Most common 1997 Jaguar XK8 problems
Share of the 30 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jaguar XK8 complaints by model year
Best XK8 years: 2003, 2000, 2001. Years to avoid: 1997, 1998, 1999. Compare all years →
1997 Jaguar XK8 recalls (1)
Suspension › Rear
The differential output shaft retaining rings on the rear suspension can become displaced allowing the output shaft to become detached from the differential unit.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle's differential serial number and repair or replace the necessary parts.
What 1997 Jaguar XK8 owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Jaguar XK8. While driving 40 MPH and slowing to make a right turn, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately five minutes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.
Tl 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 engine will need to be replaced at the cost of $18,000. A report was filed with the manufacturer and they stated that the vehicle was out of warranty; therefore, they would not assist with the repair. The failure and current mileages were 44,604. Updated 04/28/09.
Electrical system
While driving my 1997 Jaguar XK8 on polaris parkway @50mph, the car lost total power. I had to weave out of the middle lane in order to reduce a potential accident.. The local Jaguar dealer tested and reported that the throttle body failed thus causing vehicle to lose all power...during the dealer test drive, the car also lost power on highway #670.. Due to the safety issue, Jaguar should make the necessary repairs..
Intermittently while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. It stalled three times in two weeks. There was a recall for this problem, but only foreign vehicles were involved. The problem continued.
Speed control & acceleration
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Jaguar XK8. While driving 40 MPH and slowing to make a right turn, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately five minutes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.
While driving my 1997 Jaguar XK8 on polaris parkway @50mph, the car lost total power. I had to weave out of the middle lane in order to reduce a potential accident.. The local Jaguar dealer tested and reported that the throttle body failed thus causing vehicle to lose all power...during the dealer test drive, the car also lost power on highway #670.. Due to the safety issue, Jaguar should make the necessary repairs..
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Jaguar XK8 a good car?
Based on 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 XK8 rates avoid: 2.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the XK8 at the same age. It is one of the XK8 years we suggest avoiding. 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 1997 Jaguar XK8?
The engine & cooling — 11 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the electrical system (5) and speed control & acceleration (4).
How many recalls does the 1997 Jaguar XK8 have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 Jaguar XK8, the most recent from March 20, 1997 (rear). 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 XK8?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 2000 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1998 and 1999. See the full Jaguar XK8 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Jaguar XK8 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 61,000 miles; 43% 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.