AI DamageJaguar XJR: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Jaguar XJR across 10 model years: 32 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 28% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 19% of all complaints
- 3 Vehicle speed control 13% of all complaints
- 4 Engine 9% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 9% of all complaints
- 6 Seats 9% of all complaints
- 7 Air bags 6% of all complaints
- 8 Steering 6% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 9 complaints (28% of all).
- Electrical system: 6 complaints (19% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 4 complaints (13% of all).
- Engine: 3 complaints (9% of all).
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (9% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 4 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1996
- 4 L · petrol · turbo · 8 cyl 1998–2003
- 4.2 L · petrol · turbo · 8 cyl 2004–2009
- 5.3 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1995
- automatic, 4-speed 1995–1996
- automatic, 5-speed 1998–2003
- automatic, 6-speed 2004–2009
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 32 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Vehicle hydroplaned very easliy in rainy conditions which resulted in an accident.
Heavy white smoke from engine hood blocking view. Premature oxygen sensor failure when turning on the vehicle on cold start.
After 15-20 minutes of highway driving, vehicle suddenly switches into "restricted performance" showing this amber light indicator and amber engine light. Several times because of the drawback in speed, I have been almost rear-ended. This problem is putting my life and others on the highway in danger.
May 29, 2012 airbag deployed as car was being unlocked in a parking lot. Vehicle was not running, merely being unlocked with the key fob, as I attempted to enter, the airbag of the drivers side, embedded in the drivers seat, blew, striking me in the head and bagging my head against the outer edge of the door opening.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 jaguar xjr. While driving approximately 50 mph, the tachometer, oil, and abs warning indicators remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jaguar xjr. The contact noticed fuel vapors emitting from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Vehicle speed control. Accelerator pedal, cruise control, throttle codes.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.