Jaguar XK years to avoid and best years

Avoid: 2007, 2006 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)

Best: 2009 (few owner reports)

9 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade

Across 9 model years, the Jaguar XK has 82 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 18 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and service brakes. 2007 drew the most complaints (30), 2013 the fewest (2).

9
Model years tracked
82
Owner complaints
18
Recalls
5
Median per year

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Jaguar XK vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $12,985–$23,390.

Which XK years have the most problems?

Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.

YearComplaints
20143
20132
20122
20116
20106
20092
20085
200730
200626

Highest: 2007 (30 complaints). Lowest: 2013 (2).

Where owners report problems

vehicle speed control18
service brakes13
power train11
electrical system9
fuel system7

What owners say

Sentiment is strongly positive among long-term owners, who describe the XK as a beautiful, thrilling, and characterful grand tourer that provides a unique and emotional ownership experience.

  • Very frequentHigh maintenance and repair costs

    Parts and labor described as expensive, commensurate with the car's original near-$100,000 price.

  • RecurrentPlastic coolant system hoses

    Cracking with age, requiring replacement.

  • RecurrentTransmission service advisories

    The automatic transmission was marketed as "sealed for life," but owners strongly recommend fluid changes to extend lifespan.

  • IsolatedSuspension component wear

    Front suspension replacement cited as a major expense on higher-mileage examples.

  • IsolatedTire and alignment sensitivity

    Requires precise tire inflation, balancing, and alignment to avoid vibrations at high speeds (85-90 mph / 137-145 km/h).

Owner insights cover all generations of the XK. Individual model years are broken down above.

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