2003 Jaguar Vanden Plas problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2003 Jaguar Vanden Plas — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Vanden Plas years?

Vanden Plas NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vanden Plas years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Jaguar Vanden Plas problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	2	22%	▲ up
Engine	2	22%	▲ up
Other	2	22%	▲ up
Airbags	1	11%	— flat
Electrical System	1	11%	— flat
Transmission	1	11%	▼ down

Does the 2003 Jaguar Vanden Plas have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR THE PAST YEAR. MY 2003 JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS GOES INTO LIMP MODE AND THE CAR WILL BARELY MOVE. IT IS A HAZARD, ESPECIALLY IF THERE IS NO PLACE TO PULL OVER. DIAGNOSED AS A THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM WHICH IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE THAT JAGUAR REFUSES TO ADDRESS. USUALLY A…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 21, 2011

“URGENT....... TRAVELING @ 65 MPH IN THE HOV LANE OF THE 405 FREEWAY THE MIL ( MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ) SHOWED A TRANS FAULT, AND THE ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN!!! I TURNED ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS, AND COASTEED TO A STOP. THERE WAS NOT A CHAIN REACTION EVENT. AFTER STOOPING I REMOVED THE KEY, AS A…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 3, 2016

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL A SCREECHING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THIS WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE NEEDED ROTORS AND BRAKES. UPDATED 10/30/06.*JB”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 9, 2006

“URGENT....... TRAVELING @ 65 MPH IN THE HOV LANE OF THE 405 FREEWAY THE MIL ( MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ) SHOWED A TRANS FAULT, AND THE ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN!!! I TURNED ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS, AND COASTEED TO A STOP. THERE WAS NOT A CHAIN REACTION EVENT. AFTER STOOPING I REMOVED THE KEY, AS A…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 3, 2016

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 (NA) JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS. ON APRIL 10, 2004, WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED THE VEHICLE AS DESTROYED AND DID NOT INVESTIGATE THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 10, 2007 · crash

2003 Jaguar Vanden Plas — common questions

Is the 2003 Jaguar Vanden Plas reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Jaguar Vanden Plas have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Jaguar Vanden Plas. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2003 compare to other Vanden Plas years?

What are the most common 2003 Jaguar Vanden Plas problems?

Does the 2003 Jaguar Vanden Plas have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2003 Jaguar Vanden Plas — common questions

Is the 2003 Jaguar Vanden Plas reliable?

Does the 2003 Jaguar Vanden Plas have recalls?

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