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1997 Jaguar XK8Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 30 owner complaints about the 1997 Jaguar XK8, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints301 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage53kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 16, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Jaguar XK8 has problems

30 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling100
Electrical system50
Vehicle speed control40
Suspension30
Seats21
Visibility20
Equipment20
Fuel system, gasoline20
Power train20
5 other systems50

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1997 Jaguar XK8 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Suspension: rear

Recall 97V-045 · Mar 20, 1997 · 2,303 vehicles

Risk. IF THE OUTPUT SHAFT SEPARATES, THE REAR SUSPENSION WOULD COLLAPSE ON THE AFFECTED SIDE RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Jaguar.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other XK8 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the XK8 median. How we score

'97'98'99'00'01'02'03
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What XK8 owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JAGUAR XK8. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOPPING CENTER AND WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART IT, SHE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE REPAIR SHOP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE TENSION BAR FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY. THE…
Complaint 10261454 · Mar 10, 2009 · 44,604 miles
TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED, BROKEN CHAIN, BENT VALVES. JAG SERVICE SAID '97 XK8 HAD FAULTY TENSIONERS. MOST WARRANTY REPLACED. MANY NHTSA COMPLAINTS & TSB'S ON THIS FAILURE. JAG. IS AWARE OF THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. JAG. AGREED TO PAY FOR 1/2 REPAIR, IF I BOUGHT A NEW JAG. NOT ACCEPTABLE! DOES…
Complaint 10153626 · Mar 24, 2006 · 61,000 miles
PLASTIC GUIDE ON TIMING CHAIN BROKE,WHICH BROKE TIMING CHAIN,WHICH BROKE 2 VALVES AND SCOURED THE PISTON AND CYLINDER WALL.
Complaint 10068998 · Jan 15, 2004 · 87,000 miles

Own a 1997 XK8?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.