Jaguar X-Type (2001 – 2009) Review

• January 2001
• January 2002
• March 2002
• March 2003
• January 2004
• February 2005
• March 2005
• September 2005
• January 2008

Reports of clutch failures and drive-train whines. Reports of transfer box failures on four wheel drive models.

High incidence of DMF failures on 2.2 diesels during late 2009.

DPFs were only fitted as standard to facelift 2.2 diesel automatics. They were a rarely selected oprion on 2.0 diesel and 2.2 diesel manuals.

Cooling fan failure.

Further problems include erratic slow running in traffic with poor engine response from low revs and lights dimming (both main and dipped beam) for no apparent reason. Several complaints about poor headlight performance.

Boot lock solenoid also subject to failure due to moisture ingress.

One Backroomer wrote: "One year of ownership 16k miles. Lots of little warranty claims saved for one visit all known by Jaguar. Weeping washers solved fitting of non return valve, rocking drivers seat mod fitted, boot locking system replaced, car juddered in 5th at 30 mph: downloaded new software: problem solved, drivers door catch faulty, had dried out. Lubricated now OK, next week goes in for two days to have steering replaced squeaking noise, may be bearings and another developed this week petrol guage reads half when full, then dances between half and full, will be sorted same time as steering. Dealership very good and co-operative West Sussex."

Other reader problems with ZF autobox, broken driver seat runners, failed door seal, failed central locking mechanism, climate control not working, boot release not working, whining from the steering rack. Problem with ZF autobox identified as fractured clutch piston. Apparently common. Typical rectification costs by an automatic transmission specialist is £1,750.

Some of the first X Type diesels sold had similar problems to the Mondeo TDCI 130. By early 2010, diesel pump failures also damaging the injectors were on the increase for both the 2.0 and 2.2 litre diesels.

On four wheel drive 2.5s and 3.0s, the front tyres can wear unevenly to the extent of serious wear on the inner shoulders. After 10,000 miles they need checking by applying almost full lock and having a look. Rear tracking is adjustable for toe in / toe out, but cannot be set with some types of alloy wheel because they do not have continuous rims and confuse the laser. Too much toe in will make the steering very light. Too much toe out will lead to severe tyre inner shoulder wear.

On V6s, the bottom hose is held on by a wire clip and can pop off, losing all the coolant. Has been a tsb mod fitting a jubilee clip, but very hard to get at and sometimes not properly fixed.

Automatic transmission failure rate on 2.5s and 3.0s more than 4 years old increasing. If low mileage and Jaguar serviced, Jaguar usually contributes. JATCO advises owners not to carry out AUTOMATIC transmission fluid changes hemselves because it's difficult to ensure the correct amount is added (the gearbox needs to be run to a specific temperature - This requires diagnostic equipment) and probably they will use the wrong oil, e.g. Land Rover Discovery ATF is different from a Land Rover Freelander, and Jaguar X-Type (Jatco) uses different ATF to a Land Rover Freelander (Jatco).

On early cars (6 - 7 years old) outer CV joints may need replacing at a cost of £332 at a Jaguar dealer because both reluctor rings can break causing the ABS to stop working. Expanding corrosion of the cast iron under the alloy rings breaks them off.

If ABS and DSC warnings light up on the dash then check whether or not the rear brake lights are working. If not the problem may be nothing more than a blown fuse.

Late X-Types on 2008-2009/59 reg best avoided as quality went down because a lot of the workforce was working notice and because a lot of the cars sat in compounds for extended periods before being sold.

On 2.5 and 3.0 V6, a rumble from the front may mean that the bottom crank pulley damper assembly 4659709 is starting to separate around the rubber insert in the middle of the flat dinner plate sized wheel. Costs £83.23 + vat. Pulley Assy £25.47 +vat and the V-Belt £17.86+vat Total Labour £82.00. Separation is usuallly more marked on the inside than the side one can observe. If it fails completely then engine is written off.

2.0D can go sluggish due to a faulty heat sensor in the cylinder block, which can be difficult to trace as may not register in ECU.

Tip if 2.0 or 2.2 diesel will start, but refuses to tick over in cold weather. Probably caused by engine fuel pump valve sensor sticking. Withdraw dip stick, remove oil filler cap, and remove plastic engine cover which is only held by simple rubber grommets. The unit is located beside the radiator just behind the offside headlamp.a slight tap should release it.

Apparently 2009 X Type diesels were fitted with clutches manufactured by either Borg & Beck or AP. Some have repeatedly failed and been replced by a more reliable LUK clutch.

Difficulty of engaging 1st on a 2004 2.5 AWD was due to failing DMF and clutch. Replacement, togeter with new sump and oil cooler an=mounted to £1,400.

Report of sudden surging of 2004 Jaguar X-Type 2.2 diesel while decellerating. On braking hard, dash indicated "cruise control cancelled". This is the subject of a 2011 Recall: R/2011/108.