1999 Jaguar Xk8 sports 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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Common 1999 Jaguar Xk8 sports problems
The 1999 Jaguar XK8 is a grand touring car, known for its comfort and looks, but it may require more maintenance than usual, and potential buyers should be prepared for that, some common problems have been reported by others.
One common issue is the Check Engine Light (MIL) coming on, which could be due to various causes. In this particular case, the owner had the engine rebuilt, and since then, the MIL has been coming on intermittently. To diagnose the problem, it is recommended to get the actual codes read and post them back for further advice. Common causes for the MIL include faulty sensors, misfiring, or issues with the catalytic converter.
Another problem reported is overheating, which can be caused by a faulty thermostat. This issue is particularly concerning as it can lead to more severe problems, such as catastrophic timing chain issues. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the vehicle's temperature are crucial to prevent such problems.
Some owners have also experienced vibration issues, which could be related to wheel bearings, warped rotors, or other front-end components. In one case, a Jaguar owner noticed a steering wheel vibration at certain speeds, which did not seem to be caused by warped rotors or loose front-end components. The owner suspected a wheel bearing might be the culprit, but no definitive solution was provided in the post.
Lastly, the ZF transmission in the Jaguar XK8 is known to fail. The A drum circlip is a common point of failure, and it is essential to address this issue promptly to avoid more severe problems down the road.
In summary, while many 1999 Jaguar XK8 owners have not experienced significant mechanical issues, some common problems include the Check Engine Light coming on, overheating, vibration issues, and transmission failure. Regular maintenance and monitoring are crucial to ensure the vehicle's longevity and reliability.
What is the problem with the Jaguar XK8?
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.
Does Jaguar XK8 rust?
The XK8 will rust if neglected, especially the floorpan areas where the steel re-enforcing plates can trap moisture, so get underneath and have a good look around.
Is the Jaguar XK engine reliable?
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.
Is a Jaguar XK8 fast?
Both the XK8 and XKR are electronically limited to a maximum speed of 250.1 km/h (155.4 mph).
1999 Jaguar Xk8 sports car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jaguar Xk8 sports problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Jaguar Xk8 sports vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1999 Jaguar Xk8 sports complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Jaguar Xk8 sports.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-05
- VIN: SAJGX2046XC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE, MANUFACTURER NEVER REPORTED TO ME ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE TRANMISSION THE DEALER REFUSED TO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS ABOUT WHY RECALL SERVICE NEVER WAS PERFORMED. I RECOMMENDED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE EVERY TIME.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-06
- VIN: SAJGX2047XC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONVERTIBLE ROOF MOTOR CEASED TO OPERATE. *NM
1999 Jaguar Xk8 sports recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1999 Jaguar Xk8 sports.
- Manufacturer: JAGUAR CARS
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. FINE CRACKS WITHIN ONE OR MORE OF THE GEAR TEETH WITH IN THE GEAR TRAIN, INSIDE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEARBOX.
- Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE GEAR TEETH POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO "LOCK UP" AT SPEEDS BELOW 15 MPH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC GEARBOX.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1999 Jaguar Xk8 sports problems:
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