VehicleVerdict

2003 Jaguar X-Type problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 105 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.5 times the median X-Type year — the 2003 model ranks #2 of 7 X-Type years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across tires & wheels (18), transmission (16), and brakes (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

105

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other X-Type years?

X-Type NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted189 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 189 complaints2003: 105 complaints2004: 92 complaints2005: 27 complaints2006: 30 complaints2007: 27 complaints
X-Type NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all X-Type years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels1817%
Transmission1615%
Brakes1010%
Airbags99%
Body & Structure99%
Speed Control88%
Engine88%
Electrical System77%
Steering66%
Fuel System55%
Latches & Locks33%
Seats22%
Other22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2003 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.

“MY 2003 X-TYPE JAGUAR HAS GONE THROUGH 5 BENT WHEELS AND APPROX 9 TIRES. JAGUAR IS NOT HONORING THE WARRANTY AND CLAIMS IT WAS CAUSED BY ROAD HAZARDS. THIS ALL HAPPEND AT DIFFERENT TIMES IN THE LAST 1 1/2 YEARS. THE CAR WAS NEVER DRIVEN OFF ROAD OR IN POT HOLES OR UNREASONABLE DEVIATIONS IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 1, 2004

“AT 55 MPH VEHICLE VEERED LEFT TO AVOID GETTING HIT BY ANOTHER CAR THAT CAME INTO ITS LANE. DESPITE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE, DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND CRASHED THROUGH A FENCE STOPPING IN A RESIDENTIAL BACKYARD. PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW COMPLETELY SHATTERED FROM IMPACT, HOWEVER SIDE CURTAIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 12, 2005 · crash

“EMERGENCY HAND BRAKE FAILURE. APPROX 2 YEARS AGO, WE VISITED FRIENDS FOR DINNER. I PARKED MY CAR IN THEIR SHORT, REASONABLY STEEP DRIVEWAY. AFTER DINNER, AND WHEN WE WERE GETTING READY TO LEAVE, MY WIFE GOT INTO THE VEHICLE AND I WAS SAYING GOOD NIGHT TO OUR HOSTS, WHEN THE CAR STARTED ROLLING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 21, 2008 · crash

“AT 55 MPH VEHICLE VEERED LEFT TO AVOID GETTING HIT BY ANOTHER CAR THAT CAME INTO ITS LANE. DESPITE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE, DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND CRASHED THROUGH A FENCE STOPPING IN A RESIDENTIAL BACKYARD. PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW COMPLETELY SHATTERED FROM IMPACT, HOWEVER SIDE CURTAIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 12, 2005 · crash

“AS THE RESULT OF A RECENT ACCIDENT I HAVE DISCOVERED A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT WITH JAGUAR'S X-TYPE AUTOMOBILES THAT CRUCIALLY COMPROMISES THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE RENDERING IT UNSAFE FOR USE AND IS VIRTUALLY UNDETECTABLE BY VISUAL INSPECTION. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 19, 2010 · crash

2003 Jaguar X-Type — common questions

Is the 2003 Jaguar X-Type reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 105 complaints put the 2003 model at #2 of 7 X-Type years. It is one of the X-Type years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 X-Type problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (18 complaints), transmission (16 complaints), brakes (10 complaints).

Does the 2003 Jaguar X-Type have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 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.