VehicleVerdict

2004 Jaguar S-Type problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2004 Jaguar S-Type sits mid-pack among S-Type years: 39 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 36, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (9), transmission (7), and engine (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

39

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other S-Type years?

S-Type NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 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, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S-Type years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Jaguar S-Type problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes923%
Transmission718%
Engine615%
Speed Control513%
Electrical System410%
Steering25%
Lighting25%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Fuel System13%
Suspension13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2004 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.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 JAGUAR S-TYPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED AND CAUSED SMOKE TO APPEAR FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED AND BEGAN TO SMOKE, ALMOST CAUSING A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 23, 2009 · fire

“THERE IS A RECALL BY JAGUAR R513 VEHICLE GOING INTO REVERSE GEAR WHEN YOU SHIFT FROM DRIVE AND LOCKS UP. THIS VEHICLE DID THIS. ITS SAYS THE CONTROL MODULE HAS TO BE REPROGRAM. NOW JAGUAR REFUSE TO DO IT UNDER THE RECALL..THE VEHICLE IS LOCK IN GEAR AND WILL NOT MOVE.. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 20, 2014

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE BUT THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES TO EXIST INTERMITTENTLY. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SEVERAL TIMES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS AUTOMOBILE HAS CUT-OFF WHILE MOVING WHICH CAUSED ANOTHER VEHICLE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 4, 2004 · crash

“DT: 2004 JAGUAR S TYPE. THE CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF WHEN DRIVING. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP A NUMBER OF TIMES. WHEN GETTING READY TO TAKE OFF IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THIS HAS CAUSED A MINOR ACCIDENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, AND MINOR DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER. VEHICLE WILL OPERATE 3-4…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 14, 2005 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE BUT THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES TO EXIST INTERMITTENTLY. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SEVERAL TIMES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS AUTOMOBILE HAS CUT-OFF WHILE MOVING WHICH CAUSED ANOTHER VEHICLE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 4, 2004 · crash

2004 Jaguar S-Type — common questions

Is the 2004 Jaguar S-Type reliable?

It is close to typical for the S-Type: 39 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2004 S-Type problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (9 complaints), transmission (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints).

Does the 2004 Jaguar S-Type have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 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.