2003 Jaguar Xk Series recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 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 2003 XK SERIES.
- 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. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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."
What could happen: 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.
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 2003 XK SERIES.
- Book a repair at any authorized Jaguar dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 03V509000.
- 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: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: 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."
Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY AIMED HEADLAMP COULD PROVIDE LESS EFFECTIVE ROADWAY ILLUMINATION OR COULD CAUSE INCREASED GLARE TO ONCOMING VEHICLES.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: JAGUAR RECALL NO. R842. 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
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (20), Transmission / drivetrain (17), Brakes (10), Vehicle Speed Control (10), Body / structure (9).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/12/2019 · Unknown Or Other
HYDRAULIC FLUID LINE BURST CONTROLLING CONVERTABLE TOP. CANT GET PARTS TO REPAIR
08/01/2018 · Body / structure
2003 JAGUAR X-TYPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A HEADLINER COLLAPSE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE GLUE FROM THE HEADLINER CREATED AN UNSAFE AND UNHEALTHY ENVIRONMENT. THE DRIVER'S PASSENGERS HAVE SHOWN SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS RANGING FROM PERSISTENT COUGHING, PNEUMONIA, EYE TUMORS AND BIRTH DEFECTS.*JS
03/27/2018 · Body / structure
ROCKERS PANELS ARE ROTTED BOTH SIDES. RENDERING THE CAR UNSAFE. NO DRAIN HOLES EVER PUT IN NOR WAS IT TREATED. THIS IS PROBLEM ON THESE CARS. KNOWN PROBLEM AT THAT.
03/23/2018 · Body / structure
ROCKER PANELS OR SILLS INNER AND OUTER LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES ROTTEN RUSTED POSSIBLE TOA FRAME. PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT FULL ENGAGE.
01/24/2018 · Airbags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JAGUAR X-TYPE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED SANTIAGO AUTO MALL AT (718) 992-9316 (350 E 170TH ST, BRONX, NY 10456). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REP…
11/01/2017 · Body / structure
LT & RT INNER AND OUTER ROCKER PANELS AND HENCE JACKING POINT ARE RIDDLED WITH RUST/CORROSION, STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY IS COMPROMISED , UNSAFE IN SIDE IMPACT COLLISION OR FRONTAL OR REAR COLLISION , VEHICLE CREEKS AND GROANS AROUND DASH WHEN DRIVEN, FROM WEAKENED STRUCTURE ESPECIALLY AT LOWER "A" PILLARS.
09/17/2016 · Steering
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, ENGINE DIES. STEERING AND BRAKES ARE LOST. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, ABLE TO START ENGINE AND MOVE OFF OF ROAD.
12/03/2015 · Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JAGUAR X-TYPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUAL BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE MANUAL BRAKE LEVER CABLE SEVERAL TIMES. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V487000 (PARKI…