VehicleVerdict

2002 Jaguar S-Type problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Jaguar S-Type sits mid-pack among S-Type years: 30 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 36, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (33% of the total).

30

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other S-Type years?

S-Type NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted178 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 178 complaints2001: 105 complaints2002: 30 complaints2003: 152 complaints2004: 39 complaints2005: 115 complaints2006: 33 complaints2007: 8 complaints2008: 15 complaints
S-Type NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S-Type years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Jaguar S-Type problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1033%
Speed Control620%
Tires & Wheels310%
Electrical System310%
Fuel System27%
Engine27%
Suspension27%
Steering13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2002 Jaguar S-Type have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

04V484000OtherOctober 14, 2004 · 50,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEM." THE BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR IS RECESSED AND ORIENTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BENEATH A LEAF SCREEN, SUCH THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING STATEMENT EMBOSSED ON THE TOP OF THE RESERVOIR BODY IS NOT VISIBLE BY DIRECT VIEW.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE SENT LETTERS WHICH WILL INCLUDE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND LABELS CONTAINING THE REQUIRED WARNING STATEMENT. IF THEY PREFER, OWNERS MAY CONTACT DEALERS TO HAVE THEM INSTALL THE LABELS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-800-452-4827.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“OUR 2002 JAGUAR S TYPE WITH 44,000 MILES HAS TRANSMISSIONS PROBLEMS. WE CONTACTED THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY WILL NOT STAND BY THEIR VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING TRANSMISSIONS PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPANY. WE NEED HELP GETTING THIS PROBLEMS SOLVED. WHY SHOULD I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 28, 2005

“I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE AND BACKING DOWN MY VERY STEEP DRIVEWAY. I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND DISCOVERED I HAD NO BRAKES AND NO STEERING. THE CAR ACCELERATED DOWN DRIVEWAY AND DOWN MY NEIGHBORS HILL. THE CAR WAS STOPPED BY A TREE. WHEN THE CAR WAS TOWED OUT, THE WHEELS WERE PERFECTLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 9, 2003 · crash

“ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 10 MPH WHEN THE CONSUMER ENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS PROBLEM ONLY OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SHOP, BUT THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MECHANIC CHANGED OUT THE COMPUTER,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 19, 2003

“SIDE WALL HAS A SLIT AND A BULGE IN THE SIDE WALL. THIS WAS CAUGHT BEFORE A FAILURE. THEY TRIED TO TELL ME THAT IT WAS FROM A ROAD HAZARD AND NOT A DEFECT. I DON'T BELIEVE A WORD OF IT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 6, 2008

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JAGUAR S-TYPE. THE VEHICLE IDLES, SURGES, AND STALLS WHEN TRAVELING FROM 0 TO 55 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURS CONSTANTLY AND BEGAN IN SEPTEMBER OF 2006. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON AUGUST 3, 2007. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 3, 2007

2002 Jaguar S-Type — common questions

Is the 2002 Jaguar S-Type reliable?

It is close to typical for the S-Type: 30 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2002 S-Type problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (10 complaints), speed control (6 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2002 Jaguar S-Type have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Jaguar S-Type. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Jaguar S-Type years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S-Type years to avoid are 2000, 2003, 2005, 2001. The cleanest record among S-Type years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.