VehicleVerdict

1998 Jaguar XJ8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 100 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.5 times the median XJ8 year — the 1998 model ranks #1 of 8 XJ8 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 38 reports (38% of the total).

100

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other XJ8 years?

XJ8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted100 complaints1998: 100 complaints1999: 11 complaints2001: 20 complaints2002: 4 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 83 complaints2005: 10 complaints2006: 4 complaints
XJ8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XJ8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Jaguar XJ8 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3838%
Transmission1414%
Speed Control1313%
Electrical System1212%
Fuel System55%
Suspension44%
Seats33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Lighting22%
Other22%
Airbags22%
Steering11%
Brakes11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 1998 Jaguar XJ8 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.

“TL* - THE CONTACT'S STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON AUGUST 30TH 2006, AND HAD PROBLEMS WITH LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER ABOUT 100 TIMES WHILE DRIVING65 MPH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL JAGUAR DEALER FOR A CHECK UP. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW THE CAUSE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 20, 2006 · crash

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. ONCE THE VEHICLE SPEED ROSE TO 20 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD BANG. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATING CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 1, 2006

“CONSUMER WAS PULLING INSIDE OF ANGLE PARKING LOT TRAVELING ABOUT 5MPH WHEN ACCELERATE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND LOCKED. SHE TRIED TO HOLD ON THE BRAKE, AND VEHICLE DROVE INTO A SHEET METAL WALL . THERE WERE NO INJURIES AT THIS TIME.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 16, 2000 · crash

“BATTERY EXPLODED, FILLED TRUNK WITH SMOKE, BLEW ELECTRICAL COVERS OFF OF FUSE AND RELAY BLOCKS WHICH ARE LOCATED TOO CLOSE TO THE BATTERY UNDER THE FLOOR OF THE TRUNK..EXPLODED WHEN TURNED IGNITION KEY TO START CAR--VERY VIOLENT--IF TRUNK HAD BEEN OPEN, ACID WOULD HAVE COVERED ANYONE NEARBY. BETTER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 10, 2002 · fire

“1998 JAGUAR XJ8 STALLS AT HWY. SPEEDS ON NUMERIOUS OCCASIONS. LOCAL DEALER INFORMED ME THERE WAS NO RECALL BUT KNEW OF THE PROBLEM AND WOULD FIX FOR A FEE. ENGINE SHUTS OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT YET, IT COULD BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 22, 2004

1998 Jaguar XJ8 — common questions

Is the 1998 Jaguar XJ8 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 100 complaints put the 1998 model at #1 of 8 XJ8 years. It is one of the XJ8 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 XJ8 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (38 complaints), transmission (14 complaints), speed control (13 complaints).

Does the 1998 Jaguar XJ8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Jaguar XJ8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Jaguar XJ8 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XJ8 years to avoid are 1998, 2004. The cleanest record among XJ8 years belongs to 2003.

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.