1999 Jaguar Xj8 problems
The Jaguar XJ (X308) is a full-size luxury saloon car manufactured and marketed by Jaguar Cars for years 1997–2003 across two generations and featuring the Jaguar AJ-V8 engine and Jaguar independent rear suspension. It was the third and final evolution of the Jaguar XJ40 platform that had been in production since 1986. It was preceded by the Jaguar XJ (X300).
Exterior
The X308 kept much of the same exterior styling as its predecessor, the Jaguar XJ (X300), carrying its rounded four-headlamp bonnet, low roofline, sloping tail, and wrap-around rear light clusters. From the front, the two generations can be differentiated by the shape of the indicator lenses (rectangular on the X300, oval on the X308), and also by the shape of the fog lamps and lower valance air intake, both of which are more rounded on the X308.
The front and rear bumpers were both changed along with the taillights which had red/clear lenses rather than red/grey lenses. The grille surround and badging was slightly changed. The headlight fixtures also included forward parking lights housed with the brights, new to X308.
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Common 1999 Jaguar Xj8 problems
The 1999 Jaguar XJ8, while generally considered a reliable vehicle, has some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. These problems are based on complaints from owners and have been compiled from various sources.
- Throttle issues: Some 1999 Jaguar XJ8s experienced problems with throttles not opening properly.
- Transmission glitches: Some cars from 1999 had transmission glitches that caused them to lock up. This could be a sign of a more serious problem and should be addressed by a professional mechanic.
- Underbonnet liner interference: It is important to check that the throttle is not fouling the underbonnet liner, as this can cause issues with the car's performance.
- Power steering pipe chafing: Another common issue is the power steering pipe chafing the alternator terminals, which can lead to electrical problems and potential engine damage if not addressed.
- Front suspension bushings: The front suspension bushes on the XJ8 need to be replaced every 25,000 miles. This is a regular maintenance item that should be addressed in a timely manner to ensure the car's longevity and performance.
- XJR brake issues: If considering an XJR model, it is essential to check the condition of the brakes, as they are known to require frequent maintenance and replacement.
- V8 tensioners and cooling system: Early V8 models of the XJ8 had issues with plastic tensioners that could break up and cause major damage, as well as water pump impellers prone to breaking up and causing overheating. These issues should have been addressed in well-maintained 2001 models, but it is still important to verify their condition during a pre-purchase inspection.
By being aware of these common problems, potential buyers can make informed decisions when considering the purchase of a 1999 Jaguar XJ8. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues and ensure the car's longevity and performance.
What problems did the 1998 Jaguar XJ8 have?
Top 1998 Jaguar XJ8 Problems
- Center Arm Rest Cup Holder May Break. 63 people have reported this. ...
- Plastic Timing Chain Tensioners May Fail and Cause Engine Damage. 28 people have reported this. ...
- Overheated engine may damage cylinder bores. 15 people have reported this.
How many miles will a Jaguar XJ8 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.
How much was a Jaguar XJ8 in 1998?
$55,330
Used 1998 Jaguar XJ Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) | |
|---|---|---|
| XJ8 Sedan 4D | $55,330 | $3,407 |
| XJ8 L Sedan 4D | $60,330 | $3,118 |
| XJ8 Vanden Plas Sedan 4D | $64,380 | $3,305 |
| XJR Sedan 4D | $67,980 | $4,903 |
Why won't my Jaguar XJ8 turn over?
The most common reasons a Jaguar XJ8 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
1999 Jaguar Xj8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jaguar Xj8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Fuel system problems
- Other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Jaguar Xj8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1999 Jaguar Xj8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Jaguar Xj8.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-22
- VIN: SAJHX1047XC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY 1999 JAGUAR XJ8 WAS FINE AND THEN I STARTED EXPERIENCING THE GEAR BOX FAULT COMING ON ONE DAY. AND THEN WHEN CAR WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED LIGHT WENT AWAY. DIDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND THEN CAR WAS PARKED FOR ABOUT A YEAR. AFTER ABOUT A YEAR I INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY HOPING TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD AND THE CAR DOESN'T MOVE AND THE GEAR BOX FAULT LIGHT IS ON. THEN WHILE IN D AND CAR WON'T MOVE UNTIL I GIVE IT GAS TO ABOUT 2000RPMS AND IT'LL CLUNK REAL LOUD AND STALL SOMETIME OR DRIVE VERY SLOWLY AND SLUGGISH. ANYWAYS MY CAR IS A 1999 AND THERE IS A RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER=99V138000 RECALL DATE OF 06/02/1999 AND ITS WITH THE POWERTRAIN SYSTEM. I DON'T THINK THAT ITS RIGHT FOR MY CAR TO NOT FALL UNDER THAT RECALL.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-04
- VIN: SAJHX1049XC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JAGUAR XJ8. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AND THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 8000481749. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,906.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-12-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: SAJKD6046XC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JAGUAR XJ8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT RAN INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE POLICE CAME AND DOCUMENTED THE ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE SHOULDER AND CHEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY UNTIL THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 170,000. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-18
- VIN: SAJHD104XXC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: OUR 1999 JAGUAR XJ8 HAS HAD NUMEROUS THROTTLE BODY FAILURES. IT HAS BEEN REPLACED BY JAGUAR AND I HAVE HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED TWICE. THE PROBLEM WITH FAILURE IS THAT IT CAUSES A STABILITY CONTROL FAILURE WHICH CAUSES THE CAR TO BE UNCONTROLLABLE. IN FACT, MY WIFE HIT THE EDGE OF OUR GARAGE ENTRANCE WAY DO TO IT;S FAILURE. I HAVE CONTACTED JAGUAR ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BY LETTER, EMAIL AND PHONE AND THEY APPEAR TO BE UNCONCERNED AND SUGGEST THAT I CONTINUE TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY ONCE IT GOES BAD. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE AND REQUIRES THE ATTENTION OF YOUR OFFICE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-02
- VIN: SAJHX6042XC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JAGUAR XJ8. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE CONTACT TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. BECAUSE THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER WAS MADE OF PLASTIC, THE PLASTIC SHEARS KEPT ENTERING INTO THE ENGINE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER. THE REPAIR COST OVER $1,000 AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 98,817.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-18
- VIN: SAJHX1245WC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JAGUAR XJ8. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO STOP THE VEHICLE, IT DRAMATICALLY LUNGES FORWARD. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FEELS AS IF IT IS LOSING POWER. PRIOR TO THE FAILURES, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-15
- VIN: SAJHD604XXC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JAGUAR XJ8. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY FROM GEAR TO GEAR. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $3,800. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V138000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-09
- VIN: SAJHX1041XC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: LTR FM (CA) RE A DEFECTIVE PLASTIC TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER INSTALLED IN THEIR 1999 JAGUAR XJ8. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED PRIOR TO PURCHASING IT. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE WAS OIL SLUDGE BUILD UP IN THE ENGINE. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-08
- VIN: SAJHX1041XC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATES VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. SHE HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY DETERMINED THERE WAS SLUDGE IN THE OIL PAN AND THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE PLASTIC TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED AND JAMMED IN THE TIMING CHAIN WHICH CAUSED THE CHAIN TO BREAK IN HALF. THIS RESULTED IN THE VALVES BEING STUCK OPEN AND THE PISTONS TO COLLIDE. THE CONSUMER LEARNED OF SB X303-68 AND 303-30 WHICH ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM. *NM THE CONSUMER LEARNED A DEFECTIVE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER WAS INSTALLED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED. UPDATED 01/25/06 *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-27
- VIN: SAJKX6046XC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILURE `99 JAGUAR XJ8 VANDEN PLAAS ("LOWER ENGINE DISFUNCTION," DUE TO DEFICIENT TENSIONER MALFUNCTION PER DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS) AT 61,400 MILES. VEHICLE WELL MAINTAINED AND CHECKED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. WE WERE SENT MANY WARNINGS AND SUGGESTIONS ABOUT OTHER MAINTENANCE OBJECTIVES, BUT A POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH TENSIONERS WAS NEVER MENTIONED. WE KNOW OF WELL OVER A HUNDRED CASES. ONE DEALER TOLD US THEY SEE AT LEAST ONE CASE LIKE OURS A MONTH AND SUGGESTED THAT A LARGER DEALERSHIP IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA WOULD MAKE THEIR NUMBERS LOOK SKIMPY. THE IGNORANCE OF THIS PROBLEM HAS NEARLY CAUSED SOME CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENTS THAT COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF LIMB OR LIFE. IF THAT IN ITSELF FAILS TO MOVE THE NHTSA WE HAVE TO WONDER WHAT WILL. THERE ARE SEVERAL RESPECTED AUTOMOTIVE EXPERTS WHO CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY JAGUAR AND FORD HAVE NOT SOLVED THIS SITUATION (I.E. REPLACED THE FAULTY PARTS AND/OR TAKEN CARE OF THE COST OF INSTALLING A NEW POWER PLANT IN THE `98, `99, AND SOME `00 XJ8 MODELS). THIS VEHICLE IS STILL DISABLED BECAUSE WE HAD BEEN LED TO BELIEVE THAT A REP. FROM JAGUAR PLANNED ON "HELPING US OUT." AND, WE HAVE BEEN QUOTED A WIDE RANGE OF ENGINE REPLACEMENT COSTS, NONE BY FORMAL WRITTEN QUOTE, NOT EVEN THE 12 MONTH WARRANTY TEXT PROMISED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. WE FEEL JAGUAR NEEDS TO "COME TO THE TABLE" AS FAR AS THIS EXAMPLE OF POTENTIAL CONSUMER FRAUD AND REQUEST PROPER INVESTIGATION RELATIVE TO WHAT WE CONSIDER TO BE THE MOST RAMPANT DISREGARD FOR WHAT MOST CONSUMERS EXPECT WHEN BUYING A VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE SALES PITCH CENTERS ON DEPENDABILITY THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO RESULT FROM THE ACQUISITION OF JAGUAR BY FORD. THESE ALLEGATIONS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED AND COULD HOLD UP IN ANY COURT IN VIRGINIA AS FAR AS STATING OUR CASE OF MISINFORMATION AND THE AFOREMENTIONED FALSE PROMISE. WE WOULD GLADLY "JOIN IN" AS FAR AS ANY CLASS ACTION IS CONCERNED YET ARE HOPEFUL THAT THE NHTSA WILL DO WHAT WE BELIEVE IS THEIR "DUE DILIGENCE." *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-09
- VIN: SAJHD1044XC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1999 XJ-8 SECONDARY TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. PLASTIC SECONDARY TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER BROKE INTO PIECES, DISABLING ENGINE AND CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. DAMAGE INCLUDED 3 VALVES, ONE CONSTANTLY VARIABLE VALVE TIMING UNIT (CVVT), TIMING CHAINS AND SPROCKETS. REQUIRED REMOVAL OF B BANK HEAD FOR MACHINING NECESSARY TO REPLACE VALVES AND REPAIR VALVE SEATS. NO TSB OR RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED BY JAGUAR WITH REGARD TO THIS DESIGN DEFICIENCY. CONTACT WITH OTHER JAGUAR OWNERS HAS IDENTIFIED THAT THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS MANY OWNERS. JAGUAR REPAIR IS TO REPLACE ENTIRE ENGINE ($7,000-10,000). I REBUILT ENGINE MYSELF, AND CONTACTED JAGUAR TO QUESTION WHY REPLACEMENT OF THE TENSIONERS IS NOT SPECIFIED AT SOME REASONABLE INTERVAL TO PREVENT TENSIONER FAILURE. JAGUAR RESPONSE TO DATE HAS BEEN TO DENY THAT ANY DESIGN DEFICIENCY EXISTS. FAILURE OF THIS COMPONENT WILL DISABLE THE ENGINE, AND IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT LEADING TO LOSS OF PROPERTY OR LIFE. COST TO REPAIR BY OWNER WAS OVER $3,000 (PARTS AND HEAD MACHINING); DEALER REPLACES ENTIRE ENGINE VICE REBUILD/REPLACE DAMAGED. COMPONENTS. *JB
1999 Jaguar Xj8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1999 Jaguar Xj8.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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).
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1999 Jaguar Xj8 problems:
What's the most common problems in a 98-01 XJ8 - Jaguar Forums ...
Jul 1, 2012 ... (2)The plastic thermostat housing will eventually crack and leak. This is inevitable, IT'S JUST PLASTIC! (3)Timing chain tensioners are made ...
1999 Jaguar XJ8 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Top 1999 Jaguar XJ8 Problems · Center Arm Rest Cup Holder May Break. 63 people have reported this. 24 · Plastic Timing Chain Tensioners May Fail and Cause ...
1999 XJ8 problems starting! - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts ...
Jan 9, 2008 ... XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 ) - 1999 XJ8 problems starting! - 1999 XJ8 with 85000 miles turn the key and i get STABILITY CONTROL FAIL or something ...
Q&A: 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas - Buying Process & Common ...
May 19, 2021 ... Cooling system issues and engine issues are common like you already know as well as problems with the electronics are very common as well. At ...
what year XJ8´s to get without engine problems? - Jaguar Forums ...
May 13, 2009 ... A Jaguar owners group reports engine failure due to timing chain tensioner failure: "you are at risk of a failure of the camshaft secondary ...
Other years of Jaguar Xj8
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