaguar xj8 was fine and then i started experiencing the gear box fault coming on one day. And then when car was shut off and restarted light went away. Didn't happen again for several months and then car was parked for about a year. After about a year i installed a new battery hoping to get back on the road and the car doesn't move and the gear box fault light is on. Then while in d and car won't move until i give it gas to about 2000rpms and it'll clunk real loud and stall sometime or drive very slowly and sluggish. Anyways my car is a 1999 and there is a recall campaign number=99v138000 recall date of 06/02/1999 and its with the powertrain system. I don't think that its right for my car to not fall under that recall.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 jaguar xj8. While driving unknown speeds, the transmission failed to shift into gear and the transmission indicator illuminated. Additionally, the accelerator pedal was applied, but the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and opened case number: 8000481749. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 87,906.

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 jaguar xj8. Whenever the contact attempts to stop the vehicle, it dramatically lunges forward. Also, while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle feels as if it is losing power. Prior to the failures, the contact noticed that the transmission warning indicator illuminated on the instrument control panel. The vehicle has not yet been inspected to determine the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000 and current mileage was 91,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 jaguar xj8. The vehicle would not shift correctly from gear to gear. When the vehicle was taken to the dealer, they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced at the cost of $3,800. The dealer stated that his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 99v138000 (power train:automatic transmission). The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 103,000 and failure mileage was 98,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jaguar xj8. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or at a stand still, the gears failed to engaged properly wit the fuel injector, power train, transmission warning lights illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to brown's jaguar (10505 midlothian turnpike, richmond, va 23235) who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was referred to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the transmission module failed and needed to be replaced. The transmission module was replaced however, the failure recurred intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls was on the vin. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign numbers: 06e043000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 99v138000 (power train) as possible solutions to the failure. The failure mileage approximately 121,000.*dt*jb

Takata recall transmission fault light lights is on instrument lights go blank transmission goes clunk in and either reverse or drive

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jaguar xj8. While stopped, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle began to accelerate once the speedometer displayed 15 mph. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. The mechanic stated that there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 99v138000 (power train:automatic transmission), that may be related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 06/19/12*lj

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jaguar xj8. While traveling 20 mph, the contact noticed that the transmission fault warning light was illuminated. Moments later, the vehicle slightly hesitated before accelerating. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The current and the failure mileage was 74,000.

Transmission fault light has come on in the car. Many owners have experienced the same issue. This cost about $2700 to fix. *tr

Battery exploded, filled trunk with smoke, blew electrical covers off of fuse and relay blocks which are located too close to the battery under the floor of the trunk..exploded when turned ignition key to start car--very violent--if trunk had been open, acid would have covered anyone nearby. Better shielding of the battery needs to be undertaken.*ak

My 2001 jaguar xj8 has less than 42,000 miles on it...while driving at an approximate speed of 30 mph, it suddenly slowed to barely a crawl, and the instrument panel stated that the vehicle had no abs and trac power. Fortunately, i was on main streets and not a highway, as this could have been detrimental to both my safety and the motoring public in general. After going online to research this problem, i am finding similar complaints. I have not yet taken it to a repair shop, but my research shows that a module would need to be replaced at a cost of $1500!!! This defect should be recalled and fixed by the manufacturer. *tr

The computer system of the vehicle malfunctioned and shut down all systems resulting in an immediate loss of power and the ability to control the vehicle,dealer could not explain the problem, possible electrical problems. *yh

Takata recall transmission fault light lights is on instrument lights go blank transmission goes clunk in and either reverse or drive

Over the past six (6) months, the vehicle has stalled on the highway approximately 4 times. Had to drift onto the shoulder, put vehicle in park to start car again. That is a very dangerous situation to be on an interstate traveling at a speed of 50 and above having to drift across lanes with absolutely no power. As of this past weekend, i started the car, the airbag light would not go off. The next day, the car was making a horrible noise and once again the airbag light was on. The noise sounded as if something was loose underneath the hood. The car sounded so horrible, i had it towed versus driving it to the shop. I got the bad news that the engine has no compression and needs to be replaced. The mechanic has no idea what went caused this. I will have to get another engine or let the mechanic break the current engine down to see what parts can be re-used. I read on another website that a few people had to have engines replaced on the 1998 jaguars for no apparent cause. This is ridiculous and no fault of mine. I have kept up the maintenance. I found this link which suggests possible engine failure causes http://www.jagservice.net/jaguar_v8_secondary_tensioners.htm. *nm

Car stalled at high speeds from 44,000 until trade-in on sept 4 at 69,000 miles. Luckily no one was ever hurt. However, we had expected to keep the car for longer as we did our last car of over 100,000. We kept taking it back to jaguar but they said it was not their problem but the throttle just needed to be cleaned. They even taught my husband how to clean the throttle. During the last 6 months we had the car, we had it to the jaguar dealer and two other independent repair places to try to fix the stalling. No one was able to fix it. After two more very bad scares of stalling at high speeds in two days, we felt we had no choice but to get rid of it before we (and others) were in a terrible accident. Approximately 3 weeks later we received a recall notice that there was a throttle problem with our jaguar that caused cars to stall at high speeds and that they would repair it. We asked for reimbursement for all the repairs. Jaguar said some were routine maintenance and the others were performed at independent repair centers so not covered. We think they should not only pay our bills for trying to fix the problem, but also should compensate us for having to trade the car in early when they knew the problem existed but had not tried to fix it for us or others having our model.

Car has stalled on the highway while traveling approx. 65 mph. The car has been into the white allen jaguar dealership in dayton ohio and they have not been able to isolate the issue. Although, i have paid them on each occasion to clean out the throttle body screen. This past wekend i was on i-75 in cincinnati and it stalled nearly causing a serious accident when i had to trail across 4 lanes to reach the side of the road to pull off. I could have been seriously injured or killed. It was a horrendously frightening experience. Something must be done by jaguar to correct this problem. It seems to be rather widespread and of serious danger to the owner and others on the highway at the time the car stalls. *ak

Car stalled at highway speed without warning while on a bridge. Need to turn ignition switch off to restart. To do this you either have to put the car in neutral and coast while turning vehicle off then back on, or you need to pull off road and come to a complete stop to turn vehicle off then on. (hard to do while on bridge with no shoulder) . *ak

Vehicle has experienced multiple engine stallings while driving at highway speeds. *mr on many occasions, the vehicle stalled and felt as if the fuel had been shut off. The ignition was turned off and the consumer restarted the engine. The dealer determined that the throttle body failed and performed tsb # 310-05. The ems relay was replaced, fuel injection relay, throttle motor relay, ignition coil relay, starter relay, fuel pump relay and both ignition positive. *scc *jb

The 1998 xj8 while at highway / interstate speed 55 and up has gone into limp or stall mode at random (6 times in the past 18 months) exposing the occuptants to severe traffic hazards from fast moving vehicles. The vehicle coast to a standstill and must be put in park to restart. The jaguar dealer has changed out parts but the problem continues. Many 1998 jaguar owners have reported the same problem. The last incident was may 18, 2003

Consumer was pulling inside of angle parking lot traveling about 5mph when accelerate pedal went down to the floor and locked. She tried to hold on the brake, and vehicle drove into a sheet metal wall . There were no injuries at this time.*ak

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 jaguar xj8. While traveling 70 mph the contact released his foot off of the accelerator pedal and noticed that the vehicle had suddenly shut off without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed and 2 years prior the vehicle was taken to the dealership where the throttle body was replaced. The failure mileage was 62000 and the current mileage was 68000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jaguar xj8. The contact received a manufacturer notification regarding service action number s514 (closed throttle operation). The manufacturer provided a no charge remedy under the customer satisfaction program. The letter was received approximately one year ago. The authorized dealer was notified in january 2010 for the service repair. However, the service action number s514 expiration date was december 30, 2009. The contact was displeased to know the expiration date was not disclosed on the notification letter. The failure mileage was unknown.

Over the past six (6) months, the vehicle has stalled on the highway approximately 4 times. Had to drift onto the shoulder, put vehicle in park to start car again. That is a very dangerous situation to be on an interstate traveling at a speed of 50 and above having to drift across lanes with absolutely no power. As of this past weekend, i started the car, the airbag light would not go off. The next day, the car was making a horrible noise and once again the airbag light was on. The noise sounded as if something was loose underneath the hood. The car sounded so horrible, i had it towed versus driving it to the shop. I got the bad news that the engine has no compression and needs to be replaced. The mechanic has no idea what went caused this. I will have to get another engine or let the mechanic break the current engine down to see what parts can be re-used. I read on another website that a few people had to have engines replaced on the 1998 jaguars for no apparent cause. This is ridiculous and no fault of mine. I have kept up the maintenance. I found this link which suggests possible engine failure causes http://www.jagservice.net/jaguar_v8_secondary_tensioners.htm. *nm

Dt: contact states while driving her vehicle on the express way approximately 75 mph vehicle completely shut down. There has been a recall issued on the throttle body. This was replaced. The contact was still having problems, the throttle body has been replaced 4 times. The service dealer stated there wa slow cylinder compression, and that the engine needed to be replaced. Another mechanic stated that the throttle body was still the problem.*ak

Recall remedy failed. After the recall for the throttle was performed the recall defect happened again. *ak recall campaign# 98v022000. Jaguar stated that the they were not responsible for any further corrective action. The vehicle continued to stall. (more frequently) in other attempts to remedy the stalling problem, the dealer would reprogram the ecm (electronic control module) and suggested that the vehicle was fine. The software fix recommended by jaguar had not corrected the problem. The consumer also stated that a chirping noise would occur upon deceleration. The front brake shroud was adjusted. Jaguar investigated and changed an idler pulley and the serpentine belt but the chirping noise was still present. The problem was diagnosed as a bad differential at 80k miles. *sc *jb

While driving at low speeds the vehicle stalled three times. *ak it was determined that the stalling was caused by the throttle cable housing. *nm

Vehicle stalled and coasted to a stop while driving at 65 mph. Pushing the accelerator during this time was totally ineffective. *ak

1998 jaguar xj8 periodically stalled for no apparent reason while driving at highway speeds. *ph

Car repeatedly stalls at highway speeds. Car must be pulled over with no power and restarted.*ak

Convertible to hydraulic system failed on jaguar xk8. *tr

The analog gauge readings were not visible on the instrument cluster while driving in day light. *ak the consumer asked a salesman about this problem and he stated that they all performed that way. *nlm

Crack in vehicle's subframe. Mr *ts

The rear defroster malfunctioned. The dealer repaired a cracked subframe and aligned vehicle. *ak *jb *ts

Consumer has experienced multiple defects. The dealer suggests that the problems are due to external damage. Scc ph

The consumer has experienced the following: the rear defroster is inop, the ashtray cover is not closing, the subframe is defective- developed a crack a week after driving, and the new subfame has multiple welded areas. Scc

Front deflector came off vehicle while traveling at highway speed of 70 mph. This condition almost caused a vehicle crash. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak

Our 1999 jaguar xj8 has had numerous throttle body failures. It has been replaced by jaguar and i have had to have it replaced twice. The problem with failure is that it causes a stability control failure which causes the car to be uncontrollable. In fact, my wife hit the edge of our garage entrance way do to it;s failure. I have contacted jaguar on several occasions by letter, email and phone and they appear to be unconcerned and suggest that i continue to replace the throttle body once it goes bad. This is a real safety issue and requires the attention of your office. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jaguar xj8. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or at a stand still, the gears failed to engaged properly wit the fuel injector, power train, transmission warning lights illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to brown's jaguar (10505 midlothian turnpike, richmond, va 23235) who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was referred to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the transmission module failed and needed to be replaced. The transmission module was replaced however, the failure recurred intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls was on the vin. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign numbers: 06e043000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 99v138000 (power train) as possible solutions to the failure. The failure mileage approximately 121,000.*dt*jb

I have a 1998 jaguar xj8. The vehicle stalls at high speeds, generally after i accelerate over 50 mph. The vehicle is extremely difficult to control and can only be restarted if you bring it to a stop. I had this happen while driving the car in ca. I was almost killed when the vehicle stalled. Jaguar dealer, santa monica,repaired as cyl burn out. Mechanic told me stalling happened frequently with this model. A few years later,san antonio tx on the 183 highway rush hour. Car stalled causing me to swerve next to center median ripping off the engine cover on debris. Jaguar fixed throttle body not engine cover.service bulletin, defective throttle body. Car ran poorly thereafter. Stalled again year later. Dealer would not repair. $3,000 to fix.. Recently discovered consumers world wide have same problem. Service bulletin repair only short term fix. Jaguar blog in the uk -consumer discovered from a jaguar mechanic , most throttle bodies needed to be cleaned periodically as the lining bad and build up or deposits would form on the walls of the throttle body and cause it to malfunction. My mechanic had heard of similar problems. I called several jaguar dealerships. I was told, off the record, that i could clean the throttle and get by, but certain cleaners would cause the lining to deteriorate. I was told the replacement was a rip off, off the record. Using the appropriate cleaner, the assembly was cleaned without removal. When we turned on the vehicle smoke billowed out of the exhaust for several minutes and then subsided. The vehicle now runs perfectly. Jaguar is profiting from replacement of parts that could be cleaned and need top be cleaned regularly. Replacements effective short term only. Your form allows only "s" type equip". This is a xj8. *jb

1998 jaguar xj8 stalls at hwy. Speeds on numerious occasions. Local dealer informed me there was no recall but knew of the problem and would fix for a fee. Engine shuts off for no apparent reason resulting in loss of control of vehicle. Although there has been no accident yet, it could be catostraphic. *ak

Car has stalled on the highway while traveling approx. 65 mph. The car has been into the white allen jaguar dealership in dayton ohio and they have not been able to isolate the issue. Although, i have paid them on each occasion to clean out the throttle body screen. This past wekend i was on i-75 in cincinnati and it stalled nearly causing a serious accident when i had to trail across 4 lanes to reach the side of the road to pull off. I could have been seriously injured or killed. It was a horrendously frightening experience. Something must be done by jaguar to correct this problem. It seems to be rather widespread and of serious danger to the owner and others on the highway at the time the car stalls. *ak

Fuel door lock failed. Yh

The rear defroster malfunctioned. The dealer repaired a cracked subframe and aligned vehicle. *ak *jb *ts

Vehicle recently purchased used from auto broker. Since purchase, there has been a vibration seemingly originating from the right front wheel area. During an exceptionally windy day (30+ knot crosswinds on highway), the vibration was strong enough to make me question my ability to control the vehicle. I assumed this was due to tires out of round/balance or vehicle out of alignment so purchased 4 new tires and had vehicle aligned. Vibration is still noticeable although not nearly as strong as before. Still notice that when strong gusty conditions are in the area that the vibration increases accordingly. Possibly related condition is that when sunroof is open and vibration occurs i can hear a strumming sound like there is a problem with the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

Vehicle shakes and shimmies above 38 mph. Tires and wheels are involved. Dealer and jaguar engineer tried to fix and cannot. Extreme safety hazard. *ak

While driving 50 mph + vehicle vibrates which may possibly cause a loss of vehicle control. Dealer cannot determine cause. Please provide further information. *ak

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 jaguar xj8. While driving at 5 mph, the vehicle stalled and various warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced and an engine oil flush needed to be performed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

Secondary timing chain broke destroyed the entire assembly in addition to engine damage

Operating my vehicle, the engine starting running poor. Jaguar dealership explained poorly designed timing chain tensioners and arms have failed because jaguar made the components out of a cheap plastic, that is known to crack and cause the valves to contact the pistons. Jaguar updated the tensioners to metal , but refuses to accept responsibility for this design flaw and want to charge several thousand dollars to upgrade to the better designed parts. They refereed me to service bulletin technical service bulletin no. X303-68 , but it states if you haera a rattling noise, however it also states you may not hear a rattling noise, my car did not, and out of no where , thengine stopped running due to this design flaw, that has been updated. In fact, this effect every single 4.0 engine, that's millions! It's time this becomes a recall to replace these parts free and repair any engine component damaged from their failure.a customer should not have to pay thousands for an defective plastic tensioner, some one put inside a hot running engine, that was a very dumb idea, and the failure may even occur as young as 32,000 miles.

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 jaguar xj8. The contact stated that the vehicle would stall without warning when driving at higher speeds of approximately 75 mph. The check engine warning light would illuminate after the failure occurred. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The failure mileage was 98,000 and the current mileage was 101,000.