VehicleVerdict

2003 Jaguar S-Type problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 152 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median S-Type year — the 2003 model ranks #2 of 10 S-Type years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (37), speed control (18), and transmission (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

152

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other S-Type years?

S-Type NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 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, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S-Type years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Jaguar S-Type problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes3724%
Speed Control1812%
Electrical System1711%
Transmission1711%
Engine107%
Visibility & Wipers96%
Airbags75%
Lighting75%
Tires & Wheels75%
Steering64%
Fuel System53%
Other53%
Suspension21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%
Latches & Locks11%
Body & Structure11%
Seats11%

Does the 2003 Jaguar S-Type have recalls?

4 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.

04V488000BrakesOctober 7, 2004 · 30,181 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ELECTRONIC PARK BRAKE MODULE, WHICH CONTROLS THE APPLICATION OF THE PARKING BRAKE, MAY UNINTENTIONALLY APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WITHOUT ANY INDICATION OR WARNING TO THE DRIVER.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE AND MAY CAUSE REAR WHEEL "LOCKUP" AT ANY ROAD SPEED. A CRASH MAY OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC PARK BRAKE MODULE WITH THE LATEST PRODUCTION LEVER PARTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-800-452-4827.

04V024000TransmissionJanuary 8, 2004 · 31,731 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, WITH THE FORWARD DRIVE GEAR SELECTED AND THE VEHICLE STATIONARY OR IN A FORWARD MOTION, THE GEARBOX COULD POTENTIALLY SELECT REVERSE GEAR, WITHOUT INDICATION.

Consequence

THIS FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-201-818-8500.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH REAR BRAKES LOCKED, AND THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED AND BEGAN FLASHING. THE DRIVER HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE. IT WENT INTO A SPIN ,CAUSING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO HIT THE CONCRETE DIVIDER. ALSO, THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE WHEN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 26, 2005 · crash

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED IN JANUARY 2006, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WHILE REVERSING, CRASHING INTO A CEMENT GARAGE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IN OCTOBER 2006, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND REAR ENDED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 10, 2006 · crash

“IN THE 1 1/2 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED MY VEHICLE IT HAS BEEN INT HE SHOP 15 TIMES FOR VARIOUS REASONS: ELECTRICAL, TRANSMISSION, FRONT END PROBLEMS, STEERING, ACCELERATIONS ETC...JAGUAR HAS BEEN DRAGGING THEIR FEET FOR 4 MONTHS IN RECTIFYING PROBLEMS. CONSUMER AFFIARS IS WORTHLESS AND HAVE ACCUSED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 22, 2004

“WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND APPLYING MY BRAKES THE CAR INVOLUNTARILY ACCELERATED ON TO INCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CAR WAS REVVING AT HIGH SPEED AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED. I HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKES BUT CAR WAS NOT RESPONDING . I HEADED TOWARD HIGH CURB AVOIDING CARS AND PEDESTRIANS IN HOPES OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 24, 2013 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JAGUAR S-TYPE, WHEN EVER THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE AT SPEEDS RANGING FROM 25 MPH AND HIGHER, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STOP ACCELERATING. THE DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CONTACT HAS ALSO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 15, 2009

2003 Jaguar S-Type — common questions

Is the 2003 Jaguar S-Type reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 152 complaints put the 2003 model at #2 of 10 S-Type years. It is one of the S-Type years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 S-Type problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (37 complaints), speed control (18 complaints), transmission (17 complaints).

Does the 2003 Jaguar S-Type have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 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.