Most common 1999 Jaguar XJ8 problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jaguar XJ8 complaints by model year
Best XJ8 years: 2005, 1999, 2001. Years to avoid: 1998, 2004. Compare all years →
What 1999 Jaguar XJ8 owners say
Engine & cooling
1999 xj-8 secondary timing chain tensioner catastrophic failure. Plastic secondary timing chain tensioner broke into pieces, disabling engine and causing significant damage. Damage included 3 valves, one constantly variable valve timing unit (cvvt), timing chains and sprockets. Required removal of b bank head for machining necessary to replace valves and repair valve seats. No TSB or recall has been issued by Jaguar with regard to this design deficiency. Contact with other Jaguar owners has identified that this problem affects many owners. Jaguar repair is to replace entire engine ($7,000-10,000). I rebuilt engine myself, and contacted Jaguar to question why replacement of the tensioners is not specified at some reasonable interval to prevent tensioner failure. Jaguar response to date has been to deny that any design deficiency exists. …
Dt: the contact states vehicle would not start. She had it towed to the dealership, and they determined there was sludge in the oil pan and the timing chain broke. The engine needed to be replaced. The plastic timing chain tensioner failed and jammed in the timing chain which caused the chain to break in half. This resulted in the valves being stuck open and the pistons to collide. The consumer learned of sb x303-68 and 303-30 which addressed this problem. The consumer learned a defective timing chain tensioner was installed when the vehicle was manufactured. Updated 01/25/06
Transmission & drivetrain
My 1999 Jaguar XJ8 was fine and then I started experiencing the gear box fault coming on one day. And then when car was shut off and restarted light went away. Didn't happen again for several months and then car was parked for about a year. After about a year I installed a new battery hoping to get back on the road and the car doesn't move and the gear box fault light is on. Then while in d and car won't move until I give it gas to about 2000rpms and it'll clunk real loud and stall sometime or drive very slowly and sluggish. Anyways my car is a 1999 and there is a recall campaign number=99V138000 recall date of 06/02/1999 and its with the powertrain system. I don't think that its right for my car to not fall under that recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Jaguar XJ8. While driving unknown speeds, the transmission failed to shift into gear and the transmission indicator illuminated. Additionally, the accelerator pedal was applied, but the vehicle failed to move. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and opened case number: 8000481749. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 87,906.
1999 Jaguar XJ8 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Jaguar XJ8 a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 XJ8 rates better than average: 76% fewer complaints than a typical year of the XJ8 at the same age. It is one of the best XJ8 years by this measure. 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 1999 Jaguar XJ8?
The engine & cooling — 5 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline › belts and associated pulleys. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (4) and fuel & propulsion system (1).
How many recalls does the 1999 Jaguar XJ8 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Jaguar XJ8. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jaguar XJ8?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 1999 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998 and 2004. See the full Jaguar XJ8 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Jaguar XJ8 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 11% 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.