VehicleVerdict

2004 Jaguar XJ8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 83 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.9 times the median XJ8 year — the 2004 model ranks #2 of 8 XJ8 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (18), speed control (12), and brakes (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

83

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other XJ8 years?

XJ8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted100 complaints1998: 100 complaints1999: 11 complaints2001: 20 complaints2002: 4 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 83 complaints2005: 10 complaints2006: 4 complaints
XJ8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XJ8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Jaguar XJ8 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1822%
Speed Control1214%
Brakes1012%
Engine911%
Transmission810%
Electrical System67%
Body & Structure45%
Tires & Wheels34%
Visibility & Wipers34%
Airbags22%
Fuel System22%
Lighting22%
Other22%
Steering11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2004 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.

“DT: THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING HIS 2004 JAGUAR XJ8. THE FRONT WHEEL BROKE OFF AT THE UPPER BALL JOINT. THE POLICE REPORT READ THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL BROKE WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HIT TWO PARKED UNATTENDED VEHICLES . NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 16, 2005 · crash

“WHILE PROCEEDING TO PARK IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND FORCIBLY STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. DURING THIS INCIDENT THE DRIVER HAD NO CONTROL OF BRAKING OR STEERING. THE IMPACT WAS SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY AND SUSTAIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 18, 2014 · crash

“WAS WAITING FOR A LIGHT CHANGE, WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR LURCHED FORWARD WHILSE MY FOOT WAS STILL ON BRAKE, BUMPING THE TWO CARS IN FRONT OF ME. THE DSC FAULT LIGHT WAS ON AFTER THIS HAPPENED.STATING ``DSC NOT AVAILABLE``HAD VECHICAL TOWED TO HERITAGE JAGUAR IN FREEPORT, THEY REPLACED THE FAULT BRAKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 14, 2005 · crash

“WHILE PROCEEDING TO PARK IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND FORCIBLY STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. DURING THIS INCIDENT THE DRIVER HAD NO CONTROL OF BRAKING OR STEERING. THE IMPACT WAS SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY AND SUSTAIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 18, 2014 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 JAGUAR XJ8. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THIS CAUSED HIM TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS DAMAGE TO HER BUMPER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FIVE OCCASIONS HOWEVER ONLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 15, 2006 · crash

2004 Jaguar XJ8 — common questions

Is the 2004 Jaguar XJ8 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 83 complaints put the 2004 model at #2 of 8 XJ8 years. It is one of the XJ8 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 XJ8 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (18 complaints), speed control (12 complaints), brakes (10 complaints).

Does the 2004 Jaguar XJ8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 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.