- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with lhd manual transmissions, the hand brake, which applies the parking brake, may not apply sufficient pressure to the brake pads to prevent the vehicle from moving if the manual transmission was left in the neutral position. The automatic adjuster within the hand brake may not work properly causing the hand brake lever to travel outside the recommended range.
- The risk
- If the vehicle travels outside the recommended range, the vehicle may roll away and a crash may occur.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the existing automatic adjustment hand brake lever system on the affected vehicles with a manual hand brake lever system. The recall began on january 14, 2005. Owners should contact jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Jaguar X-Type Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 90 complaints about the 2003 Jaguar X-Type with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (17) and the wheels & tires (17). Those complaints describe 12 crashes, 5 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in October 2004 for the parking brake. For comparison, the 2002 has 124 and the 2004 has 136.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical X-Type year, for its age
#127 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 90
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 12
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 5
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 2003 Jaguar X-Type problems
Share of all 90 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Jaguar X-Type recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- On certain passenger sedans, the power circuit which feeds the direction indicator system could fail. This could result in the driver being unaware that the external turning indicators are not operating because the internal "tell-tail" light on the driver's instrument panel continues to work normally.
- The risk
- The loss of rear turn signals could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is turning and could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the general electric module. Owner notification began april 1, 2003. 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.
What owners say
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90 complaints about the 2003 Jaguar X-Type
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.
Hydraulic fluid line burst controlling convertable top. Cant get parts to repair
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
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.
Rocker panels or sills inner and outer left and right sides rotten rusted possible toa frame. Parking brake does not full engage.
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 repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
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.
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.
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 (parking brake). The failure mileage was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 jaguar x-type. While driving at approximately 70 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle decelerated and the gear box fault cruise unavailable and the check engine warning indicators illuminated. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 jaguar x-type. The contact stated that the hand brake failed to applied sufficient pressure to the brake pads to prevent the vehicle from moving. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v48700(parking brake). The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Tl-the contact owns a 2003 jaguar x-type. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle jerked and decreased in speed. In addition, the temperature gage fluctuated and the radiator emitted steam. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the water pump fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000. The vin was not available. Djr
Due to a design error when ice builds up on the wheel well in cold climates the driver is prevented from steering the vehicle. When it was required to make a sudden turn to avoid a road hazard the steering failed and caused an accident. This car has also caused problems with inside air quality due to an oil leak in the oil pan gasket. This has been an on going problem that the manufacturer has refused to warrant due to the complex nature of the repair. *Tr
TIRE SEPARATION, FRONT TIRE WITH JUST 27918 MILES. *TR
TIRE SEPARATION, FRONT TIRE WITH JUST 9786 MILES. *TR
Informed by jaguar service dealer in cerritos on 02/07 and 09/27/13 that transmission had failed and required replacement. Conducted online research during the last two months and discovered that the auto was demonstrating the exact failure as 1999 jaguar xk8 (recall no. 478 - Replace transmission), as follows: "it is important to emphasize that any failure of a transmission which involves complete lockup is only likely to occur at very low vehicle speed, as the transmission shifts down into 1st gear with the...
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vehicle almost at a sandstill after being in higher gears when traveling at higher speeds." Each of the incidents I have experienced with the car stalling and the transmission warning light appearing has occurred while slowing down on the freeway during heavy traffic or exiting the freeway. Response from ms. Carmen baker of jaguar was that the car is not under warranty, therefore she is unable to honor my request for assistance with transmission replacement. It is my belief that the car was equipped with a defective and/or recycled (refurbished) transmission. Current mileage is 59,877. Because of the safety factor of the car stalling, I am very reluctant to drive on the freeways or roads where the average speed is above 40 miles. On one occasion on the freeway, a kind driver followed me until I was able to pull to the side of the road. Jaguar only considered the age of the car, not the defect or customer safety. Transmission was repaired on 04/23/2004 and 02/26/09. Updated 7/23/2015 *js
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 jaguar x type. The contact stated that while traveling at 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the fuel pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 38,000 and the current mileage was 40,000. Updated 1/23/15*cn updated 02/20/15.*Jb
After slowing the car, the transmission downshifted in a harsh, sudden manner, and then the car accelerates abruptly and surges forward with a "clunking" sound. An amber warning was displayed on the dash saying "gearbox fault". If someone was in front of the car when it surged forward they might have been struck. *Tr
Brakes were working fine as I parked the car. Turned the car off, and turned back on and drove at about 5 mph. Applied breaks to stop at intersection, brake hydrolics were not working. Had to press really hard for brake to work. Brakes should not have failed suddenly. Brakes still not working, need to talk to dealer on monday.. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 jaguar x-type. While driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact merged to the shoulder and restarted the vehicle. The cruise control was no longer operable and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician advised that the failure was not detected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in any recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 243,000.
The problem started when taking the state of georgia mandated emission test. The vehicle was service 3 weeks before the deadline. All phases of the test was completed except for the evaporate part. So that put the vehicle in not-ready status. We had the vehicle check and rechecked until its pass emission testing march ,2012. Renewal of our progressive vehicles insurance, I can across the vehicle center section on the website. The jaguar information was entered and there were 4 recall and 40 tsb. Just before the...
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last emission test the vehicle was scanned for codes their were two issues in which reoccured every since 2006. Nhtsa #10017717, batch #30309 and 623791, batch #30701. I called jaguar corporate office (201) 818-8500 to see what could be done to resolved these problems..The part of phone call I did not liked, the customer care person stated " the government put information out on vehicle all the time, its don't means anything. Also I learn georgia suppose to have all recalls and tbs in there emission testing data base. This is a short version of the frustration we have with jaguar, when the informations is there for them. # 623791 Can happen on the expressway with the loss of power. Please help with a solution. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 jaguar x-type. The contact stated that the vehicle would accelerate abnormally even with the brakes engaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that they could not duplicate the failure after inspecting the brakes and scanning the entire vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times but they could not duplicate the failure. The contact stated that he tried to contact the manufacturer for days but could not speak with anyone. The failure mileage was 7,000 and the current mileage was 8,072.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 jaguar x-type. The contact was sitting at a stop light when the vehicle accelerated abnormally. The contact stated that while his foot was on the brakes, the vehicle would not slow down. The contact had to avoid crashing into another vehicle and as he swerved, he ended up crashing into a tree, causing the tire to bust. The contact sustained minor injuries. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to have the tire repaired and for inspection. The cause of the failure was unknown. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 8,000. Updated0 06/26/12 *bf updated 06/27/17*jb updated 07/05/12.*Jb
Last year the car exhibited severe corrosion in the right and left "a" pillar area at the bottom where it blends with the rocker panel.Working on the car recently, the corrosion has progressed to the point where the front jack lift point as outlined in the owners manual, is completely unsafe to lift from. The crystallization of the metals are passed the safe point. My major concern is at what point does the vehicle become unsafe to drive due to failure of side impact protection and passenger compartment safety....
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As I understand from other owners, jaguar designed this model so that the drains for the front windshield wiper and vent box drain into the a pillar. When the hole at the bottom gets plugged with mud or ice during the winter that water mixed with road salt creates the perfect environment for this resulting corrosion. This model car being driven in areas that use road salt for dicing as well as chlorides on gravel roads for dust control would all be deemed unsafe before the vehicles lifetime is used up. Totally unacceptable for a world class auto manufacturers. *Tr
2003 X-type jaguar purchased in 2007. While driving the on the highway the dash lights for check engine and no cruise control came on. The thermostat needle quickly went to the limit on gauge. The car shut down with no control and had to pull off to side of road. 17" Tires. All had to be replaced at one point or another as the rims are soft and dent or damages easily. Control arms have been replaced twice. Stereo system is not compatible with anything. The washer wipers are always clogged up. The radiator has...
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overheated and has been replaced. I have had the transfer case completely replaced. Jaguar dealership said at one point the repairs would be close to $10,000. There is only 160,000 km on this car. It is unsafe. I cannot resell it to anyone. I am stuck with it till it dies and is paid for. Never buy this car. Everything imaginable is wrong with it and I can only drive it around town. *Tr
This seems to be a common problem in which no one seems to want to address. There is a known flaw in the manufacturing process of the jaguar x-type models from 2002-2005. The rocker panels which are constructed of steel, with no drainage holes and no corrosion protection. This is a safety hazard as the corrosion impacts the uni-body construction which impacts the side impact structure. Seems jaguar is aware of this matter yet refuses to admit a flaw and addresses complaints to this issue by offering cash...
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assistance on a case by case basis and "codes" it as a customer courtesy. My vehicle is a 2003 x-type purchased new in 2002, rust was found showing through the sill plate from the inside out, 7 days over a 6 year warranty. In repairing this due to jaguar refusing to address the issue (yet offered me a courtesy of $3k towards repairs), the result was faulty mfg of '02 - '05 models in which the models where all defective. The rocker panel is built in steel, with no drainage holes allowing for salt/water to capture inside, thus corroding the unibody and a-frame of the car. I have receipts and online proof of this defect and ignoring of the issue. I am seeking restitution for the additional $4k put into the repair (jaguar contributed $3k as a "courtesy") of the vehicle. This needs to be addressed as a total recall of x-type models showing proof of rust and/or invoiced repairs. I am in the process of speaking with the division of motor vehicles, dealers/license department with direction from the attorney generals office and am awaiting the response from the state's board of attorneys. I had my car totally refabricated due to a safety concern compromising the structural integrity of the car. If this complaint goes unattended to, then why can't one inspect a vehicle with visible rust?? Must be because it's a safety issue. *Tr
Jaguar X-Type: every year compared
All X-Type years2003 Jaguar X-Type vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Jaguar X-Type | 90 | 2 | F | |
| 2003 Jaguar S-Type | 104 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Jaguar XK Series | 83 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2003 Jaguar XJ Series | 83 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 2003 Jaguar VDP/Super V8 | 9 | 0 | - | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Jaguar X-Type
Does the 2003 Jaguar X-Type have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Jaguar X-Type: parking brake (October 2004); turn signal (January 2003). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Jaguar X-Type?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (17), wheels & tires (17), body, doors & structure (13).
How many complaints has the 2003 Jaguar X-Type had?
90 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 13, 2002 and the latest on August 12, 2019. Of these, 12 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 2003 Jaguar X-Type a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 22 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Jaguar X-Type year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Jaguar X-Type years have the most complaints?
2004 (136), 2002 (124), 2003 (90). See every Jaguar X-Type year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Jaguar X-Type has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data