2004 Jaguar S-Type recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. 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.
What could happen: THIS FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-201-818-8500.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2004 S-TYPE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jaguar dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V024000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-201-818-8500.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: 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.
Consequence: THIS FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-201-818-8500.
Notes: JAGUAR RECALL NO. R513. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ELECTRONIC PARK BRAKE MODULE, WHICH CONTROLS THE APPLICATION OF THE PARKING BRAKE, MAY UNINTENTIONALLY APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WITHOUT ANY INDICATION OR WARNING TO THE DRIVER.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE AND MAY CAUSE REAR WHEEL "LOCKUP" AT ANY ROAD SPEED. A CRASH MAY OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC PARK BRAKE MODULE WITH THE LATEST PRODUCTION LEVER PARTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-800-452-4827.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2004 S-TYPE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jaguar dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V488000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-452-4827.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: PARKING BRAKE
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ELECTRONIC PARK BRAKE MODULE, WHICH CONTROLS THE APPLICATION OF THE PARKING BRAKE, MAY UNINTENTIONALLY APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WITHOUT ANY INDICATION OR WARNING TO THE DRIVER.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE AND MAY CAUSE REAR WHEEL "LOCKUP" AT ANY ROAD SPEED. A CRASH MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC PARK BRAKE MODULE WITH THE LATEST PRODUCTION LEVER PARTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-800-452-4827.
Notes: JAGUAR RECALL NOS. R166/R167. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
3. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
What could happen: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2004 S-TYPE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jaguar dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 06E056000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO UFI FILTERS USA (PUROLATOR) AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
4. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEM." THE BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR IS RECESSED AND ORIENTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BENEATH A LEAF SCREEN, SUCH THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING STATEMENT EMBOSSED ON THE TOP OF THE RESERVOIR BODY IS NOT VISIBLE BY DIRECT VIEW.
What could happen: THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE SENT LETTERS WHICH WILL INCLUDE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND LABELS CONTAINING THE REQUIRED WARNING STATEMENT. IF THEY PREFER, OWNERS MAY CONTACT DEALERS TO HAVE THEM INSTALL THE LABELS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-800-452-4827.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2004 S-TYPE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jaguar dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V484000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-452-4827.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEM." THE BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR IS RECESSED AND ORIENTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BENEATH A LEAF SCREEN, SUCH THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING STATEMENT EMBOSSED ON THE TOP OF THE RESERVOIR BODY IS NOT VISIBLE BY DIRECT VIEW.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT LETTERS WHICH WILL INCLUDE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND LABELS CONTAINING THE REQUIRED WARNING STATEMENT. IF THEY PREFER, OWNERS MAY CONTACT DEALERS TO HAVE THEM INSTALL THE LABELS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-800-452-4827.
Notes: JAGUAR RECALL NO. R171. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2004 Jaguar S-Type owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (9), Transmission / drivetrain (7), Engine (6), Vehicle Speed Control (5), Electrical system (4).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
07/05/2020 · Transmission / drivetrain
THIS VEHICLE HAS ISSUES WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT RESPONDING PROPERLY TO THE COMPUTER AND NEEDS TO BE REPROGRAMMED IN THIS MODEL, ALSO THE PARKING BRAKES DO GET MIXED UP AND IF YOU PUT THE GEAR CONTROL IN DRIVE IT GOES INTO REVERSE AND THE PARKING BRAKE DEFAULT LIGHT AND TRANSMISSION DEFAULT LIGHT IS ON, MY VEHICLE MALFUNCTION…
07/25/2017 · Steering
WHILE ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHILE COMING TO A STOP MY CAR SWITCHED INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN WHILE IT WAS IN THE DRIVE.THE CAR BEGAN TO DRIVE BACKWARDS ALMOST CAUSING A MAJOR CRASH ON I64 EAST IN VIRGINIA. THIS NEARLY RESULTED IN ME LOSING MY LIFE AS WELL AS PASSENGERS AND OTHER DRIVERS. THE CAR ALSO HAS AN AUTOMATIC PARKING LOCK ENGAGING ERROR WHICH LOCKED MY EN…
01/20/2017 · Lights · crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 JAGUAR S-TYPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED OFF ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…
03/05/2016 · Lights
THE HEAD LIGHTS ON THE CAR POINT DOWN TO THE GROUND. AT NIGHT WITH MY HEAD LIGHTS ON THEY SHINE ON ABOUT 7 FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR. I WAS TOLD A PLASTIC SCREW BREAKS OFF AND THE LIGHTS WILL DROOP AND SHINE ON THE GROUND. TO REPAIR YOU HAVE TO REPLACE HEAD LIGHTS AT A PRICE OF $1,800.00 PER LIGHT, $3,600,00 FOR THE TWO FRONT HEADLIGHTS I NEED BOTH LIGHTS. I…
06/10/2015 · Steering
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…
06/24/2014 · Transmission / drivetrain
THERE IS A RECALL BY JAGUAR R513 VEHICLE GOING INTO REVERSE GEAR WHEN YOU SHIFT FROM DRIVE AND LOCKS UP. THIS VEHICLE DID THIS. ITS SAYS THE CONTROL MODULE HAS TO BE REPROGRAM. NOW JAGUAR REFUSE TO DO IT UNDER THE RECALL..THE VEHICLE IS LOCK IN GEAR AND WILL NOT MOVE.. *TR
04/11/2011 · Transmission / drivetrain
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 JAGUAR S-TYPE. THE CONTACT WAS SITTING IDLE IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. HE THEN ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, PARK, AND THEN DRIVE AS THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARD. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT LONGER MOVE FORWARD AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT A BOLT WITHI…
04/08/2010 · Electrical system
ON 10/03/09 WHILE DRIVING ON HIGH SPEED HIGHWAY (HAD DRIVEN APPROX 150 MILES) AT SPEED OF 65 MPH MY ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED. I PAID TO TOW VEHICLE TO MY HOME AUTHORIZED DEALER. FOUND THAT FUSE FOR FUEL PUMP HAD BLOWN. MILEAGE WAS 35,896. AGAIN ON 03/21/10 WHILE DRIVING APPROX 60 MPH ON I-695 (HAD DRIVEN APPROX 160 MILES) MY ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED.…