1998 Jaguar XJ8 XJ-8 from North America - Comments

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Steven Jackson, CSDO Media Limited

Hello, well I have a 99 XJ8 Vandenplas that just hit the 99k mark. I bought it when it had around 54k miles. Since I have had it I haven't had any problems until a couple of weeks ago, I started experiencing these cold starts. When I drive to take off my cars acceleration is real laggy and it jerks. Also, just yesterday I was pulling out of a gas station when my car just decided to engine stall. I press on the gas and nothing happened and I was halfway pulled into a lane of traffic. Nearly causing two cars to wreck into me. Luckily, they stopped in time. I was able to turn off the car and turn it back on and it decided to run and I was able to drive back home. So I got on the net to see what this problem could be and did some research and came across this site and wow it seems like I'm not the only one with this type of problem. I guess I'm going to have to go to my local dealership and have my tensioners inspected and whatnot. BTW I read all the comments and was wondering if anything ever developed on a lawsuit of some sort? Sucks too cause I only owe around $4k left on my car on having it paid off. This seems to be a real costly repair. If anyone has any advice on what I should do I'm all ears. Email is jfc_iv@hotmail.com.

Just to clarify for those of you in the market for used Jaguars. The timing chain problem being discussed is a problem with the 8 cylinder engines (XJR XJ8 etc). The 4.0L straight six (6) engines are "bullet proof" according to my Jag mechanic.

I own a 1997 Vanden Plas with the 6 cyl engine and have 130,000 maintenance free miles thus far. This same mechanic told me he has Jag customers looking for these cars as they run well for a long time.

While I wish mine had the "get up and go" of the V8's, I do feel for those of you who have had the timing chain break.

Advice: If you can live without the extra horsepower of the V8 or supercharged V8's go with the straight-six engine on the 97 (and older) XJ6's. In today's economy, you can get them for a song!

I am another extremely unhappy customer with Jaguar. I have written two (2) letters to Jaguar, made numerous phone calls, and continue to pour money into MY OUT OF Warranty problem.

Like many others, I feel that Jaguar has not been forthright about problems that appear to be, and have been, occurring with many owners. I have included both letters I sent Jaguar, which indicates some of the problems we have experienced. In both cases, I was told that my car was out of warranty. The mileage on this car is now 105,000 miles - so I guess it is now out of warranty (100,000 miles). And of course we are out of the time period warranty. All of the problems we experienced were initially well within both warranties (Does not matter now).

Also, after reading about the stalling problem, I realize there were at least two (2) separate times, we had to have the car towed because it stalled while driving on Interstate Highways; and twice it simply would not start while parked. Just assumed this was maintenance or tuneup issue. WOW, even more money poured into this pit!

Anyway, I feel I have been misled about the quality of the care, Jaguars' concern to stand behind their cars, and so on - most likely the same frustrations many others have.

I would be very happy to be a part of any class action suit against Jaguar.

Letters below were sent to Jaguar and eventually responded to. My contact info is noted in the letters, so if anyone is aware of any class action, I would appreciate being advised.

Thanks.

30 October 2006.

Jaguar Cars

Attn: Customer Relationship Center

555 MacArthur Boulevard Mahwah, NJ 07430-2327.

Re: 1998 XJ-8L Jaguar SAJHX6242WC829906.

Gentlemen:

I am finally writing you as a result of extreme frustration, exasperation beyond your imagination, irritation, and total disappointment with Jaguar.

My wife has always liked Jaguar, dating back to the XKE, but we never purchased one because of the price and the poor quality reputation. Finally in December of 1999, we purchased the Jaguar she has always wanted. Actually, the major factor in making the purchase was that Ford was now in control and the high ratings on service and maintenance. From there our excitement went downhill.

We followed the maintenance and service program for the vehicle, but there always seemed to be other issues. There are two that have been particularly burdensome and frustrating. 1) The front driver side brakes squealed and the tire wire rim was always covered with black powder. This was repaired on at least three occasions and dust shields were installed in Nov. 2001. Same problem still happens today. Every time you touch the brake pedal- you get to hear the squeal and you can always see the ever present residue. Ongoing problem that was never cured. 2) From the time of purchase there was a noise that sounded like valves tapping. Initially told tune-up would take care of. On June 06, 2002, I requested that an item be entered on the repair order. This was done- and the response was unable to verify. On Sept 02, 2002, we once again complained of noise. Response from Dealer was that they were unable to detect. On Feb 19, 2003 we reported problem again and asked it be noted on repair order. Dealer response was that they were unable to produce tapping noise. On April 13, 2004 dealer finally hears noise and states it is timing chain- but NO LONGER COVERED BY Warranty- since it expired in Feb. 2004- and the cost to repair would be approximately $ 2,800. Strange- reported problem on other occasions- but noted on at least three (3) separate repair orders and no one can detect the problem. Car goes off warranty and they know what the problem is.

On Oct. 5, 2005 I had to have our Jag towed in- yet another time- for repairs because it would not start. Great news! Laurel Jaguar is no longer an authorized dealer, but still able to make repairs. Wonderful, fuel well filter plugged up and water in gas tank- $ 1,322.39 repair to get water purged and Jag running again. Since then, we have driven this wonderful Jaguar XJ-8L locally and very carefully. Noise has gotten so bad, car is now parked in drive way and unable to drive for fear of further damage. Anyway, there is finally an authorized Jag dealer in the area and looks like we can continue dumping great sums of money into endless pit!

Aside from that, we love the car- but these problems have been a complete distraction.

Very Truly Yours.

F.P. Lages

3609 Font Hill Drive

Ellicott City, MD 21042

(410) 465-3124/ (410) 461-3355.

05 April 2008.

Jaguar Cars

Attn: Customer Relations Center

555 MacArthur Boulevard

Mahwah, NJ 07430-2327

Re: 1998 XL-8L Jaguar SAJHX6242WC829906.

Gentlemen:

I am writing you to update you on this endless episode and the continuing sums of money we have to dump into our “Jaguar Money Pit” -which we cannot afford.

As noted in the attached letter, we were basically forced to park this car in October 2006, until we could accumulate enough money to have the “mysterious noise” (which we had many documented complaints about since 2001) repaired. This was done at our expense of $ 3,433.55 on 12/01/06.

During these repairs, we also questioned the continuing problem with the front end problems we had also been historically reporting, and were told the Jaguar needed some extensive repairs to correct these problems. Once again, we had to accumulate money to have this problem fixed, and on 03/23/07 we spent another $ 3,438.38. Then on 09/27/07 and 02/02/08, we spent another $ 547.34 on front end problems which may have been associated with repairs on 03/23/07.

For the past several weeks, we have enjoyed the reappearance of the same engine noise- but more pronounced- than was repaired on 12/01/06. The approximate elapsed mileage since the repair is a whopping 5,000 miles. Sounds like we have to start saving another $ 3,500 to pay for repairs that should have been covered under warranty- but arfully evaded by a now non-existent Jaguar dealership; and questionably properly completed on 12/01/06 (5,000 miles ago) by another Jaguar dealer.

This car is now and has been defective since it was purchased as a used vehicle with 30,011 miles on 12/17/99 from Laurel Jaguar at a cost of $ 44,225.66. There seem to be a lot of other problems we should mention:

• Gas tank fill design is wretched- we have had to have car towed twice and pay over $ 1,000.00 on each occasion to purge system of water and new parts;

• Loves to use oil;

• Interior side moldings are riddled with cracks;

• Antenna motor sometimes works, other times it does not. The gears are noisy and are likely stripped;

• Radiator intake flange is a phenolic type material and has broken, but we can still barely tighten the clamp (this should be another great expense) ;

• Interior roof liner is separated from adhesive in areas;

• Remote entry system may or may not operate- generally have to use key manually;

• Paint system is breaking down and clear coat has peeled in several areas, and color is washing out;

(Page 1 of 2)

Jaguar Cars (continued)

• The Driver Door Stop stopped working a couple of years ago- great fun having the door close on you;

• And the list goes on!

We have driven this car approximately 73,000 miles since it was purchased, and the major amount of these miles were driven with the tensioner problem and front end issues. We have had to spend about $ 14,000 to make repairs and are faced with another $ 3,500 for a redo of the tensioner.

I cannot believe this is normal for a Jaguar of this year and model- and there appears to be no end in sight. This vehicle is a lemon! It is time to expect some assistance from Jaguar in this matter. We have been burdened with these issues since 2001 and the tensioners since 2002.

This is the most expensive car we have ever purchased and with the endless list of issues and the cost of repairs; this would overall have to be the worst decision we ever made in car purchases. The car has depreciated like a rocket, and now the value is not much more than the repairs I am forced to make.

All of this is contrary to the reason we spent so much money for a Jaguar- we expected more, but got considerably less than all of the hype about the quality of the car.

Reading reviews submitted by others to various websites, many of the problems I note, have been experienced by others and not surprisingly, responses from dealerships and Jaguar have been similar to mine.

We have a problem that does not want to go away and considering the ongoing history, we have to request and would appreciate some positive assistance from Jaguar Cars.

Thank you.

F.P. Lages

3609 Font Hill Drive

Ellicott City, MD 21042

(410) 465-3124 (Home)

(410) 461-3355 (Work)

flagsetc@att.net (email.

I also have a 1998 XJ-8 Jag and had my timing belt tensioners replace at the local Ford house as that is a motor made by Ford Corp. I call the Jaguar dealer and it was going to cost me $1500 just to change the them and the Ford dealership charged me $350. Just for your information some ford motor are using the same plastic tensioners and having problem with their motors too.

I purchased them off http://www.jaggraveyard.com and took them to the Ford Dealership repair center and they did a nice job. It is only the top tensioners that are having problems. Hope it saves someone the same money I spent. I have about 30,000 miles since the job.

I just bought a 98 XJ8 VP with 39,000 miles for $6000. The car is exceptionally clean and run great. I was thinking about replacing the timing tensor at 50,000 mile, but after reading all the comments I am going to do it sooner rather than later. Has anyone replace the clutch plates on the transmission before they break and ruin the transmission, or do you just let them fail and rebuilt the transmission then?

Interesting! I've just purchased a '98' XJ8 with 35k on it. I detected a slight ticking noise, but it goes away when you kick up the rpm. A woman drove the car, not far and not hard, so I wasn't too concerned because of my mechanical certified background. After setting overnight, when I started it the next day it originally knocked! Than eased to a little tick. I kicked up the rpm again, and it when away.

I was told it due for an oil change, and it was a little low on the dip stick.

The comments I've read, has me thinking and concerned! Thank you for the insight. I'll keep in touch.

fmnpizz@hotmail.com.

All I bought a 1998 XJ8 sedan with 40k miles. After reading all the posts I could find Is spent $2000 (parts& labor) having the timing chain and all supporting bits and tensioners replaced as well as the water pump and other related parts that were potential problems. I had it done at an independent dealer as there are no Jaguar Dealers near. With in a week after completing mine another XJ8 was towed in with the top end done in by tensioner failure at 80k miles.

I have also had to replace the front wheel bearings at 46k miles as they were literally worn out. I replaced them with the highest quality my shop could find.

Count me in on the class action law suit.

Howard Wieland.

Hi fellow 1998 XJ8 owners.

It pains me to read about the problems your having with your Jags. It truly is disheartening to know that in my future I could experience the same problems you are having.

Everyone tried to talk me out of purchasing it because it is now owned by Ford and the repairs would be costly.

I didn't listen and I purchased my Ruby Red XJ8 in May 07 as a graduation from college gift to myself for a mere $6500.00 with 115,000. I love the ride and the feel of the car it's my dream car.

For the first 6 months it ran like a gem, this is the first luxury car that I've ever own. I bought it from an auto-broker who repairs and sells damaged or wrecked cars, this I was unaware of at the time that I bought it. It looked beautiful for a 1998 and still does I get many compliments on it and the asked the age of the car.

When I bought the car I was told that it had been inspected, oil changed and that it was in great condition and for the most part I had no problems. After signing the purchase agreement he told me the roof was out of alignment and that I could bring it back and he would repair it (he didn't) instead my roof leaked for months until one day I tried opening it and closing it and the leaking stopped.

I still don't use the roof and in the rear of the car the cloth from the roof has detached itself and has a bubble like effect. The cigarette lighter doesn't work, the cover on the brake light in the inside of the car in the back has come loose and recently the rear-view mirror has started sliding off the clip that holds it on. These are minor repairs I know for a 10 year old car at such a great price!

Then one day 4 months later it stalled, shutting off while I was driving so I turned it off and it came back on, this happened a couple more times over the next couple of months until one day it wouldn't start.

I had it towed back to the guy I bought it from and he claimed he checked the spark plugs, and everything in order to find the problem. None the less he didn't find the problem but wanted to charge me $150.00 for looking at it. I was out done since I'd bought it from him, he made the statement "you drive a Jag, you should get use to paying to have it looked at. Besides you bought it as is."

That made me a little upset so I spoke with a friend who drives European cars and he suggested Euro Car in Bridgeton, MO not far from where I live. I had it towed there and before I could get off the lot he towed me the spark plugs were not the right ones for the car and that they needed replacing.

He kept my car for a month, he went through the process of elimination to find out what the problem was adding fluids and then draining it when the weather was warmer so that he could see what the problem was. Finally, he found the problem get this "one of the vacuum hoses had come a loose he taped it up and my car started right up. He didn't charge me for taping the hose. I paid a total of $578.00 total for the repair and towing. The car has been running ever since. Your stalling problems could very well be as simple as one of your vacumm hoses being loose or has come off!

Since that time still I don't take care of it the way that I should, I haven't had an oil change since I bought the car, it runs quietly and it may have a slight ticking sound that just started recently (will check it out).

However I have had to put transmission fluid in it and the low coolant light comes on however when I go to refill it, it's almost full. Several other lights come on attesting to problems from light bulb failure to traction and stabilization failure to whatever.

One night I ran into a sink hole caused by the city and the front end is creaking I've been told that it is the struts, shocks, the suspension. The dealer said $1,200.00 for the struts, and 780. for brakes, Euro Car said $500-700 for struts and another 400.00 for replacement, and 200.00 for brakes.

I recently had my brother-in-law who is a mechanic put on the brakes that brought from auto-zone for $25.00 and he charged me 40.00 to put them on I'm going to find out the name of the struts the dealer uses and order them online and he's going to put them on for $200.00.

I realize this is lengthy, however I write this to say that as of yet at 124,560 I haven't had any other problems yet, and if what you all say is true then I should start looking into other problems that may arise.

However one thing I am not going to so is sink a lot of money into the repair of the car because it says Jag-u-ar because at the end of the day it really says F-o-r-d.

Once again for those of you with stalling problems have the vacuum hoses checked first it could be just that simple.

I thank God, for having found a used XJ8 that is beautiful, I don't have the history on the car however the owner and whatever damage was done was minor for a 1998. I so not at this moment regret for one minute purchasing my XJ8 however after reading your responses I a little worry that this feeling could be short lived.

I'll be looking for any actions taken towards a lawsuit.

If you are in the St. Louis area and want the name of a good mechanic or info on Euro Car email at geenalissa2@yahoo.com and good luck!

I have a 98 XJ8 and replaced the tensioners myself. The reason why so many of you experience ticking then it goes away when you rev the engine is they are hydraulic and use oil pressure to pump up. The newer ones are spring loaded and do not use oil pressure. They still use steel sleeved plastic housings or at least they did when I did the work a couple of years ago. I replaced then while I was replacing the transmission... the trans are sealed for life but they mean life of warranty. They require special fluid as well. Jag sold it for $50 bucks a liter!!! I found the same oil at an Volks/Audi dealership for $15. It needs this type of oil. If you haven't, have the fluid and filter changed (do not do the power flush!) If you don't, your trans will die! Anyway I wanted to also mention that the this lovely engine is from Ford and the trans is German. (used in Audi's and BMW's)

BTW, my wife just informed me the the Engine Failsafe light just came on... great!

I just bought a 1998 XJ8L with 170K miles. I paid $1K and decided that it would make an interesting project car since it is pretty clean for a high mileage car. The transmission fault message is currently illuminated and the transmission is in limp mode (5th gear). So, I backed it onto a flatbed trailer, and towed it home. At home, I drove it off of the trailer, slowly got it up to speed (from the starting 5th gear) and took the car for a great freeway ride.

I was unaware of the chain tensioner problems and am inclined to pull the engine and tranny to pursue preventative repairs as would be indicated by the numerous comments noted on this site. Thanks for the very useful info!

I am particularly pleased by the information regarding the transmission fluid comments (VW/Audi). However, can someone clarify the tensioner parts replacement issue? Are the replacement metal parts only available from the Jag dealer, or is there an equivalent FORD part number??? Also, has anyone found the parts at NAPA?

I had expected to put some money into the car and am now willing to do the necessary repairs because this is a beautiful car, and it does indeed ride like a fine $70K automobile, even with 170K miles.

BTW, any ideas for fixing the tranny-based limp mode event?

Again, thanks for the info. CAN

Would the gentleman that replaced the tensioners himself be willing to discuss offline? I am planning to do this repair myself and would appreciate the opportunity to benefit from his experience. I can be reached at r071040@gmail.com

This is the reference posting of interest:

"9th Aug 2008, 08:44

I have a 98 XJ8 and replaced the tensioners myself. The reason why so many of you experience ticking then it goes away when you rev the engine is they are hydraulic and use oil pressure to pump up..."

Thanks,

CAN.

Stalling problem is not limited to XJ8 model!! I leased a 1998 XK8 in 2000 for three years. I had the stalling issue dog me for the last 18 months of the lease. The dealer replaced the throttle body assembly, but this did not fix the problem! I became quite expert at finding the side of the highway at a moments notice. I got notice of the recall

campaign shortly after the vehicle was returned to the leasing company. In the year 2004, I purchased a 2000 XKR. The service manager at the local dealer told me to avoid the 98 and 99 model years with known stalling issues. After four years of essentially trouble free driving...it's back... the need to suddenly get to the side of the road to avoid being killed. The dealer suggested (at great expense) replacing the throttle body assembly. The same fix that did not work with the 98 XK. It really is quite outrageous that such a life threatening design flaw could go unaddressed by a major manufacturer for so long. No more Jags for me (I have owned four of them and was contemplating the purchase of a new XKR) How can you be loyal to a manufacturer that is aware of such a serious safety issue and does little to rectify same? I agree with one of the earlier postings that noted that if this were a flaw with one of the major Japanese products an army of engineers would be dispatched to to resolve the problem with great speed. Great business sense. Are you listening TATA?