1998 Jaguar XK8 Sports: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Jaguar XK8 Sports: 1 recall, 3 owner complaints.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V138000 · 1999 · 189 vehicles
What's wrong: Fine cracks within one or more of the gear teeth with in the gear train, inside the automatic transmission gearbox.
Why it matters: This can result in breakage of the gear teeth potentially causing the transmission to "lock up" at speeds below 15 mph.
The fix: Dealers will replace the automatic gearbox.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1998 Jaguar XK8 Sports has 3 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 2 XK8 Sports model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 2). Neighboring years: 1999 (2 complaints, 1 recalls).
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 1998 Jaguar XK8 Sports.
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 1998 Jaguar XK8 Sports have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1998 Jaguar XK8 Sports. 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 1998 Jaguar XK8 Sports problems?
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (2), other / unknown (1), speed control / throttle (1).
Where can I get a 1998 Jaguar XK8 Sports 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.