The most-reported XK8 run is SAJGX2742VC (1997 builds) with 5 complaints, 3.3× the typical run. Engine and engine cooling problems make up 27% of reports; 2000 is the worst model year at 1.8 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for XK8 model years 1997–2004.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Jaguar XK8 has 64 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 18% of every XK8 complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAJGX2742VC•••••• | 1997 | — | — | |
| SAJGX2243WC•••••• | 1998 | — | — | |
| SAJGX2247WC•••••• | 1998 | — | — | |
| SAJGX2048XC•••••• | 1999 | — | — | |
| SAJGX2049XC•••••• | 1999 | — | — | |
| SAJJA42C4YN•••••• | 2000 | — | — | |
| SAJGX2041XC•••••• | 1999 | — | — | |
| SAJGX5249WC•••••• | 1998 | — | — | |
| SAJGX274XVC•••••• | 1997 | — | — | |
| SAJGX2749VC•••••• | 1997 | — | — | |
| SAJGX5246WC•••••• | 1998 | — | — | |
| SAJGX5247WC•••••• | 1998 | — | — |
Each of the other 52 XK8 runs has 2 complaints or fewer.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Jaguar XK8 the gap between build years is 1.8×: a 2000 car draws 1.8 complaints per run, a 2003 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 4 | 4 | — | |
| 2001 | 8 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2000 | 9 | 5 | 1 | |
| 1999 | 22 | 13 | 1 | |
| 1998 | 29 | 17 | 1 | |
| 1997 | 26 | 18 | — |
Heaviest year here is 2000 at 1.8 complaints per run; lightest is 2003 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 27% of everything Jaguar XK8 owners report: Engine And Engine Cooling, 25 of 98 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | — | |
| Power Train | 1 | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | — | |
| Electrical System | — | — | |
| Fuel System | — | — | |
| Visibility | — | — | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | — | |
| Suspension | — | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 3 recall campaigns on the Jaguar XK8; the 3 below cover build years 1997 to 2004. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 06E043000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 1997–2004 |
| 98V022000 | Vehicle Speed Control | 1998 |
| 97V045000 | Suspension:rear | 1997 |
The XK8 against its rivals
The XK8 draws 1.5 complaints per production run; the BMW 650i 1.2. That is the highest rate of the 2.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaguar XK8 | 98 | 64 | 5.1% | |
| BMW 650i | 45 | 37 | 0% |
How serious were they
Of the 98 reports on the Jaguar XK8, 5.1% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Jaguar XK8 | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 98 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 5 (5.1%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 1 (1%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Jaguar XK8 share of that is 98 complaints over 64 runs, 0.01% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Jaguar XK8 VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 98 NHTSA complaints from 64 XK8 runs and 3 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which XK8 production run has the most complaints?
SAJGX2742VC, a 1997 build, with 5 complaints. The typical XK8 run has 1.5.
Which XK8 years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2000 is heaviest at 1.8 complaints per run and 2003 lightest at 1.
Does the XK8 get more complaints than the BMW 650i?
Yes: 1.5 complaints per production run for the XK8 against 1.2 for the BMW 650i.
How many XK8 complaints involve a crash?
5.1% of 98 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 1 involved a fire.
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