1998 Jaguar Xjv8 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, 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. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. FINE CRACKS WITHIN ONE OR MORE OF THE GEAR TEETH WITH IN THE GEAR TRAIN, INSIDE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEARBOX.
What could happen: THIS CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE GEAR TEETH POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO "LOCK UP" AT SPEEDS BELOW 15 MPH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC GEARBOX.
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 1998 XJV8.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jaguar dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 99V138000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. FINE CRACKS WITHIN ONE OR MORE OF THE GEAR TEETH WITH IN THE GEAR TRAIN, INSIDE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEARBOX.
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE GEAR TEETH POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO "LOCK UP" AT SPEEDS BELOW 15 MPH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC GEARBOX.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 1, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-201-818-8500. 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
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (1), Vehicle Speed Control (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
06/19/2007 · Transmission / drivetrain
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 JAGUAR XJV8. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND THEN CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE LIMP HOME MODE FEATURE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE LIMP HOME MODE FEATURE WOULD NOT ALLOW HIM TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE MORE THAN 15 MPH. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CO…