VehicleVerdict

2003 Jaguar XK8 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2003 Jaguar XK8 — 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.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other XK8 years?

XK8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted43 complaints1997: 40 complaints1998: 43 complaints1999: 30 complaints2000: 13 complaints2001: 12 complaints2002: 5 complaints2003: 6 complaints2004: 0 complaints
XK8 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XK8 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Jaguar XK8 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System350%
Transmission233%
Tires & Wheels117%

Does the 2003 Jaguar XK8 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.

“PROBLEMS WITH 2003 JAGUAR XK8 STALLING. *MR WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT WHEN HIS KNEE ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 2, 2003

“AFTER SLOWING THE CAR, THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED IN A HARSH, SUDDEN MANNER, AND THEN THE CAR ACCELERATES ABRUPTLY AND SURGES FORWARD WITH A "CLUNKING" SOUND. AN AMBER WARNING WAS DISPLAYED ON THE DASH SAYING "GEARBOX FAULT". IF SOMEONE WAS IN FRONT OF THE CAR WHEN IT SURGED FORWARD THEY MIGHT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 26, 2013

“I OWN A 2003 XK8 JAGUAR CONVERTIBLE WITH STANDARD FACTORY WHEELS.. MY TIRE WENT FLAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE FLAT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE WHEEL HAD CRACKED ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL, CAUSING THE AIR TO LEAK FROM THE TIRE. THE WHEEL WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY MAJOR COLLISION BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 16, 2006

2003 Jaguar XK8 — common questions

Is the 2003 Jaguar XK8 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Jaguar XK8 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 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.