VehicleVerdict

1997 Jaguar XK8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 40 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median XK8 year — the 1997 model ranks #2 of 8 XK8 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (28% of the total).

40

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other XK8 years?

XK8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted43 complaints1997: 40 complaints1998: 43 complaints1999: 30 complaints2000: 13 complaints2001: 12 complaints2002: 5 complaints2003: 6 complaints2004: 0 complaints
XK8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XK8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Jaguar XK8 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1128%
Electrical System615%
Speed Control410%
Seats38%
Suspension38%
Other38%
Visibility & Wipers25%
Fuel System25%
Transmission25%
Brakes25%
Steering13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%

Does the 1997 Jaguar XK8 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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).

97V045000SuspensionMarch 20, 1997 · 2,303 units

Defect

THE DIFFERENTIAL OUTPUT SHAFT RETAINING RINGS ON THE REAR SUSPENSION CAN BECOME DISPLACED ALLOWING THE OUTPUT SHAFT TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL UNIT.

Consequence

IF THE OUTPUT SHAFT SEPARATES, THE REAR SUSPENSION WOULD COLLAPSE ON THE AFFECTED SIDE RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S DIFFERENTIAL SERIAL NUMBER AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE NECESSARY PARTS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“1997 JAGUAR XK8 SUDDENLY STALLS OUT COMPLETELY DURING FREEWAY DRIVING. OTHER LISTINGS AT NHTSA REGARDING THIS. POTENTIALLY FATAL ISSUE AS THE CAR CANNOT BE STEERED OFF THE ROAD EASILY. NO WARNING OF FAILURE - RESULTING IN FOLLOWING TRAFFIC HAVING TO BREAK LANE SUDDENLY TO AVOID THE STALLED JAG.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 2, 2003

“WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 JAGUAR XK8 ON POLARIS PARKWAY @50MPH, THE CAR LOST TOTAL POWER. I HAD TO WEAVE OUT OF THE MIDDLE LANE IN ORDER TO REDUCE A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT.. *TR THE LOCAL JAGUAR DEALER TESTED AND REPORTED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED THUS CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE ALL POWER...DURING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 16, 2012

“WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 JAGUAR XK8 ON POLARIS PARKWAY @50MPH, THE CAR LOST TOTAL POWER. I HAD TO WEAVE OUT OF THE MIDDLE LANE IN ORDER TO REDUCE A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT.. *TR THE LOCAL JAGUAR DEALER TESTED AND REPORTED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED THUS CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE ALL POWER...DURING THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 16, 2012

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVERS SEAT SUDDENLY BEGAN MOVING FORWARD WITH THE SEAT BACK LEANING FORWARD AS WELL. THIS FORCED ME UP AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL ALMOST CRUSHING ME. I TRIED TO USE THE SEAT CONTROLS TO STOP THE MOVEMENT AND RETURN THE SEAT TO IT'S PROPER POSITION BUT THE SWITCH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · October 27, 2014 · fire

“WHILE GOING 70MPH VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN WHILE ACCLERATING. THE MOTOR WAS RUNNING BUT VEHICLE FAIL TO MOVE. CONSUMER WAITED A 1/2 HOUR TO RESTART AND IT REPEATEDLY CUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BUT NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND. NO CONTACT WAS MADE WITH THE DEALER. PLEASE ADD MORE INFORMATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 1, 2002

1997 Jaguar XK8 — common questions

Is the 1997 Jaguar XK8 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 40 complaints put the 1997 model at #2 of 8 XK8 years. It is one of the XK8 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 XK8 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), speed control (4 complaints).

Does the 1997 Jaguar XK8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Jaguar XK8. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Jaguar XK8 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XK8 years to avoid are 1998, 1997, 1999. The cleanest record among XK8 years belongs to 2004.

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.