VehicleVerdict

2002 Jaguar X-Type problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 189 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.3 times the median X-Type year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 7 X-Type years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 53 reports (28% of the total).

189

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other X-Type years?

X-Type NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted189 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 189 complaints2003: 105 complaints2004: 92 complaints2005: 27 complaints2006: 30 complaints2007: 27 complaints
X-Type NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all X-Type years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission5328%
Tires & Wheels1810%
Engine179%
Brakes147%
Electrical System147%
Speed Control105%
Visibility & Wipers95%
Body & Structure95%
Fuel System95%
Suspension74%
Airbags63%
Other63%
Seats53%
Seat Belts53%
Steering32%
Latches & Locks32%
Lighting11%

Does the 2002 Jaguar X-Type have recalls?

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

04V487000BrakesOctober 7, 2004 · 3,856 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH LHD MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE HAND BRAKE, WHICH APPLIES THE PARKING BRAKE, MAY NOT APPLY SUFFICIENT PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PADS TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING IF THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS LEFT IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION. THE AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER WITHIN THE HAND BRAKE MAY NOT WORK PROPERLY CAUSING THE HAND BRAKE LEVER TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE RECOMMENDED RANGE.

Consequence

IF THE VEHICLE TRAVELS OUTSIDE THE RECOMMENDED RANGE, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AWAY AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT HAND BRAKE LEVER SYSTEM ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH A MANUAL HAND BRAKE LEVER SYSTEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 14, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-800-452-4827.

03V011000LightingJanuary 16, 2003 · 49,174 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER SEDANS, THE POWER CIRCUIT WHICH FEEDS THE DIRECTION INDICATOR SYSTEM COULD FAIL. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER BEING UNAWARE THAT THE EXTERNAL TURNING INDICATORS ARE NOT OPERATING BECAUSE THE INTERNAL "TELL-TAIL" LIGHT ON THE DRIVER'S INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTINUES TO WORK NORMALLY.

Consequence

THE LOSS OF REAR TURN SIGNALS COULD FAIL TO WARN A FOLLOWING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GENERAL ELECTRIC MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 1, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME 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.

“I WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF MY GARAGE, WAITING FOR THE DOOR TO OPEN, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SPEED UP AND BRAKE PRESSURE FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE PARTIALLY OPEN DOOR, THEN SMASHED IN TO CABINETS IN THE REAR OF THE GARAGE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 13, 2010 · crash

“ALUMINUM WHEELS DENT EASILY ALLOWING AIR LEAKAGE FROM TIRES. THESE ARE THE SPORT WHEELS ON THE JAG X-TYPE MODEL. I RAN OVER A DEER CARCASS IN ROAD AND THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE DEFLATED AND CAME OFF THE RIM AS THE CAR WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH. THE CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND $17.000 OF DAMAGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 21, 2004 · crash

“WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE ALL OF A SUDDEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB THERE WAS NO WARNING, SMOKE STARTED TO COME FROM THE HOOD. (HEAVIEST ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HOOD) THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. THE HOT SPOT APPEARED CLOSE TO THE WINDSHIELD. WHEN THE FIRE STARTED, IT SMELLED LIKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 6, 2003 · fire

“DT: JAGUAR X-TYPE 2002. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN GEAR. JAGUAR LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE, AND THE ENGINEER FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE KEY WAS REMOVED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN GEAR, WHICH WAS AN INDIRECT VIOLATION OF FMVSS. JAGUAR SIMPLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 20, 2005 · crash

“2002 JAGUAR X TYPE WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLL OVER AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CRUISE CONTROL AND BRAKE EQUIPMENT ARE POSING A PROBLEM AS WELL. *MR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES. *SC *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 1, 2005 · crash

2002 Jaguar X-Type — common questions

Is the 2002 Jaguar X-Type reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 189 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 7 X-Type years. It is one of the X-Type years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 X-Type problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (53 complaints), tires & wheels (18 complaints), engine (17 complaints).

Does the 2002 Jaguar X-Type have recalls?

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

Which Jaguar X-Type years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the X-Type years to avoid are 2002, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among X-Type years belongs to 2001.

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.