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Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-75, 76
Ahhhh... this explains why the 1998 XJ8's are so cheap on eBay. I think I'll pass on those "good deals" out there and go Lexus.
SA514 is now official in US as of the 26th. Throttle bodies will be replaced or re-flashed. Owners should start receiving letters for this fix in about 2 to 4 weeks.
I just purchased my XJ8 used recently - I don't think Jaguar will be contacting me. How can I find out more about this?
Oh my, I have been dealing with the stalling problem with my Jaguar XJ8 for 3 years now. The dealer I take my car to, "fixed" it 3 times, then my warranty was up and they refused to warranty the same problem. I discussed my continued problem with the manager and they attempted to "fix" it one more time - this time replacing the throttle body. Oops, didn't work - still stalling. I have spent so much time and money trying to get this problem fixed. The Jaguar dealer will not do anymore for me. I really enjoy driving this car, but don't want to die on the highway either. I drive constantly looking for areas to "pull over" in case my car decides to stall. I'm especially frightened when my children are with me and when my children's friends are with me. One would think Jaguar would take this more seriously. I will never purchase another Jaguar and I will make sure everyone is aware of the problems I have when they are considering purchasing a Jaguar. Like others in this e-mail, I don't want to sell this car just to "give" the problem to someone else, but what do we do.
I called Jaguar Customer Service today and was advised the "SERVICE ACTION" is place for S514. I was advised to call my Jaguar dealer and schedule the service. I did call my local dealer here in Dayton, they were aware of the service action and the appointment was made. I haven't received a letter from Jaguar, but apparently I really didn't need to since I could just call the dealer and arrange an appointment. I suggest calling and making an appointment asap. I'm hoping that once and for all the problem will be taken care of and I can sell the car and not feel that another person could possibly get hurt during a stalling incident. Good Luck Everyone!
I'm an owner of a 1998 XJ8 and very familiar with the car's few faults. The stalling (throttle body) problem has been solved as described in the comments above. Another nasty little secret about this car is its poor cam chain tensioner design, which causes engine failure, often without warning. For more information see: http://www.jagservice.net/jaguar_v8_secondary_tensioners.htm.
Let me quickly point out that with some preventive maintenance (the throttle body, water pump, secondary tensioners and thermostat) the bargain-priced 1998-1999 XJ8 is transformed into a highly reliable and desirable car. The trick is to buy one privately, with all records, for around $16,000 then put $3,500 into it. Make sure you use a good independent (non-dealer) Jaguar service shop.
My husband and I are looking at at a 1999 Jaguar XJ8. The car looks beautiful, but we are definitely thinking twice about purchasing the car. We have had a 1989 Mercedes SEL and loved the comfort and dependability of it. But we have put a lot of miles and feel it is time for a newer vehicle. Safety is a MAJOR concern for us... we also own a 1991 Volvo 940 GLE station wagon. Our Mercedes and Volvo's have been two VERY Dependable SAFE automobiles. We had hoped that the Jaguar would be our next car.
Thank you I was about to finalize my purchase of a 1998 xj8 jaguar today, but after I read the negative report, I will be calling the seller and canceling my appointment.
I have two little children's and I cannot thank you enough for posting all the stalling problems.
Thank you to everyone who have posted your comments regarding this specific make/model and all of the maintanence issues it entailed. We too were going to purchase this style 98 Jag and will now be running for the door... a mercedes sounded better anyway!:)
A few months ago, we purchased a 1998 XJ8L with 50K miles, and this is the first I have heard of this particular defect. My local Jag dealer indicated that all recall corrections have been performed on the vehicle, but I plan to follow up and be sure this one has indeed been done.
That said, I have no regrets whatsoever about this purchase. We have found the car to be the most enjoyable to drive of any we have owned in recent history. My experience with some of its Teutonic rivals has not been particularly positive in terms of maintenance, and had that been my prime concern I would have bought another Acura or Lexus. But in my opinion, none of those cars have the elegance or the driving fun that is provided by this Jag.
Since I'm an engineer, rather than suing someone, as was suggested by the attorney whose comments appeared earlier, I plan to fix the problem, if it still exists in our car, and then enjoy it to the hilt. So far, it has been an absolute joy to own, and I hope with this new knowledge, it will continue to be for some years to come. Thanks to all of you for your efforts in getting this resolved.
I have been having the stalling problem for more than a year. The only difference is my car is a 1996 XJ-6. Jaguar replaced engine sensors. Then six months later, the problem reoccurred. About the same time I noticed my thermostat was not working. I took my car back to the dealer and the thermostat was replaced. No problem until 6 months later. So has anyone else had the problem with the XJ-6?
Nancy T.
My questions is about the car itself. Your all talking about the Jag XJ8 - does this happen in the Jag XK8 as well. I'm very curious about that seeing we are looking into purchasing a 1998 XK8 - Thanks.
Thank you for all those comments on the XJ8. I was going to look at one tomorrow so I am duly warned and shall take the comments with me to the dealer!
Simon.
I have been driving my mother's 1998 XJ8 for approximately 6 months. Several times it has stalled while on the highway, but never anywhere else. Over the weekend, I started the vehicle and heard a horrible rattling noise out of the blue. Sounded like something was loose around the front of the engine. I immediately had it towed. Today, the mechanic calls and tells me the engine has NO COMPRESSION and needs to be replaced or rebuilt. I am devastated. Have there been any class actions suits on this vehicle? I am really shocked by all of the comments, I have read here. I never did any research on Jags before. If you have any further information, please let me know smw4900@yahoo.com.
You did not have the car serviced for 4 years - no wonder the dealer is not helping you.