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 2143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/year) and 31 recalls. Both report safety issues like airbag and brake problems. 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 luxury sports car that can be costly to maintain. Over five years, it has 21 complaints (4.2 per year) and 5 recalls, with 3 crash-related complaints and 4 injuries reported. Owners frequently report airbag malfunctions, engine issues like timing chain tensioner failure, and hydraulic leaks that can spray fluid inside the cabin. These problems suggest that living with an XK8 requires vigilance and a budget for repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan known for reliability, but it still has 2143 complaints over ten years (214.3 per year) and 31 recalls. Reports include 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries, with one death. Common issues involve the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical system, with symptoms like transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure. While the volume is high, many complaints may be due to the large number of Camrys on the road.
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 | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 Better | 163 |
| 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
- 01AIR BAGS3
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
- 03SERVICE BRAKES3
- 04HYDRAULIC3
- 05STRUCTURE2
Owners report airbag warning lights and unexpected deployment, such as a passenger airbag deploying after hitting a pothole while the driver's airbag did not. This could mean airbags may not deploy correctly in a crash, posing a safety risk.
Complaints include fumes entering the cabin causing headaches, and failure of secondary timing chain tensioners leading to complete engine rebuild. These issues can be expensive and affect health and reliability.
Plastic hydraulic lines can rupture, spraying hydraulic fluid inside the car, including on occupants. This can cause brake failure and interior damage, and is a serious safety concern.
Hydraulic lines for the convertible top can fail, pouring fluid onto occupants. This is both a safety and comfort issue, and repairs may be costly.
“PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYED AFTER HITTING A MODERATELY SIZED POT HOLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT OR SIDE (IF APPLICABLE) DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO PASSENGER IN THE SEAT AND THUS THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT ENGAGED. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT SEEMED OVERLY SENS…”
“I GET AN AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WHICH INDICATES THAT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT WORK. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, THEY PLUGGED THE CAR IN AND TOLD ME THAT THEY GOT A FAULT CODE INDICATING THAT THE AIRBAG CASSETTE REEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE COST WAS AROUND $355.…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission upon acceleration, requiring replacement. Some also experience sudden acceleration, which can lead to crashes. These issues can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Complaints include sudden uncontrollable acceleration and coolant valve bypass issues that may not be covered by recalls. These can cause loss of control and engine damage.
Some owners report brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills. This can lead to crashes and is a critical safety issue.
While not detailed in samples, electrical system complaints are common, potentially affecting various components. Buyers should check for electrical gremlins.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Jaguar XK8 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Jaguar XK8 has far fewer complaints per year (4.2) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the XK8's issues often involve expensive and safety-critical systems like airbags and hydraulics. The Camry's higher volume means more reported problems, but many are due to its popularity. In practice, the XK8 may require more specialized care, while the Camry's issues are more widespread but potentially easier to address.
Key differences
- Jaguar XK8 has 21 complaints over 5 years; Toyota Camry has 2143 over 10 years, but per-year rates differ greatly (4.2 vs 214.3).
- XK8 complaints often involve airbag malfunctions and hydraulic leaks, while Camry complaints frequently cite power train and brake issues.
- XK8 has 5 recalls, all for fuel system; Camry has 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels.
- Camry reports include sudden acceleration and brake failure, while XK8 reports include timing chain tensioner failure and hydraulic fluid leaks.
- Check for airbag warning lights and ensure airbags have not deployed unexpectedly; test the airbag system if possible.
- Inspect hydraulic lines for the convertible top and brakes for leaks or brittleness, as ruptures can spray fluid inside the cabin.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for transmission grinding or hesitation; check for sudden acceleration incidents.
- Inspect brake pedal feel and response, especially on inclines; look for any signs of brake fluid leaks or master cylinder issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Jaguar XK8 for timing chain tensioner condition, hydraulic line integrity, and airbag system faults.
- For the Toyota Camry, have a mechanic check transmission operation, brake system function, and engine for sudden acceleration issues.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway and hill driving, to replicate reported conditions.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed, especially for fuel system (XK8) and air bags/seats (Camry).
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
- 2,143
- Jaguar XK8 total recalls
- 5
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Jaguar XK8 avg complaints/year
- 4.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Jaguar XK8
- Jaguar XK8 top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN