VehicleVerdict

1998 Jaguar XK8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 43 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.4 times the median XK8 year — the 1998 model ranks #1 of 8 XK8 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (28% of the total).

43

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other XK8 years?

XK8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted43 complaints1997: 40 complaints1998: 43 complaints1999: 30 complaints2000: 13 complaints2001: 12 complaints2002: 5 complaints2003: 6 complaints2004: 0 complaints
XK8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XK8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Jaguar XK8 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1228%
Transmission716%
Electrical System49%
Fuel System49%
Visibility & Wipers49%
Speed Control37%
Suspension25%
Lighting25%
Other25%
Seats12%
Brakes12%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 1998 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).

98V022000Speed ControlFebruary 12, 1998 · 5,379 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHY HASN'T JAGUAR BEEN ORDERED TO RECALL THE 1997 THROUGH 2002 1/2 MODELS FOR THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER PLASTIC GUIDE ISSUE? IT HAS BEEN REPORTED HERE IN THE PAST, AND IS WIDELY KNOWN ACROSS THE INTERNET. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW WHY NHTSA HASN'T CONSIDERED THIS DESIGN DEFECT TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 23, 2014

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 JAGUAR XK8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING AND IS NOT SHIFTING GEARS CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V138000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 1, 2009

“VEHICLE HAD TO BE FLATBED TO DALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES DUE TO NOT STARTING AFTER STALLING OUT IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. SOMETIMES, VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED BUT WOULD STALL OUT. WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE AND NEW CONTROLLER BOX. OWNER FEELS IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“1998 JAGUAR XK8 HAS A HISTORY OF STALLING ON THE FREEWAY AT SPEEDS OF 55-60MPH. THIS OCCURRED TWICE (PRIOR OWNER - 38,246 MILES) - PRIOR OWNER TOLD BY JAGUAR THAT AUTOMOBILE HAD BEEN REPAIRED BY REPLACING THROTTLE. SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED AT LATER. ON-LINE INFORMATION SHOWS THAT SEVERAL OTHER 1998…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 20, 2008

“WINDSHIELD WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF RAIN STORM CAUSING ME TO LOSE VISIBILITY. NO WARNING - THE WIPERS JUST STOP AS THE NUT HOLDING THE WIPER ARM HAS BECOME LOOSENED/STRIPPED. TWO PREVIOUS TIMES THIS HAS BEEN REPAIRED. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 24, 2006

1998 Jaguar XK8 — common questions

Is the 1998 Jaguar XK8 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 1998 model at #1 of 8 XK8 years. It is one of the XK8 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 XK8 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (12 complaints), transmission (7 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).

Does the 1998 Jaguar XK8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 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.