1998 Jaguar XJ: common problems and reliability
121 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about engine and engine cooling. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 XJ?The 1998 Jaguar XJ has 121 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and power train.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Jaguar XJ vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the XJ?
Across the 19 XJ model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2019) to 121 (1998). With 121 complaints, the 1998 XJ sits above the model's median of 13.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 XJ
vehicle speed control
Campaign 98V022000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE CABLE ADJUSTER BRACKET NUT ON THE OUTER SLEEVE OF THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN BECOME DISPLACED FROMTHE CABLE ABUTMENT BRACKET ON THE ENGINE.
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 06E043000CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 99V138000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. FINE CRACKS WITHIN ONE OR MORE OF THE GEAR TEETH WITH IN THE GEAR TRAIN, INSIDE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEARBOX.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is deeply divided and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain.
Owner insights cover all generations of the XJ. See the full XJ owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used XJ listings typically run $12,035–$17,725 across 1990 to 2019 model years.
Other XJ model years
Compare every XJ year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the XJ against its rivals
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