AI Damage1998 Jaguar XK8: common problems
Owners of the 1998 Jaguar XK8 filed 32 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and powertrain. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 32
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 31% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 22% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 13% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 13% of all complaints
- 5 Visibility 13% of all complaints
- 6 Vehicle speed control 9% of all complaints
- 7 Exterior lighting 6% of all complaints
- 8 Suspension 6% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 10 complaints (31% of all).
- Powertrain: 7 complaints (22% of all).
- Electrical system: 4 complaints (13% of all).
- Fuel system: 4 complaints (13% of all).
- Visibility: 4 complaints (13% 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 · 8 cyl
- automatic, 5-speed
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 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 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.
When applying the abs brakes in normal conditions the pedal resisted, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a collision. Please give any further details.
Would not start, battery run down in less than one week. Stationary
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.
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.
1998 xk8 stalled at freeway speeds. Third incident. Dealer unable to duplicate; no repair suggestions.
In two separate instances, my 1998 jaguar xk8 has stalled while driving at highway speeds. In both cases, I had started the engine from cold at about 50 degrees ambient temperature, driven about three miles in city traffic, and then entered the freeway. Within about 1 1/2 miles, at a speed near 60mph, the car stalled.
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.
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 6,635 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 18% most complained about).
On average one model year of the XK8 has 17 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 32, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Jaguar XK8?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, powertrain, electrical system. Total complaints: 32. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: stalls while driving (28%), won't start (9%), engine failure or replacement (6%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1998 Jaguar XK8?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1998 Jaguar XK8 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1998 models
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.