Jaguar S-Type problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The S-Type’s most serious recalls are from 2003–2004: the automatic transmission could select reverse with Drive engaged (04V-024), and the electronic parking brake could apply itself at speed (04V-488). 2005 cars have a fuel tank seal recall (06V-418) and some 2006 cars a parking pawl guide plate recall (05V-503).

CarWhere lists 5 documented S-Type issues, including 5 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

S-Type generations at a glance

Jaguar S-Type generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
X2002000–2008Transmission may select reverse without warning (recall 04V-024) · Electronic parking brake may apply itself (recall 04V-488) · Fuel tank seals may not be retained — fuel smell, leak (recall 06V-418) · Park may not engage — parking pawl guide plate (recall 05V-503) · Brake fluid warning label not visible (recall 04V-484)

X200 S-Type problems (2000–2008)

Transmission may select reverse without warning (recall 04V-024) (2003–2004)

Safety recall
Generation:
X200 (2000–2008) – 2003–2004
Years:
2003–2004
Powertrain:
Automatic transmission

Recall 04V-024 covers about 31,731 Jaguars with automatic transmissions, including 2003–2004 S-Type models: with Drive selected, the gearbox could select reverse without any indication. Dealers reprogram the transmission control module.

Symptoms

  • Unexpected gear engagement

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for Jaguar dealer repair orders showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 04V024000 (2004-01) · 31,731 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1][2]

Electronic parking brake may apply itself (recall 04V-488) (2003–2004)

Safety recall
Generation:
X200 (2000–2008) – 2003–2004
Years:
2003–2004
Powertrain:
All

Recall 04V-488 covers about 30,181 Jaguars, including 2003–2004 S-Type models, whose electronic parking brake module may apply the parking brake without warning at any speed, which can lock the rear wheels. Dealers replace the module.

Symptoms

  • Parking brake engages on its own
  • Parking brake warnings

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Test the electronic parking brake several times

NHTSA recall: 04V488000 (2004-10) · 30,181 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3][2]

Fuel tank seals may not be retained — fuel smell, leak (recall 06V-418) (2005)

Safety recall
Generation:
X200 (2000–2008) – 2005
Years:
2005
Powertrain:
All

Recall 06V-418 covers about 13,655 Jaguars, including 2005 S-Type models, whose fuel tank module seals may not be retained, causing a check-engine light, fuel smell or a leak when the tank is full. Dealers fit revised seals or replace the tank.

Symptoms

  • Fuel smell after filling up
  • Check-engine light

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Treat any fuel smell as urgent before purchase

NHTSA recall: 06V418000 (2006-10) · 13,655 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4][2]

Park may not engage — parking pawl guide plate (recall 05V-503) (2006)

Safety recall
Generation:
X200 (2000–2008) – 2006
Years:
2006
Powertrain:
Automatic transmission

Recall 05V-503 covers about 493 sedans, including some 2006 S-Type models, built with an incorrect parking pawl guide plate, so the car may not hold in Park. Dealers replace the plate.

Symptoms

  • Car rolls in Park

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Test Park on a slope with the parking brake off

NHTSA recall: 05V503000 (2005-11) · 493 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5][2]

Brake fluid warning label not visible (recall 04V-484) (2002–2005)

Safety recall
Generation:
X200 (2000–2008) – 2002–2005
Years:
2002–2005
Powertrain:
All

Recall 04V-484 covers about 50,000 Jaguars, including 2002–2005 S-Type models, whose brake fluid reservoir warning statement is hidden under a leaf screen (FMVSS 135). Owners received labels to fit.

Symptoms

  • None

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Check the label is fitted near the brake fluid reservoir

NHTSA recall: 04V484000 (2004-10) · 50,000 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [6][2]

Related S-Type research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a S-Type was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Jaguar build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Jaguar build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Jaguar S-Type problems?

NHTSA recalls cover 2003–2004 transmissions that could select reverse, a 2003–2004 electronic parking brake that could apply itself, 2005 fuel tank seals and 2006 park pawl plates.

Is a used Jaguar S-Type a good buy?

It depends on condition and records more than the badge at this age. Confirm the recalls above were done, and get a pre-purchase inspection that covers the transmission, parking brake and fuel system.

How do I check if an S-Type recall was done?

Enter the 17-character VIN in NHTSA’s recall lookup and ask the seller for dealer repair orders.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recall 04V-024: Jaguar/Forward Drive Gear (DOT recall dataset record) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  2. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim): all Jaguar recalls (Jaguar Land Rover North America, Jaguar Cars) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  3. NHTSA recall 04V-488: Jaguar/Electronic Parking Brake (DOT recall dataset record) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  4. NHTSA recall 06V-418: Fuel Tank Seals (DOT recall dataset record) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  5. NHTSA recall 05V-503: Park Pawl Guide Plate (DOT recall dataset record) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  6. NHTSA recall 04V-484: Jaguar/Fmvss 135/Brake Fluid Reservoir Label (DOT recall dataset record) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)

More Jaguar tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Jaguar Land Rover North America or JLR. Jaguar, F-PACE, E-PACE, I-PACE, F-TYPE and the model names are trademarks of Jaguar Land Rover Limited.