The Jaguar XK Years To Avoid
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The Jaguar XK is a two-door grand touring car produced by British car manufacturer Jaguar Cars from 1996 to 2014. It was available in two body styles - a three-door hatchback coupé and a two-door convertible, with the latter being introduced in 1998.
The XK was generally well-received by consumers, with many praising its luxurious interior, powerful engine, and smooth ride. Many critics and consumers claimed that the XK offers an outstanding balance of luxury and performance. It also held its own against heavyweight competitors like the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, the BMW 6 Series, and the Porsche 911.
That said, luxury-coupe and convertible shoppers will have much to like about the Jaguar XK. It also makes for a great used car, thanks to its lightweight aluminum body and reasonable prices in the used car market.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE JAGUAR XK
If you’re interested in a used version of this vehicle, it’s critical to focus on dependability. You might wonder - what is the most reliable Jaguar XK year on the market?
While the Jaguar XK is considered a reliable luxury coupe as a whole, some years are simply less reliable than others. So for today’s post, we highlight the Jaguar XK years to avoid if you’re looking to buy a used model. Plus, we offer insights into why they should be approached with caution.
Which Jaguar XK Years To Avoid?
Below are the Jaguar XK years to avoid due to potential reliability issues and the high number of complaints:
- 2007 Jaguar XK
- 2008 Jaguar XK
- 2010 Jaguar XK
- 2014 Jaguar XK
2007 Jaguar XK
The first production year of any vehicle is often seen as a sort of “trial run.” Manufacturers use this time to work out any kinks or issues that may not have been apparent during the design and testing phases. This applies to the 2007 Jaguar XK, which, according to CarComplaints.com, is the least reliable year of this luxury coupe.
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Engine Issues
Unfortunately, the engine of the 2007 XK is the main area of concern, specifically when it comes to vehicle speed control. A report indicated that the vehicle unexpectedly engaged wide open throttle when attempting to switch lanes by accelerating. Even after removing the foot from the accelerator and applying the brakes, the car could only slow to 40 mph. The owner had to repeatedly turn off and restart the vehicle in order to regain control.
Also, be on the lookout for unintended acceleration issues with this model year. A distraught owner claimed that while approaching a stop sign and applying the brakes, the vehicle lunged forward instead of stopping. The vehicle continued moving forward at less than two mph and came to a complete stop when it was approximately three feet into the intersection.
Lastly, an owner reported that the XK’s accelerator pedal got stuck in the ON position after accelerating from 10-20 mph to about 60 mph. Despite applying the brakes, the car continued to accelerate. Needless to say, these vehicle speed control problems are massive safety hazards.
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Electrical System Problems
In addition, the 2007 XK received numerous complaints about electrical issues. Below are some of them:
- Keyless start issue: One owner reported that the car would not stay running when the start button was pressed. The engine would stall when the transmission was placed in either Drive or Reverse. After several attempts and waiting for about 5 minutes, the car would start and operate normally. This problem occurred at around 4,000 miles.
- Headlight defect: Another owner reported that the xenon headlights of the 2007 Jaguar XK melted, causing a small contained fire. The car had to be towed, and the headlights were replaced after a month-long wait for parts from the UK. This incident occurred at around 7,000 miles.
- Multiple computer failures: A third owner experienced several computer failures while driving at a speed of 20 mph, which resulted in a total loss of power, manual steering, and braking capability. The car was taken to the dealer five times, and on each occasion, a different diagnosis was made. The battery was replaced three times, the computer program improved, and the ABS was replaced. Despite these attempts to fix the issue, the problems continued to happen again after about a week.
With these severe reliability woes, we highly recommend approaching a used 2007 XK with caution.
2008 Jaguar XK
Compared to the 2007 model year, the 2008 Jaguar XK has a better reliability track record and has fewer complaints. However, it does have a few significant issues that used car buyers should know.
According to several posters in the Jaguar Forums message board, there are issues with the catalytic converter on their 2008 Jaguar XK. The engine management light coming on and restricted performance were common symptoms. The users speculated the problems could be due to the catalytic converter or the unit’s air sensor. Some users suggested the O2 sensors might be at fault and should be checked or replaced before looking into the catalytic converter. However, note that these issues were only reported by a few people and are hardly widespread.
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This model year also received a few complaints of persistent check engine lights. One user reported a check engine light with the fault code P0430, indicating “Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold 2”. This issue did not seem to affect the car’s performance, but it raised some concerns. According to experts, this could indicate a problem with the catalytic converter, but it could also be due to an issue with the HO2 Sensors or their harness connections to the ECM.
Overall, the 2008 Jaguar XK has gracefully aged in terms of reliability. Many of the issues we outlined above were generally minor, but they can definitely affect your ownership experience.
Which Jaguar XK Years Are Safe to Buy as Used?
Look for models with the 4.2-liter AJ-V8 engine, which have improved upon the past issues with timing chain tensioners and water pumps – given proper service and maintenance. The 5.0-litre unit, introduced in 2009, also offers robust performance when properly maintained. As such, the later years of the Jaguar XK X150, particularly those with the 5.0-liter V8 engine (2009 and onwards), are widely considered more reliable over time.
However, it’s important to note that individual car maintenance and care can significantly impact a vehicle’s reliability, regardless of its model year.
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