The problem
On certain vehicles, the headlamp adjustment mechanism May be operated without suitable instruction on either the mechanism or in the owner's manual. This does not meet the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
The risk
An improperly aimed headlamp could provide less effective roadway illumination or could cause increased glare to oncoming vehicles.
The fix
Owners will be provided with an owner's manual addendum containing the necessary headlamp aiming instructions. Owner notification is expected to begin on January 6, 2004. Owners should contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 03V-509 (03V509000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | R842 |
| Manufacturer | Jaguar Cars, Ltd. |
| Component | Exterior lighting › Headlights |
| Report date | December 4, 2003 |
| Owners notified | January 6, 2004 |
| Vehicles affected | 39,448 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Plus 6 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 03V-509 repair free?
Yes. Jaguar dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Owners will be provided with an owner's manual addendum containing the necessary headlamp aiming instructions. Owner notification is expected to begin on January 6, 2004. Owners should contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 39,448 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.