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Just to add in here, our XJ8 with 68,000 miles pulled the old won't start game, and yes it was the timing chain. I would like to put my name on any list and lend my support for a class action suit. This known defect, that can be fixed, is costly people thousands of dollars, Mine ended up with new engine and $5,800 thanks to a good deal I found. Jaguar told me how sorry they were to hear about my problem, but too bad. Below to show support is the letter I sent: Rob2240@verizon.net
In December of 2002 I purchased a "Select Edition" 1998 XJ8 Jaguar from Jaguar of South Bay. While having the car serviced in Anaheim Hills the service manager referred to it as a "simple used car with a name". After the experience that I have had these past two days, I think I know who was right.
I am writing this note and regardless of the answers Jaguar responds with, I feel that it is important that this situation is acknowledged.
Two days ago, my wife went to the store with her 1998 XJ8. After 15 minutes of shopping she returned to the car and the car failed to start.
She called a tow truck and had the vehicle towed to a Jaguar repair shop. This was not a dealership and so I called Bauer Jaguar in Santa Ana to get some help and advise as to what I should do. They said I could bring it in, however the warranty expired 8/04, so I would have to make my own arrangements. I asked the repair shop where the car was located to give me a diagnosis, they hooked the car to a computer line and said the reading was the Timing Chain. I called back down to Bauer Jaguar and told them what the diagnosis was and they told me since the car was out of warranty it would be a minimum $7,000 to repair. I do understand how the limits and time-line on a warranty works and what I bought in Dec of 02' was supposed to be a car that Jaguar was willing to stand behind, I am sure these statements will look familiar:
Select Edition Certified Pre-Owned Jaguars
Every Jaguar makes a unique statement. Select Edition Certified Pre-Owned Jaguar cars particularly so, having been hand picked as the very best. Their singular character and quality set them apart in a sea of automotive conformity. And, thanks to the value of Select Edition, it is all more attainable than you might ever have imagined.
Best Certified Pre-Owned Inspection* Select Edition's rigorous 140-point process, recognized by IntelliChoice® as "Best Certified Pre-Owned Inspection"* in the Luxury class for the second year in a row, has been designed to create an inventory of certified pre-owned Jaguars of the highest cosmetic and mechanical quality.
At the time of purchase the vehicle had 54,655 miles in it, Two days ago at the time it broke down, it had 68,421. In the almost two years we have had the car, we have only driven close to 14,000 miles. The Warranty was for a 2 year 50,000 mile extension on the original 4 year 50,000 mile factory warranty, but it is not from the time we purchased the vehicle, it is from the date the vehicle was originally sold.
However, Jaguar will cover up to 100,000 miles. That must mean you are confidant that this car should last 100,000 miles more than less.
Given the fact that I live 60 miles from the nearest Jaguar dealer, I was afraid of the extremely high $7,000 dollar cost, so I called JaguarUSA to see if I could get any assistance. I spoke with Nicole at 1-800-4-Jaguar, she told me that if the car is out of warranty, but that she would review my situation and get back to me in 2 working days. I expressed that we are very upset about this whole situation and really could not wait 2 more days to even make a decision, Nicole said she would do what she could, but would make no promises. I then received a call from the shop the car was at, his price was a quote of $4,000 if the engine could be saved or up $9,000 to put a new Used engine into the car. I have only had this car for 2 years and 14,000 miles and now I may need to replace the entire engine!...This was bad news, so I called Nicole back to give her some news and see if she had any answers for me.
I left a message and she did return my call and I asked her if I needed to have the car sent anywhere for inspection, she said that I told her it was at Bauer, I told her that I said I have spoken with Bauer, but I never said the car was there, she was upset with me, why?. My wife then got on the phone and was very emotional,... Then Nicole claimed that we had 3 strikes against us:
1. An old Car
2. A High Mileage Car
3. Out of Warranty
You know that it is ironic that 23 months ago, the Jaguar Dealer told me I was buying a car that would last a lifetime and for a 4 year old car it had very low miles, and the XJ8 style is timeless and will never look old.
Why was the car a low mileage "Select Edition" only 14,000 miles ago and now those same things that sold me on the car are strikes against me?!!!
Bottom line is I needed to get the car fixed, but I was really having a hard time with the fact that it was going to cost me 50% of what I owe on the car. So I started to do some research to see what my options were. I was absolutely amazed to find that my problem was not uncommon at all and in fact Jaguar has redesigned some parts to avoid this problem. A simple repair would save jaguar owners thousands of dollars not too mention the safety issues. The links below are just a small example, however they will show different angles and articles on this known problem. It seems to be top secret for Jaguar. Why was I never told of this problem, In the 2 years I have owned this car I have had to send it in for repair 5 different times, one to Penske Jaguar, who are now out of business, once to Jaguar in Anaheim Hills and 3 times to Bauer Jaguar. I was never advised of this potential problem.
HOW CAN JAGUAR NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS SITUATION!!!...I FOUND IT IN ONE DAY. IF JAGUAR NEEDED TO HAVE A PART REDESIGNED, THEY MUST BE AWARE OF A PROBLEM.
If this situation was brought to my attention before hand, I could have taken my car in for a diagnostic test to avoid a catastrophic failure of the engine. this was obviously avoidable upon research! Now I find myself faced with a huge dilemma, do I pay a large tow bill to have the car taken into the dealer to pay twice the amount to repair the vehicle that the independent shop will charge, in hopes that Jaguar will face up to their obligation and fix this problem. In doing research on this problem, It is obvious that Jaguar is aware of this problem and is doing a cover up in order to avoid conflict and exposure. A timing chain should never break. Given the fact that Jaguar is spending a tremendous amount of advertising capitol on its Select edition program, this is not the time to gain bad press, your reputation is not strong, as I am sure your researchers have found. I cannot wait forever while everyone thinks about this and decides how to make us go away. I have two children that need to get to school and to scheduled appointments including one child that is enrolled in a special education class that he was forced to miss today due to the fact that our car is out if service. I need to get some action now! If Jaguar is going to take the hard stance and not help in anyway as seems to have been the history by reading message boards, then take it now, but know that I will not go away, I will get my car fixed and then pursue any and all actions needed to gain my satisfaction.
1999 xj8...under 38,000 miles, stalling just commenced (going into engine failsafe mode).
Please advise as to the Class Action being discussed. I fear that is the only answer with Jaguar.
And to think I was considering a 2007 xjr! I will do all in my power to advise as many people in Beverly Hills, Belair, West Hollywood, Ca. of mine and MANY others problems with Jag customer service and dangerous mechanical issues. Stay AWAY from Jag.
I own a 1997 XJ6L Jaguar. Not a problem at all until the 73,000 mile mark. Then nothing, but problems with stalling and not starting. I first noticed hard starting in my driveway for the first time, after years of starting after a couple turns. Then it would run fine. Then one day... driving along at 50...stalls like someone turned off the ignition. It started after quite a few cranks (30?)...and ran fine. I brought it into my independent Jag mechanic. It wasn't throwing any code at all to the computer... and he was perplexed as to the problem. He Mentioned a few things it may be. First we replaced the Throttle position sensor. Took it for a test ride... ran great. Next day...stall...stall...start...stall...it kept starting, but only after manyyyyyy cranks. Brought it back to the mechanic, and he took it for a ride, and it hesitated a few times for him, but still threw no code. He tested fuel pressure, and voltage to fuel pump---fine. He pulled a few of his tricks on it to eliminate some very costly repairs. He suggested the crankshaft sensor.. He said those have such fine windings in them, that when they go, they may not throw enough voltage to show a code on the computer...It's been a week now, and it is running like new again... Color me happy...so far!!! I'll keep you posted!!!
I purchased a 1998 XJ8 from a Jaguar dealer, where I have enjoyed good care during all required inspections, recalls, and oil changes from the service dept. there (car always washed, vacuumed (even trunk) wheels and brake dust cleaned). Even once when I have a cigarette lighter fuse replaced for free.
I work and live in between two Jaguar dealers. I was having a simple ruff engine sound, so I took it to the other Jaguar dealer. They told me it was a simple cam timing chain. They would have to order parts and the total cost would be around $3,000. They also charged me almost $200 for this look. This seemed rather high for a simple chain replacement, and I was kinda mad about the $200 look fee, so I tried several local shops that deal in Jaguar or even Ford repair. The mechanic had told me that I could drive the car and that the chain may go any time between on the way home or several months, but that was as bad as it would be if not fixed right away.
I drove the car very limited; back only to work 1 mile each way. Went on vacation. When I came back I keep looking for a lower rate. The biggest problem was first finding someone that wanted to work on this car. And then the chain was only about $100 each. However, the labor (I should make this much) was 90% of the entire bill.
One day I was driving and pop, the car shut down. I knew right a way that the chain had gone. Had the car towed on a flat bed to the second Jaguar dealer. There it sat for 2 weeks before I finally called for status. They told me they had lost my phone number from 2 months before in their system, but they would now look at the car again.
I had assumed they would check the computer and at least order the simple chain parts, and may at the worse wait for my OK.
Another week past and I had to call again for status. They told me that they would get back to me. The next day I got the call I never expected. It was going to be a new engine. Bottom line $11,000. I do not know where to go.
any ideas help me:
geob8475@comcast.net or 856 678 8475
George.
Same problem with the timing chain. $4k later and still no worky. I love my Jag though... I guess it's the price for an exotic automobile.
Does anyone know if the chain causes oil pump failure? I think my mechanic is misleading me a bit.
Keep me posted on the lawsuit! jim@ifindproperties.com.
A continuing saga: see the 19Feb2007,11:05 post above.
Disassembly confirmed that my engine had suffered from the timing chain tensioner failure problem. I purchased a rebuilt crate engine from Jaguar and had it installed by a local service shop since there is no dealer nearby.
I drove the car with the new engine approximately 3000 miles, and noticed a hot oil smell. The local mechanic found an oil leak originating from one of the plugged ports on the back end of the left cylinder head. Jaguar said they wouldn't warranty the crate engine unless the warranty inspection was done in a Jaguar shop, so I had the car towed $60+ miles to Sacramento Jaguar. Sacramento Jaguar would not perform a warranty inspection unless I agreed to pay labor costs to pull, inspect, and reinstall the engine. I agreed to do so to get the thing fixed. Jaguar removed the engine, confirmed the oil leak was where my mechanic said it was, originating from some damaged threads in that port. Jaguar agreed to provide a new crate engine. Now they want $930 for removing the defective engine, inspecting it and placing the defective engine back in the car for transportation back to the service shop where I had the first engine replacement done. I paid it under protest, but I firmly believe Jaguar's performance on this whole latent defect issue has been unethical from the start.
Can anyone tell me if there has been any progress toward a class action suit? Contact me at jag_lemon@comcast.net.
So why didn't I read this account of Jaguar delights before I bought my '98 XK. Mine sits in my garage with a blown head gasket, and although I'm capable of making the repairs myself -- which will involve removing the engine -- I coulda had a Corvette for about the same price. Live and learn, I suppose. It sure is pretty, but for $13000, I coulda got by with a picture.
We were about to buy a 1998 XJ8 tomorrow. We've got two children and another on the way. God bless all of you for saving our family untold grief. I empathize with your problems, but I do know that something good will come your way for helping others to avoid them. Many, MANY thanks.
First and foremost I truly do empathize with everyone who has had bad luck with their jags, I currently own a 97 m3 which I was going to trade in for a 99 xj8 with 93000 miles at a very good price, but after reading all these posts I understand why the jag is so cheap. I'm sticking to german engineering.
213locc@excite.com.
1998 Vanden Plas - we have purchased this car and it has just over 99,000 miles on it. We have it in the shop right now to change out the timing chains and tensioners. We are doing this to avoid a failure, not because one has occurred.
We read somewhere that according to a technical service bulletin from Jaguar, that the fix for the tensioner is to install a metallic one, rather than replace it with the plastic one. Is this true? Any official website or does anyone have a PDF of the technical service bulletin for us to share with the mechanic? He is supposed to work on it tomorrow (1/2/08).
Does anyone know of the current status of the class action lawsuit? Please contact us at khonsarifamily@yahoo.com.
PS - has anyone else had a problem with the temperature gauge on the vehicle? Ours will periodically show hot, but the engine is not hot. It also shows cold as well on a random basis. We have replaced the thermostat two times to date.
My 99 XJ8 has been a nightmare. The failsafe engine mode is on now. And I've had "the won't crank after short drive"...twice! What a joke.
Dealer did replace the tensioner under warranty.
I really think a class action lawsuit is in order.
Jag is about to change owners so this all may be moot.
Tata Motors in India looks like the probable new owner.
Ppgill@bellsouth.net if anyone knows how to start a class action lawsuit. I'm in.
I have a problem similar to others with the chain tensioners on my xj8 1999. They replaced the initial one within the warranty period, but the new ones broke 14,000 mls. after end of warranty. Going nowhere with Jaguar Canada I took them to court. The case is schedule for may 23rd in Montreal, Canada. I am suing both Jaguar Canada and the dealer Scotti for $30,000. Does any know of other court cases going on now? Andre Veilleux.
Well, after reading all these posts I am truly worried. I just bought a 98 Xj8 with 146,000 kms from a Toyota dealership in the Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada and when I start it I hear the ticking sound that everyone is describing. When I give it a quick rev, it stops. Why is this? Shouldn't it keep ticking if there is something wrong, or is it something else? I am wondering about valve seats.
The car runs & performs great when I drive it, I love it more than anything I have ever owned, including 6 BMW's of various years.
I am seriously thinking of taking this car to a friend who is an import mechanic and just biting the bullet and getting the timing chain tensioners replaced. Would you get the 2nd generation tensioners or the 3rd generation tensioners? I am so confused as to what to do. Would love to hear what people think who are in the same boat!
Take my advice, have the tensioners changed. It is much cheaper than an engine. Andre.
My wife and I were hoping to buy, and enjoy the ownership of a 98, 99 or 00 XJ8 within the next week or two.
I stumbled over this site and now my hopes of Jaguar bliss seem dashed.
The Internet is a wild and wooly place, please do not be offended if I ask:
How come no one responds to questions?
Am I to believe every late 90s XJ8 is rubbish?
May I ask the identity of our hosts, CSDO Media Ltd?
Why are CSDO Media Ltd so up tight about correct english usage?
We live in New Zealand and are unaware of www.carsurvey.org, how can we be sure this isn't a clever "Gorilla Marketing" campaign funded by Jaguars opposition?
We are very keen on buying an XJ8, however we need to know: is this a storm in a tea cup or a genuine, bone fide issue with the Jag V8.
Please let me know your thoughts...
jwade@xtra.co.nz
Thanks, Jaffa Wade.