2008 Jaguar Xj problems
The Jaguar XJ is a series of mid-size/full-size luxury cars produced by British automobile manufacturer Jaguar Cars (becoming Jaguar Land Rover in 2013) from 1968 to 2019. It was produced across five basic platform generations (debuting in 1968, 1986, 1994, 2003, and 2009) with various updated derivatives of each. From 1970, it was Jaguar's flagship four-door model. The original model was the last Jaguar saloon to have been designed under the leadership of Sir William Lyons, the company's founder, and the model has been featured in countless media and high-profile appearances.
Series 1, 2, and 3 (1968–1992)
Overview
The first generation Jaguar XJ was produced for a total period of 24 years, with two major facelifts – in 1973 and in 1979, with a raised front bumper and less tall grilles.
For four years, the 1968 introduced XJ was always a four-door, straight-six saloon on a 2.76 m (108.75 in) wheelbase. In 1972, a more spacious, 4-inch (10 cm) longer wheelbase (LWB) option, and a 5.3 litre V12 engine were added. On the XJ series II (from 1973), the standard wheelbase (SWB) saloons were cancelled in 1974 – but a SWB two-door (series II only) coupé was sold from 1975–1978.
The 1979 series III saloons received a redesigned greenhouse (upper body) and bumpers. The 6-cylinder series III models were replaced by the second generation Jaguar XJ in 1987, but the V12 models not until 1992.
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Common 2008 Jaguar Xj problems
The Jaguar XJ, introduced in 2008, is known for its timeless class, distinction, dependability, and sheer driving pleasure. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of issues that owners have reported.
One common problem is the failure of the center armrest cup holder. This issue, while not critical, can be inconvenient for drivers and passengers who rely on the cup holder for their beverages.
Another issue is the plastic timing chain tensioners, which may fail and cause engine damage. This problem can lead to costly repairs and should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage.
Additionally, overheated engines may cause damage to the Jaguar XJ. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty cooling system or a malfunctioning thermostat. It is essential to address this problem promptly to prevent engine damage.
The Jaguar XJ's air suspension has also been known to give problems. Compressors have a relatively short service life and cost around £300 to replace, while shock absorbers also give way, though less regularly.
Diesel versions of the XJ feature particulate filters that need to be cleaned out. Fortunately, they do this themselves, but need a run at motorway speeds every couple of weeks in order to be able to do this. So, if your driving is mainly around town, you'll probably be better off with a petrol model.
The rear lights on the latest version of the XJ (2010-onwards) are a very complex shape and are prone to water getting inside the lens. This leads to build-up of condensation. You will need to get new seals fitted to stop any moisture getting inside the lens.
The engine has started to misfire, and there is a noticeable drop in power. The ignition coils on the XJ are not usually a problem, but even the most well-maintained car will eventually have issues. Replacing an ignition coil is a fiddly job, but perfectly possible to do yourself to save a high garage bill.
The coolant reservoir on the XJ is extremely prone to rapid wear and can develop cracks very quickly. That means coolant will be leaking around your engine. Check your reservoir for any cracks. If the wear is minor, then you may be able to seal them and solve the problem.
These issues are some of the most common problems reported by Jaguar XJ owners. It is essential to address these problems promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
Is Jaguar XJ 2008 reliable?
Beauty, Power and Reliability
The most solidly built, most agile, most pure performance car I've ever owned. I have never seen a more reliable car. Though it has a V8 engine, it gets 33 mpg on the freeway. Much more durable interior than newer models, and last of the "Classic Jaguar XJ" design.
Is Jaguar XJ a reliable car?
Likewise any work on the engines, and always check for a full service history. As far as reliability goes, there's some good news. The XJ finished top in the luxury car class in our most recent reliability survey, with an excellent overall score of 94.3%.
Why did Jaguar stop making XJ?
The XJ was pulled because there's no way that Jaguar could produce enough models to justify the cost. See the discontinuation of the electric XJ as a way of Jaguar ensuring it has the financial health to quickly adapt its lineup to an all-electric future.
How many miles can a Jaguar XJ last?
The estimated lifespan of a Jaguar Xj is 318,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy. Don't just buy it, VehicleScore it.
2008 Jaguar Xj car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jaguar Xj problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Suspension problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Jaguar Xj vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2008 Jaguar Xj complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Jaguar Xj.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-07
- Crash: 1
- VIN: SAJWA79B08S
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My wife and I are drivers with 50+ years of driving experience each, with clean driving records. Recently two incidents occurred while driving my 2008 Jaguar XJ that frightened us, where we have been left with no feasible explanation. There were no messages, warning lamps, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The first incident occurred in early December, 2022, with mileage of approximately 66,500 miles. On a cold evening, after traveling 2.5 miles, I was entering my garage with the brakes applied when the engine revved up and lurched forward uncontrollably, striking a vehicle in front of me. I applied brake pressure as hard as possible, but the car would not stop. If it wasn’t for this vehicle, I would have gone through the back of the garage. The force of this incident caused damage to the vehicle that was struck, as well as front-end damage to the Jaguar, with the hood ornament flying off the car. It scared me because I know my foot was not on the gas and had no idea why the engine revved up so quickly and flew forward with such force. The second incident occurred on January 7, 2023, on a cold afternoon. My wife was driving the 2008 XJ Jaguar and I was a passenger. We were pulling out of a mall parking lot, approaching a stop light where a vehicle was at a standstill in front of us. When nearly stopped, the engine suddenly revved up and the car jolted forward with such force that even with my wife ‘standing’ on the brake, the car slammed into the vehicle in front of us. If it wasn’t for that vehicle, we would have ended up in the middle of a very busy intersection with oncoming traffic. The driver in the vehicle behind us said he heard the engine roar as the car sprung forward. I do not have a police report as this accident occurred out-of-state. Two repair shops have not been able to duplicate the situation.
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-02
- VIN: SAJWA79C455
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JAGUAR XJ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT ALL OF THE CONTROL ARMS WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTROL ARMS AND ABS BRAKE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. UPDATED 8/21/15*CN UPDATED 10/3/2017*CN
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-28
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: SAJWA79B38S
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WE WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT WAITING ON THE LIGHT TO CHANGE TO GREEN TO GO. BEFORE THE LIGHT COULD CHANGE WE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH WAS HIT BY A TRUCK GOING 45 MPH. I HIT MY HEAD ON THE DASH AND NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED NOT MINES OR MY PARTNER THE DRIVER. I ASKED JAGUAR OF HILTON HEAD TO TEST MY AIRBAGS HE SAID NO NEED TO TEST THEM IF WE WERE SITTING STILL THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. I JUST GOT MY VEHICLE BACK AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE KEEPS COMING ON. SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH THIS AIRBAG. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-05
- VIN: SAJWA79B18S
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AS I WAS GOING DOWN A SLOPPING STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH, I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW DECLINE BUT CAR SURGED FORWARD, IMMEDIATELY GAINING SPEED UP TO 58 MPH. WHEN I LEVELED OUT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD BY TAPPING ON THE BRAKES UNTIL I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED TWO DAYS LATER. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN WAITING TO TURN LEFT, CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD GOING FROM 0 TO APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH BARELY MISSING CAR COMING AT ME FROM THE LEFT. WAS IN MIDDLE OF THE ROAD BEFORE I KNEW IT. STOPPED CAR AS BEFORE, LIGHT REPEATED TAPS ON BRAKES. CAR IS AT JAGUAR DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-01
- VIN: SAJWA79B18S
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 2008 JAGUAR XJL CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE LOST CRUISE CONTROL. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED A WARNING THAT READ "CRUISE UNAVAILABLE PARK BRAKE DEFAULT" ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER STATED HE PULLED OVER TO READ THE OWNERS MANUAL AND IT STATED THE PARK BRAKE DEFAULT COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. ALSO LOOSING CRUISE CONTROL AT 70 MPH WITH SOMEONE ON YOUR BUMPER COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS PROBLEM. WHEN THE CONSUMER TRIED TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE, IT WOULDN'T MOVE. IT WAS LOCKED IN PARK. THE CONSUMER TRIED AGAIN AND THE TRANSMISSION MOVED INTO DRIVE GEAR. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND HOPED THAT WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM; BUT IT DIDN'T. THE CONSUMER WENT BACK TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD HE WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE WARNING LIGHT CAME BACK ON. THE WARNING LIGHT ALWAYS CAME ON DURING THE TIME THE DEALER WAS CLOSED. *JB
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-25
- VIN: SAJWA71B78S
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. MY JAGUAR XJ HAS ELECTROCHOMATIC MIRRORS AND THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO LIGHTEN AND DARKEN WITH THE REFLECTION OF LIGHTS. AT NIGHT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT OF MY MIRRORS. ONCE WHEN I WAS DRIVING A CAR'S LIGHTS WERE SHINING IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR AND IT DARKENED THE MIRROR SO MUCH THAT I ALMOST SWERVED INTO A BICYCLIST. THIS IS A DANGER TO MYSELF AND OTHER PEOPLE. WHEN I REPORTED IT TO JAGUAR THEY SAID THEY WERE AWARE OF THIS, HAD OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT IT AND COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THEY TOLD ME TO SPEAK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIPS RESPONSE WAS TO TURN IT OFF COMPLETELY. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION BECAUSE IF SOMEONE'S LIGHT REFLECTS IN THE MIRROR THERE IS NO WAY TO ADJUST IT SO THE LIGHT WILL NOT SHINE IN MY EYES AND ALSO BE ABLE TO SEE THE ROAD IN THE MIRROR. *TR
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Jaguar Xj problems:
2008 Jaguar XJ reliability/common problems? - Jaguar Forums ...
May 30, 2012 ... Overall, these are reliable and well-built cars, and some owners have taken them over 200k miles, but some components can wear out and cost ...
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Oct 29, 2013 ... Essentially, the car is reliable, in that it is extremely rare to be left at the roadside, but there is a durability problem with certain ...
[x300] 2000 XJ8 problems - X300 - Jag-lovers Forums
Mar 25, 2011 ... I'm a long time Jaguar owner (currently 94 XJS and 95 XJ12) I'm thinking about a 2000 XJ8 with 74K miles. I've read about the cam chain ...
Is The JAGUAR XJ (2006-09) a Good Buy? - Jaguar Forums ...
Feb 10, 2012 ... Engine reliability is Jaguars best feature. Engines are very reliable, as is HVAC. Transmission is the same as on few cars and the air ...
Other years of Jaguar Xj
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