Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 1998 Jaguar XJ — 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.
12
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 42% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 17% | new |
| Transmission | 2 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 1 | 8% | new |
| Other | 1 | 8% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 8% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE CABLE ADJUSTER BRACKET NUT ON THE OUTER SLEEVE OF THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN BECOME DISPLACED FROMTHE CABLE ABUTMENT BRACKET ON THE ENGINE.
Consequence
SHOULD THIS OCCUR, LIMITED OPENING OF THE THROTTLE WILL OCCUR, EVEN WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND MODIFY THE THROTTLE CABLE SYSTEM.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“NOT SURE EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I HAVE HAD THE COMPLETE FUEL SYSTEM AND WATER PUMP REPLACED. THERE APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE PLACEMENT OF WHERE THE GAS CAP IS LOCATED ON THE VEHICLE (ON TOP NEAR THE TRUNK) RATHER THAN ON THE SIDE. WHEN THERE IS A HARD RAIN, WATER LEAKS INTO THE GAS TANK;…”
“NOT SURE EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I HAVE HAD THE COMPLETE FUEL SYSTEM AND WATER PUMP REPLACED. THERE APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE PLACEMENT OF WHERE THE GAS CAP IS LOCATED ON THE VEHICLE (ON TOP NEAR THE TRUNK) RATHER THAN ON THE SIDE. WHEN THERE IS A HARD RAIN, WATER LEAKS INTO THE GAS TANK;…”
The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), lighting (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Jaguar XJ. 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.