KnownCarProblems2003 Jaguar S-Type Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 100 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Jaguar S-Type, most often about the brakes (32% of complaints, typically around 50,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about S-Type model year since 2000 and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2003 Jaguar S-Type problems
Brakes
32 complaints · 32%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, antilock, driveline.
(1) events leading up to the failure: none. The car has been routinely serviced. (2) failure and its consequences: the car, twice, while attempting to accelerate, would slow down and seems to be weighed down. The car will not accelerate. The ABS brakes go off, and the emergency brake lights go off. Also, error report…
Tl contact owns a 2003 Jaguar S-Type. While driving 45 MPH, the emergency brake failed and caused the brakes to lock. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and later diagnosed. The failure mileage was 47,000.
Speed control
18 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 27,500 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
: the contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated as though the cruise control was activated. The vehicle stopped after colliding with cement steps. This caused minor damage to the front end. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where diagnostic tests were performed. The test results…
While stopped at a traffic light with right foot on the brake and the transmission in drive the car surged forward on its own at a rapid rate, moving forward considerably more than a car length before heavy braking slowed it down in the middle of the intersection against a red light. The engine than returned to idle…
Transmission
16 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 37,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, clutch assembly, manual transmission, driveline.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Jaguar S-Type. Approximately one week after the vehicle was purchased in december of 2008, the contact noticed that it would shift roughly from second to first gear upon deceleration. The vehicle would also jerk forward roughly when accelerating and driving 15 MPH. He found NHTSA campaign id…
Vehicle was returned on (three different occasions) to dealer in two different states to correct grinding sound near front wheels between november 2003 and june 2005. Vehicle sprung a broken fuel line some time in late 2004. Vehicle rear brakes locked on freeway ramp july, 2005 two weeks after dealer had installed new…
Electrical
11 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 7,500 miles. Parts named most often: starter assembly.
Let it be known at miles 2291 the door handles replacement clear coat off paint.turned signals,oil light on, failed computer system.while driving, the park brake and brake light appeared on the dash and was continuous,replacment of the instrument cluster was needed for the vehicle and the part was not in the united…
Had just retrieved car from dealer service. Within 10 blocks, car's brakes engaged and car skidded to stop in center turn lane (lucky me that I was not rear-ended). Dsc and park brake lights were illuminated. Moments later, flames shot from right front engine compartment between hood and fender. Exited car and called…
Engine
10 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 21,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
The contact owns a 2003 Jaguar S-Type. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle. There was also noise in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to dealer but the dealer did not find a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and the vehicle was taken to dealer a second time when the…
Tl contact owns a 2003 Jaguar S-Type, when ever the contact drove the vehicle at speeds ranging from 25 MPH and higher, she noticed that the vehicle would suddenly stop accelerating. The dealer has attempted to diagnose the failure on several occasions and was unsuccessful. The contact has also experienced electrical…
Lights
7 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 39,500 miles. Parts named most often: headlights, brake lights.
Both headlights after leveling pointed only 10 or 15 feet down the road. Was told by the dealership that both headlight assemblies needed to be replaced at a cost of $2,400. The car has never been involved in any kind of accident.
Both low beam headlights self-leveling mechanisms have failed. According to authorized Jaguar service department, the only solution is to replace the entire headlight system at a estimated cost of $2,000. Low beams are now aimed only 10-15 ft in front of the car.
Equipment
7 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 2,000 miles. Parts named most often: electrical, appliance.
Climate control ignores all input (on/off/temp adj./fan contrl). Car must be turned on and off to restore normal operation (see also odi complaint 10013808). Problem has not been resolved by dealer after 4 attempts. Diagnostics show nothing. Per dealer, Jaguar is aware of this problem, but no further information…
Climate control and navigation system. The dealer informed me that the climate control system and navigation system do not work together. When the outside temp reaches 85 or above the A/C will not work. I must turn the car off to reset. If the outside temp is below 45, the heat does not work. I have been informed that…
Wheels and tires
7 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: sidewall, rim, tread/belt.
2003 Jaguar 4.2 r equipped with continenal tires 275/35/zr18 april 2, 2003 right rear blow out 50mph at 3550 miles. Dealer stated road hazard june 25, 2003. Left front blow out at 70 MPH ,7000 miles. Dealer states road hazard. Both blowouts were on sidewall below tread. Tires appears to fail under speed.
The contact owns a 2003 Jaguar S-Type equipped with kumho ecsta lx platinum tires, size: 235/50r17 (na). While driving approximately 35 MPH, the front end of the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the tire tread…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 Jaguar S-Type recalls
Equipment: labels
Risk: This does not comply with the standard.
Fix: Owners will be sent letters which will include installation instructions and labels containing the required warning statement. If they prefer, owners may contact dealers to have them install the labels. The recall began on january 25, 2005. Owners may contact jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.
Full defect summary
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, "passenger car brake system." the brake fluid master cylinder reservoir is recessed and oriented in the engine compartment beneath a leaf screen, such that the brake fluid warning statement embossed on the top of the reservoir body is not visible by direct view.
Brakes: parking brake
Risk: This condition can cause the vehicle to decelerate and may cause rear wheel "lockup" at any road speed. A crash may occur.
Fix: Dealers will replace the electronic park brake module with the latest production lever parts. The recall began on january 15, 2005. Owners should contact jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.
Full defect summary
On certain passenger vehicles, the electronic park brake module, which controls the application of the parking brake, may unintentionally apply the parking brake without any indication or warning to the driver.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: This failure could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the transmission control module. The recall began on may 1, 2004. Owners should contact jaguar at 1-201-818-8500.
Full defect summary
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, with the forward drive gear selected and the vehicle stationary or in a forward motion, the gearbox could potentially select reverse gear, without indication.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2003 Jaguar S-Type
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Jaguar S-Type?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (32 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles); speed control (18 complaints, typically around 27,500 miles); transmission (16 complaints, typically around 37,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Jaguar S-Type have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 14, 2004 (equipment). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the Jaguar S-Type?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about S-Type model year since 2000, with 100 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.