2003 Jaguar S-type: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Jaguar S-type: 3 recalls, 100 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #04V024000 · 2004 · 31,731 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This failure could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the transmission control module. The recall began on May 1, 2004. Owners should contact Jaguar at 1-201-818-8500.
Parking brake Vehicle recall #04V488000 · 2004 · 30,181 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition can cause the vehicle to decelerate and May cause rear wheel "lockup" at any road speed. A crash May occur.
The 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.
Equipment Vehicle recall #04V484000 · 2004 · 50,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This does not comply with the standard.
The fix: Owners will be sent letters which will include installation instructions and labels containing the required warning statement. If they prefer,
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E056000 · 2006 · 58,640 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect design, the quick connectors May not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection May believe that the quick connector is fully attached.
Why it matters: Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (18): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (4), warning light on (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (16): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (8), stalls / loses power (3).
- Parking brake (14): the most common themes are warning light on (5).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (12): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (4), warning light on (4).
The 2003 Jaguar S-type has 100 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 9 S-type model years for complaints (1.8× the average S-type year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 38,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (24 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (25 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
| 4.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Jaguar S-type.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2003 Jaguar S-type have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Jaguar S-type, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Jaguar S-type problems?
Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (18), transmission & drivetrain (16), parking brake (14).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Jaguar S-type get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Jaguar S-type repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.