Not sure exactly what the problem is. I have had the complete fuel system and water pump replaced. There appears to be a defect in the placement of where the gas cap is located on the vehicle (on top near the trunk) rather than on the side. When there is a hard rain, water leaks into the gas tank; dirt and debris gather in the opening for the gas tank and must be frequently cleaned out. The vehicle will hesitate while driving and then will refuse to start again. In reading complaints from other owners about the plastic parts used in the engine, perhaps this is my problem. As far back as the complaints go about the unreliability of the vehicle, there should have been a recall to determine why the car will just stop running for no apparent reason.
The worst 1998 Jaguar XJ problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine5
- Lights2
- Transmission2
- Body1
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine5
- Lights2
- Transmission2
- Body1
- Fuel system1
Recalls 1
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- Vehicle 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.
- Risk
- Should this occur, limited opening of the throttle will occur, even with the accelerator pedal fully depressed to the floor.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect these vehicles and modify the throttle cable system.
Recall number 98V022000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Jaguar XJ 208
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Attachment.
- InControl Touch Pro phase 4 customer letter
- SIM card activation issues
- 18C
- A customer may report "Hood Open" message displays on IP with hood closed.
- Jaguar Land Rover Shop Foreman Conference Call
- Presentation from Dealer Shop Foreman Conference Call
- Re-issued dec 2015
- Issue: da-dongle/da-vina/DA-ST512
- Diagnostic Concerns.
1998 Jaguar XJ fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 22 | 18 |
What 1998 Jaguar XJ owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Upper radiator hose blew off engine after being park in my garage.
Drive shaft--wheels, u joints out of balance.
Gear shift locked up.
Vehicle inspected by forest flock, motor vehicle forensic service. Found design flaw in front and rear sub-frame. Resulting in oscillation from front to rear of vehicle. Oscillation occurs from 50 MPH to 80 MPH during test. Mr. Flock states this will eventually lead to componet failure supporting engine and all components the sub-frames .
Engine failed. Nlm
Design of sunken gauges makes it difficult for driver to read them in direct sunlight. Nlm
Light bulb failed.
Engine belt tension failure, very noisy.
Door light lens failed.
Compare the 1998 Jaguar XJ
Other model years
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Questions about the 1998 Jaguar XJ
Is the 1998 Jaguar XJ reliable?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 1998 Jaguar XJ, 1.6 times a typical XJ model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Jaguar XJ?
Engine and cooling, with 5 complaints. Next is lights (2).
How many recalls does the 1998 Jaguar XJ have?
1 recall, covering vehicle speed control.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Jaguar XJ get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Jaguar XJ range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.0L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 22 highway.
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