Jaguar Xk convertible problems
The Jaguar XK is a two-door 2+2 grand tourer manufactured and marketed by Jaguar Cars from 1996–2012 and by Jaguar Land Rover from 2013–2014 in hatchback coupé and convertible body styles, across two generations. The XK was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1996 and was discontinued in July 2014.
The first generation was marketed as the XK8, replacing the XJS and was Jaguar's first 8-cylinder model since the Daimler 250, introducing the all-new Jaguar AJ-V8 engine. The XK8 shared its platform with the Aston Martin DB7 which was itself based on the stillborn XJ41/42 project built on a modified XJ-S chassis conceived in the mid-1980s. The second generation of the XK, noted for its aluminium monocoque chassis and construction, was launched in 2006 for the 2007 model year. The XKR performance variant was introduced in both of the generations with the second generation also offering a more powerful XKR-S variant.
XK8/XKR (1996–2006)
The XK8 was launched in 1996 to replace the XJS designed by then Jaguar design director Geoff Lawson. It was available in two body styles – a two-door coupé and two-door convertible with both variations featuring 2+2 seating. The car was the first in the Jaguar line-up to use Jaguar's newly developed 32-valve V8 engine – the AJ-V8 which had a displacement of 4.0 litres.
The XK8 was joined by a more powerful XKR in 1998. The XKR featured a supercharged variation of the V8 engine rated at 276 kW (375 PS; 370 hp). The engine was shared with the XJR but featured a new intercooler and a two-piece driveshaft. The supercharger was manufactured by Eaton and displaced at 2.0 litres. It generated 11.9 pounds of boost pressure to contribute to the higher power output. Visual differences from the XK8 included a rear spoiler, mesh front grille and hood louvres on the bonnet for improved airflow to the engine.
The XK8 came standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, while 18-inch (standard on the XKR), 19-inch, and 20-inch wheels were available for the XK8 and XKR at an additional cost. Jaguar's Adaptive Cruise Control is an optional feature available on both models. Both models came with all-leather interior, burl walnut trim, and side airbags. Two interior configurations were offered, the sport configuration was aimed at young buyers and had a leather interior with cloth seats while the classic trim featured more amenities.
The XK range received a mechanical update in 2002 with the engines in both the XK8 and XKR models being enlarged to 4.2 litres and gaining more power, the front headlamps were also updated by the addition of a clear lens. Further changes included new exterior colours and wheels along with different badging. The models were revised again in spring 2004 and notable changes included new wheel designs, bigger front and rear spoilers and a redesigned grille.
Initially, the ZF 5HP24 five-speed automatic transmission was coupled to the conventionally aspirated 4.0-litre model and a Mercedes W5A580 five-speed transmission to the supercharged version, but in 2002 the new ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic transmission was fitted in both versions of the 4.2-litre model.
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Jaguar Xk convertible model years
Common Jaguar Xk convertible problems
The Jaguar XK Convertible, a grand tourer produced by British car manufacturer Jaguar Cars from 1996 to 2014, is known for its luxurious interior, powerful engine, and smooth ride. However, it has faced several common problems that have plagued its owners.
One of the most common issues is electrical problems, which have been reported by several owners. The 2007 Jaguar XK, in particular, has been identified as the least reliable year due to engine issues, including the car failing to start and battery problems.
Convertible top issues are also a common problem in the Jaguar XK Convertible. Some owners have reported that the convertible top fails to open, which can be frustrating and require a series of troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
Another issue that has been reported is the car's keyless entry and ignition system playing up. The electrics can go haywire, and batteries can flatten for no obvious reason, causing inconvenience to the owners.
The fabric roof of the XK Convertible has also been known to freeze, causing problems for the owners, especially during colder weather. Inspecting the hood for signs of cuts or tears and checking the cabin for signs of leaks is essential to prevent further damage.
The engine management light coming on is another common problem in the Jaguar XK Convertible, which can indicate a problem with the catalytic converter or the unit's air sensor. Some users have suggested that the O2 sensors might be at fault and should be checked or replaced before looking into the catalytic converter.
The tyres of the Jaguar XK Convertible can wear quickly and are not cheap to replace, so checking the tread depth before agreeing on a price is essential to prevent unexpected costs.
In conclusion, while the Jaguar XK Convertible is a luxurious and powerful car, it has faced several common problems that have affected its reliability. Electrical problems, convertible top issues, keyless entry and ignition system playing up, engine management light coming on, and tyre wear are some of the most common issues reported by owners. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent some of these problems, but it is essential to be aware of these issues before purchasing a Jaguar XK Convertible.
What are the most common problems with a used Jaguar XK coupe?
Electrics can go haywire, and batteries can flatten for no obvious reason. Other faults include the engine management light coming on, and the car's keyless entry and ignition system playing up. The air-con and heating system can also give up the ghost, with dealers requiring replacement parts to fix the fault.
What is the best year for the Jaguar XK convertible?
There are many excellent years available for the Jaguar XK. We recommend sticking with 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, or 2014 options for maximum value. We hope this information comes in handy!
Are Jaguar XKS reliable?
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.
What is the problem with the Jaguar XK8 convertible?
Early Jaguar XK8s had a poor reputation thanks to Jaguar's use of Nikasil-lined cylinder bores, with excessive oil consumption, low compression and eventual engine failure being common symptoms – fixed in 2000 by introducing mild steel linings, with many early cars subsequently receiving new engines.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Jaguar Xk convertible years
We have researched Jaguar problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Jaguar Xk convertible cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Jaguar Xk convertible model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Jaguar Xk convertible model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Jaguar Xk convertible years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Jaguar Xk convertible car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Jaguar Xk convertible , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Jaguar Xk convertible vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Jaguar Xk convertible . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Jaguar Xk convertible vehicles.
List of Jaguar Xk convertible complaints
Jaguar Xk convertible 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-27
- Date Complaint: 2007-03-30
- VIN: SAJJA42C4YN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary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
Jaguar Xk convertible 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2005-10-13
- VIN: SAJJA42B9YP
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED 2000 XKR CONVERTIBLE. IT HAS HAD 4 TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED AND A THROTTLE BODY REPLACED, ALONG WITH A HOST OF OTHER ITEMS. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF SERVICE FOR THE PAST YEAR. FOR A SOLID 6 MONTHS MY CAR WAS IN SERVICE, ONLY OUT FOR 1-3 DAYS AT A TIME TO FIND OUT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WASN'T WORKING CORRECTLY. I WAS LEFT STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES ON STATE HIGHWAYS WITH MY DAUGHTER. I'VE MISSED TREMENDOUS AMOUNTS OF WORK TRYING TO GET THE CAR INTO AND OUT OF SERVICE AND PICK UP CHEAP LOANERS. THE HORROR WAS WHEN JAGUAR REFUSED TO BUY BACK THE CAR AFTER ALL THAT. JAGUAR EVEN REFUSES TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY TIME TO MAKE UP FOR THE 6 SOLID MONTHS THAT THE VEHICLE SPENT IN THE SHOP. I NOW HAVE OVER 25 PAGES OF REPAIR ORDERS ON THE VEHICLE AND JAGUAR WON'T EVEN REIMBURSE ME FOR 6 MONTHLY PAYMENTS. *JB
Jaguar Xk convertible 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-22
- Date Complaint: 2005-08-22
- VIN: SAJJA42C3YN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: HOSE TO ROOF LOCKING CLAMP ON 2000 JAGUAR XK8 CONT. FAILED AND DUMPED FLUID ON DRIVER WHILE CAR WAS UNDER WAY,CAUSING DRIVER TO RUN OFF ROAD.NO INJURIES.
Jaguar Xk convertible 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-30
- Date Complaint: 2004-08-31
- VIN: SAJJA42C1YN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE DATE BELOW IS APPROXIMATE. ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS MY JAGUAR XK8 LOST POWER AT FULL SPEED. THE ENGINE FAILED AND I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BREAKS. I FIRST REPORTED THIS TO MY JAGUAR SERVICE CENTER IN MAY 2003 AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT. ALTHOUGH THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, THEY REPLACED THE RELAYS BECAUSE THEY SAID THAT THIS HAD SOLVED THE PROBLEM IN OTHER INSTANCES. IT HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW MONTHS AGO AND I AGAIN BROUGHT IN THE CAR. I WAS TOLD THAT AGAIN THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED IN THE SHOP BECAUSE ALL CODES WERE ERASED WHEN I TURNED OFF THE CAR. I WAS FURTHER TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING FURTHER THAT THEY COULD DO ABOUT THE PROBLEM UNLESS I KEPT THE CAR RUNNING AFTER THE FAILURE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS FAILURE MODE. ONE FEELS LIKE A SITTING DUCK ON THE ROAD WITH NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR AT HIGH SPEEDS. ONE HAS TO COAST TO A SAFE STOPPING POSITION WHILE SOMEWHAT DISORIENTED BY THE LACK OF CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE (THERE IS SOME VERY LIMITED ABILITY TO STEER). IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING AND CALL A TOW TRUCK SINCE ONE HAS VERY LITTLE CONTROL OVER WHERE ONE IS FORCED TO STOP (THE FIRST TIME I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY!) THE JAGUAR SERVICE CENTER TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM IN OTHER CARS. I HAVE REFUSED TO PICK UP THE CAR AND DRIVE IT ANYMORE AND ENTERED A LEASE ON A NEW CAR. I HAVE SEVERAL MONTHS LEFT ON THE LEASE OF MY JAGUAR AND CONTINUE TO MAKE PAYMENTS. I HAVE CALLED JAGUAR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND REGISTERED MY COMPLAINT BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE. MY COMPLAINT IS NOT FINANCIAL, THOUGH I DO NOT APPRECIATE JAGUAR'S APPARENTLY LOW LEVEL OF INTEREST IN THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, I DO THINK THAT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT IS LIKELY TO END IN FATALITIES IF NOT ADDRESSED.*AK
Are you having problems with your Jaguar Xk convertible?
