Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While traveling along a busy highway at approximately 45 MPH, the car engine shut down. We were unable to get the engine to start back up. We eventually needed police assistance to move the car from the far left of the highway to the far right (shoulder). The car had to be towed back to the dealership where we puchased it 9 days prior. There was gas in the car and no warning lights came on.the car stopped to the point of not being able to straighten it up with right rear in a lane of oncoming traffic.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Jaguar s-Type. While driving 35 MPH, the engine warning indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking from the fuel tank and the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Jaguar s-Type. The contact stated that there was a massive anti-freeze leak in the vehicle. The dealer discovered that the radiator was cracked. An independent mechanic repaired the radiator and found that most of the components under the hood were not Jaguar parts. The parts were Jeep, Chevrolet, and other brands. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the vehicle was previously involved in two major crashes. On a separate occasion, the contact found holes in the radiator hoses. In addition, the water pump was cracked and needed to be replaced. Later, while driving less than 35 MPH, the brakes failed. A police officer flagged her down and informed her that smoke and sparks were coming from the rear driver's side tire. The independent mechanic stated that the caliper failed. The system would not accept the VIN provided. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jaguar s-Type. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the transmission failed to shift up and the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to be restarted the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column and transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. Updated 05/10/17 updated 05/18/2017
Vehicle parking brake randomly comes on without warning and causes car to try lock wheels even when driving. Sometimes when first start the parking brake is locked even if I don't use it and will unlock when start rolling. Vehicle has multiple misfire coeds and restricted performance and loses power for no reason. Also dangerous when driving in traffic. Not sure what issues is but has new plugs and coils and everything so believe electrical issue
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Jaguar s-Type. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle. There was also noise in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to dealer but the dealer did not find a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and the vehicle was taken to dealer a second time when the contact was advised of three additional leaks on the engine's field. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure related to the noise in the steering wheel was never determined. The current mileage was 40,000. The failure mileage was 21,707.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Jaguar s-Type. The contact stated that while in reverse, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact mentioned that it was very difficult to shift out of reverse and the vehicle would not turn off. The vehicle failed to stop and struck a curb. A police report was not filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the throttle body was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Jaguar s-Type. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power and would not start. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Jaguar S-Type years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (24), 2003 (10), 2001 (9), 2004 (6) and 2005 (6) model years. Engine complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Jaguar S-Type engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Jaguar S-Type model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Jaguar S-Type engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles; 41% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (14 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (9).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.