2004 Jaguar XJ Problems & Complaints

Averageabout as many complaints as a typical year of the XJ at the same age

Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 2004 Jaguar XJ with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the XJ at the same age. The most reported problem area is the speed control & acceleration (4 complaints, typically around 54,000 miles). 3 recalls cover this model year.

13complaints
3recalls
1crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2004 Jaguar XJ problems

  • Speed control & acceleration~54,000 miles
    431%
  • Brakes~67,000 miles
    323%
  • Wheels & tires~13,000 miles
    215%
  • Suspension~130,000 miles
    215%
  • Other / not specified~132,000 miles
    215%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    18%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~12,000 miles
    18%
  • Body & structure~67,000 miles
    18%
  • Engine & cooling~67,000 miles
    18%
  • Fuel & propulsion system
    18%

Share of the 13 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Jaguar XJ complaints by model year

1998200020042005200620082010201120122013201420152016201711171319177187812782
Owner complaints per model year, Jaguar XJ. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best XJ years: 2010, 2017, 2008. Years to avoid: 2005, 2006. Compare all years →

2004 Jaguar XJ recalls (3)

Service brakes, hydraulic

NHTSA recall 09V-144 · Apr 30, 2009 · 14,551 vehicles

Jaguar is recalling 14,551 my 2004 xj vehicles. A potential concern has been identified with the installation of a noise vibration and harshness (nvh) pad fitted to the under tray and its interaction with the rear under floor brake pipes, rear cross member brake pipes, and their unions.

Remedy: Dealers will remove the under tray at the rear of the vehicle and remove and discard the nvh pad fitted to the rear of the under tray.

Air bags › Frontal

NHTSA recall 04V-136 · Mar 18, 2004 · 1,142 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles, the passenger air bag trim components have a poor aperture edge.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the passenger air bag aperture and, where necessary, remove any sharp, serrated edges. The recall began on May 14, 2004. Owners should contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.

Power train › Automatic transmission

NHTSA recall 04V-024 · Jan 8, 2004 · 31,731 vehicles

On certain passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, with the forward drive gear selected and the vehicle stationary or in a forward motion, the gearbox could potentially select reverse gear, without indication.

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the transmission control module. The recall began on May 1, 2004. Owners should contact Jaguar at 1-201-818-8500.

What 2004 Jaguar XJ owners say

Speed control & acceleration

Well there a problem when you have no speed all of a sudden. And there a problem with some electrical and fuel can someone help me with what's going on if there a recall or not? I believe there something wrong like a recall and I have to deal with it. So what can I do in regards of getting this matter taking control. Please and Thank You , [redacted]

Mar 2026

Accelerator and brake pedal are too close together causing me to depress both pedels at the same time when trying to stop car. Dealer advised me to take this complaint to another level since there are no remedies available.

Accelerator pedal · 12,000 miles · Dec 2004

Brakes

The contact owns a 2004 Jaguar XJ. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal felt spongy and an excessive amount of force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The brake pedal almost went to the floorboard before the vehicle came to a stop, causing the braking distance to be extended. The message that the brake fluid level was low remained illuminated. There was brake fluid leaking from a fractured cross-member brake pipe. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who found that the underfloor tray was corroded, causing the floor to fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V144000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

128,000 miles · Mar 2026

Accelerator and brake pedal are too close together causing me to depress both pedels at the same time when trying to stop car. Dealer advised me to take this complaint to another level since there are no remedies available.

Pedals and linkages · 12,000 miles · Dec 2004

2004 Jaguar XJ engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
4.2L 8-cyl6-speed automaticRWD16 / 25 / 19

EPA ratings. Class: Large car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2004 Jaguar XJ a good car?

Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 XJ rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the XJ at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Jaguar XJ?

The speed control & acceleration — 4 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about accelerator pedal. Next are the brakes (3) and wheels & tires (2).

How many recalls does the 2004 Jaguar XJ have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2004 Jaguar XJ, the most recent from April 30, 2009 (service brakes, hydraulic). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Jaguar XJ?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2017 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005 and 2006. See the full Jaguar XJ years comparison.

At what mileage do 2004 Jaguar XJ problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 67,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

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.