AI Damage2002 Jaguar XK8: common problems
Owners of the 2002 Jaguar XK8 filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about structure and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
What fails most often
- 1 Structure 50% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 25% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 25% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 25% of all complaints
- Structure: 2 complaints (50% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (25% 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 4 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 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.
There is a common throttle body failure in 2002 jaguars. When this failure occurs, the car goes into "fail safe" mode and reduces speed to 30 mph, creating a hazard on highways with limited access.
2002 jaguar xkr check engine light illuminated and gas fumes could be smelled. The vehicle check engine light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and explained that it was nothing serious and likely due to something in the emission system.
Problems with wind noise on driver's side window. The front door was hard to open, the j gate clicked all the time when braking, air leaked in the driver's front window along with noise, there was a hum noise when going at highway speeds, and the center console light flashed.
Convertible top was moving very slowly while opening. Next one of the hydralic lines from convertible top broke off and sprayed fluid all over passengers. Consumer feels this is very dangerous. Please provide any further information.
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 15,521 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 42% most complained about).
On average one model year of the XK8 has 17 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 4, below average.
What to check before buying
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- 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 2002 Jaguar XK8?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: structure, electrical system, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (25%), windows, sunroof (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2002 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 2002 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 2002 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.