1998 Jaguar Xk8 Sports recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. 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 XK8 SPORTS.
- 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: Engine (2), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (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 (3)
09/01/2008 · Transmission / drivetrain
I WAS DRIVING ON MORNING RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC WHEN I HEARD A SOUND UNDER THE CAR AS IF SOMETHING HAD BROKEN. THERE WERE NO OBSTACLES ON THE ROAD AND NOTHING FELL OFF THE CAR. THE CAR TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP AND THE TRANSMISSION FAIL WARNING LIGHT TURNED ON. I LUCKILY MANAGED TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A JAGUAR MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED JAGUAR CO…
11/30/2004 · Brakes
THE VEHICLE STALLED INADVERTENTLY AT HIGH SPEEDS AND AT LOWER SPEEDS. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THEY WERE AWARE TO THE PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER LEFT THE DEALER AND 5 MINUTES LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN. *AK IN ADDITION TO THE STALLING PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF…
11/18/1999 · Engine
WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY AT 70MPH CAR ALL OF SUDDEN DIDN'T HAVE ANY POWER.THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS. FINALLY WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED, FOUR TIMES. CONTACTED DEALER AND IF FIXED, IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. *AK