Head-to-head reliability
Jaguar XK8 vs Toyota Camry
How the Jaguar XK8 and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Jaguar XK8 vs Toyota Camry: The XK8 has 21 complaints over 5 years (4.2/year) and 5 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. XK8 issues include hydraulic leaks and airbag problems; Camry issues include power train hesitation and brake noise. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Jaguar XK8 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Jaguar XK8
The Jaguar XK8 is a low-volume luxury coupe/convertible with only 21 complaints over 5 years, but the pattern is serious: hydraulic lines for the convertible top and brakes can rupture, spraying fluid inside the cabin. Owners also report airbag warning lights and unexpected deployments, plus engine-destroying timing chain tensioner failures. With 5 recalls all for fuel system issues, living with an XK8 means staying on top of preventive maintenance and recall repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 206 per year. The most common issues involve the power train (hesitation, shuddering, key stuck in Park), engine throttle delay, and brake noises or electronic parking brake failures. Recalls cover wheels, seats, and airbag sensors. While the sheer number of complaints is high, many are for less severe problems than the Jaguar's.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Jaguar XK8 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 21 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.2 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Jaguar XK8
- 01SERVICE BRAKES3
- 02HYDRAULIC3
- 03AIR BAGS3
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
- 05VISIBILITY2
Owners report plastic hydraulic lines rupturing above the interior light, spraying hydraulic oil inside the car, including on occupants. This can happen with the convertible top motor or brake system, and it's a safety and mess hazard.
Complaints include passenger-side airbag deploying after hitting a pothole, and airbag warning lights indicating a faulty cassette reel. This means the airbag may not work when needed, or may deploy unexpectedly.
Owners report fumes entering the cabin causing headaches, and failure of secondary timing chain tensioners that can require a complete engine rebuild. These are expensive, potentially health-related issues.
Though not detailed in the sample, visibility complaints appear in the top components. Buyers should check for issues like leaking seals or top operation problems that affect outward vision.
“MY WIFE AN I HAVE A 2000 JAGUAR XK8 CONVERTIBLE AND THE PLASTIC HYDRAULIC LINES RUPTURED ABOVE THE INTERIOR LIGHT SPRAYING HYDRAULIC OIL EVERYWHERE INSIDE THE CAR, INCLUDING ON US, I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND AFTER A MONTH OR CONSTANT CALLS THEY DIDN'T F…”
“I WAS INSIDE MY VEHICLE (2000JAGUARXK8) I WAS ATTEMPTED TO LOWER THE CONVERTIBLE TOP DOWN. THE HYDRAULIC LINES WHICH FEED THE MOTOR FAILED AND HYDRAULIC FLUID (3-4OZ'S) POURED OUT FROM THE TOP WHERE THE LIGHT CONSOLE IS IN THE HEADLINER OF THE CAR ONTO ME. SM…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not removable even when in Park, requiring battery disconnect. Others note hesitation and shuddering with check engine light, which can indicate transmission or engine management issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with several seconds of lag before the car moves. This can be a safety concern in traffic and may point to electronic throttle or sensor problems.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow, and clicking/vibrating noises from the brake pedal area that dealers say come from the ABS system. These can be annoying and potentially costly.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping can malfunction simultaneously, as reported by one owner. This suggests complex electronic vulnerabilities that may be hard to diagnose.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Jaguar XK8 — 5 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON C…
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON C…
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON C…
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON C…
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Jaguar XK8 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Jaguar XK8 has far fewer complaints per year (4.2 vs 205.6), but its issues are often severe, including hydraulic ruptures and engine rebuilds. The Toyota Camry has many more complaints, but many are for less critical problems like brake noise or key sticking. In practice, the Camry may be more predictable but still needs attention to power train and brake issues.
Key differences
- Jaguar XK8 complaints often involve hydraulic fluid leaks inside the cabin, while Camry complaints more often involve electronic or power train glitches.
- The XK8 has 5 recalls all for fuel system issues; the Camry has 31 recalls covering wheels, seats, and airbag sensors.
- Camry owners report key stuck in Park and throttle delay; XK8 owners report airbag deployment over potholes and engine-destroying timing chain failures.
- The XK8 averages 4.2 complaints per year, while the Camry averages 205.6, but the Camry's higher volume means more data and potentially more minor issues.
- Inspect all hydraulic lines for the convertible top and brakes for cracks or leaks, especially above the interior light where ruptures have been reported.
- Check for airbag warning lights and ask if the airbag cassette reel has been replaced; also listen for timing chain rattle that could indicate tensioner failure.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and check for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive, which could indicate power train issues.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal and test the electronic parking brake engagement and disengagement multiple times.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially fuel system recalls on the Jaguar and airbag/seat recalls on the Camry.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Jaguar's hydraulic systems and timing chain, and the Camry's transmission, throttle response, and electronic parking brake.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any unusual noises, warning lights, or delayed acceleration in both vehicles.
- For the Jaguar, check the convertible top operation and look for any signs of fluid leaks inside the cabin.
- For the Camry, verify that all electronic safety systems (stability control, lane keeping, blind spot monitoring) function correctly.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Jaguar XK8 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Jaguar XK8 vs Toyota Camry
- Jaguar XK8 total complaints
- 21
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Jaguar XK8 total recalls
- 5
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Jaguar XK8 avg complaints/year
- 4.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Jaguar XK8
- Jaguar XK8 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN