Jaguar XE Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Jaguar XE options? We analyzed 5 model years (2017–2021) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Jaguar XE has 37 owner complaints and 9 safety recalls across model years 2017–2021. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2020 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Jaguar
- Model
- XE
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2021 (5 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 37
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Fire-related complaints
- 2
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (20 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2020 (2 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
Jaguar XE: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
AverageThe JAGUAR XE has 37 NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. 4 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 37 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 9 federal recall campaigns
- 4 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
9 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
STRUCTURE:BODY
STRUCTURE:BODY
STRUCTURE:BODY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2021. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 37 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
37 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Rear camera stopped working. When backing up there is a safety hazard of not being able to see low objects behind car. I took it to an independent service center060
The contact owns a 2018 Jaguar XE. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the low-pressure fuel tank needed to be replaced. The contact had the part replaced; however, a week after the repair, the failure returned. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a hairline crack was found on the fuel feed line. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V090000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jaguar XE. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the instrument cluster went blank, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that an unknown service required message and other unknown warning lights were illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on three separate occasions however, the failures could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure was recurring and that when shifting the gear into reverse(R) an abnormal sound was heard. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown fuel and wheel component needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that smoke was coming from the engine compartment. The contact made the dealer aware of the issue, and the vehicle was waiting to be taken back to be diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
When it rains, the trunk fills with water killing the batter and causing all kinds of electrical problems. This issue is well documented and confirmed by doing a simple Google search “Water on the Jaguar XE trunk” or visit any of the Jaguar forums that are filled with complaints about water filling the truck of the Jaguar XE model, e.g. https://www.xeforums.co.uk/threads/the-dreaded-water-leak.7577/
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE 1998 JAGUAR XE 20D WITH ABOUT 13,000 ON ODOMETER, ON THE HIGHWAY (I-95) AT NORMAL SPEEDS WHEN SUDDENLY SHE SAW IN AN INSTANT THAT THE DASH INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRE AND THE CAR STARTED TO JERK TO THE OTHER LANE AND SHE COULD BARELY BRAKE. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED NOR WAS THE CAR DAMAGED OR HIT. I CAME OVER AND WHEN I ARRIVED I SAW THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE HAD BASICALLY DISINTEGRATED. THE THREAD WAS OUT OF THE TIRE AND THE SIDES OF THE TIRE EMBEDDED IN THE WHEEL RIM WHICH HELPED AVOID DAMAGE TO RIM AS THE CAR WAS RIDING ON THE RIM AT THAT POINT. A SUPPORT TRUCK FROM FLORIDA DOT CAME AND ASSISTED IN INSTALLING SPARE TIRE. TECHNICIAN NOTED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT SEEMS TO HIT THE TIRE. IT SEEMED TO BE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE FROM THE TIRE. CAR HAS ONLY 13,000 MILES. TIRES ARE ALWAYS INFLATED TO CORRECT RECOMMENDED PSI. PERHAPS THESE TIRES NEED TO BE RECALLED?
RE: PIRELLI P7 CINTURATO 225/50R 17 98H MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE 1998 JAGUAR XE 20D WITH ABOUT 13,000 ON ODOMETER, ON THE HIGHWAY (I-95) AT NORMAL SPEEDS WHEN SUDDENLY SHE SAW IN AN INSTANT THAT THE DASH INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRE AND THE CAR STARTED TO JERK TO THE OTHER LANE AND SHE COULD BARELY BRAKE. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED NOR WAS THE CAR DAMAGED OR HIT. I CAME OVER AND WHEN I ARRIVED I SAW THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE HAD BASICALLY DISINTEGRATED. THE THREAD WAS OUT OF THE TIRE AND THE SIDES OF THE TIRE EMBEDDED IN THE WHEEL RIM WHICH HELPED AVOID DAMAGE TO RIM AS THE CAR WAS RIDING ON THE RIM AT THAT POINT. A SUPPORT TRUCK FROM FLORIDA DOT CAME AND ASSISTED IN INSTALLING SPARE TIRE. TECHNICIAN NOTED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT SEEMS TO HIT THE TIRE. IT SEEMED TO BE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE FROM THE TIRE. CAR HAS ONLY 13,000 MILES. TIRES ARE ALWAYS INFLATED TO CORRECT RECOMMENDED PSI. PERHAPS THESE TIRES NEED TO BE RECALLED?
Read 14 more owner reports
DEALER LEASES ME A CAR THAT DOES NOT PROPERLY FIT A CHILD BOOSTER SEAT. SEAT IS 12 INCHES IN WIDTH AND THE BOOSTER SEATS DO NOT COME LESS THAT 15 INCHES WIDE. I HAVE CONTACT THE DEALER AND AS WELL LEFT MY CAR FOR SEVERAL DAY TO ONLY RECEIVE NOTIFICATION THAT THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING BESIDES REIMBURSING ME FOR A BOOSTER SEAT THAT I FIND ON MY OWN THAT IS LESS THAN 15 INCHES WIDE.
BACK SEAT DOES NOT BUCKLE A CHILD'S BOOSTER SEAT PROPERLY. SEAT REMAINS TWISTED WHEN SEAT BELT IS ATTACHED AND CHILD IS NOT SEATED PROPERLY
The contact owns a 2017 Jaguar XE. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the passenger’s side air bag had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and transferred the contact to the warranty headquarters located in Florida. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Jaguar XE. The contact’s wife stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond, and no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle accelerated to an unknown speed, causing the contact’s wife to veer off the roadway and collide with a tree, where it came to a stop. The contact’s wife reported that the engine compartment caught fire upon impact and that the air bags deployed. As a result of the crash, the contact’s wife sustained a spinal injury and bruising. The fire was extinguished by the local fire department. A Police and fire report was filed, and both report numbers were provided to the contact. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was towed and destroyed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,455.
The contact owns a 2017 Jaguar XE. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the check engine and battery warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle could not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the fuel line needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,820.
The contact owns a 2017 Jaguar XE. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormally strong fuel odor. The contact parked the vehicle. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was a large amount of diesel on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a hole in the fuel return line. The contact was informed that the fuel return line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred the following day. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. No further information was available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the safety failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2017 Jaguar XE. The contact stated that while parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the contact heard abnormal sound coming from the engine and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that on another occasion while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle responded as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,630.
This vehicle has left me stranded with my family multiple times with out being able to pull over on the side of the road. It’s had so many coolant leaks, hoses bust, and a hand full of coolant leaks in the whole system. The jaguar dealership has worked on vehicle multiple of times without any success. The vehicle while driving didn’t even warn me the coolant was low. When I pulled over and opened the hood, it busted of the coolant cap on its own and coolant was busting out everywhere cause it to leak on me.
Constant coolant issues, leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating and repairs over the past 1.5 years.
Over the past 18 months I have had numerous issues with the coolant system causing the car to over heat and leak coolant. It is the same issue with the coolant system every time.
My safety bag warning light has been coming on and off. I have no accidents or anything mechanically done to cause this to trigger. In addition, I never knew my seats had any memory as I have never used this option since I've purchased the vehicle in 2019. At times my driver seats moves on its own, without me touching anything.
There has been random frequent issues with some of the safety features failing or deactivating. The issues is presented as an alert popping up saying the “Blind Spot System Not Available”, then when putting the car it to reverse I also get the message “Reverse Traffic Detection Not Available”. On some occasions the issue presents as the alert for “AEB Not Available”. The issue or alert clears after turning the vehicle is turned off for a period (not sure on how long).
Car shuts down constantly with no warnings, took it to the dealership twice same and I still have the same issue. It’s been an issued since I bought the car a year ago
Well driving down the hwy the steering wheel became really stiff 75 mph dash said loss of power steering assist.. later on vehicle did regain power steering .. second time was well making a u turn steering wheels was jurked out of had.. display had same message .. steering has not regained
Showing 20 of 37 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Jaguar XE
These pages show model-year patterns across 5 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Jaguar XE, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Jaguar XE has 37 complaints on record across 5 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Jaguar XE has 9 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 4 of the Jaguar XE's 37 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Jaguar XE vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Jaguar XE vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Jaguar XE has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Jaguar XE by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Jaguar XE.
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Jaguar XE reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Jaguar XE reliable?
Average. The Jaguar XE has 37 NHTSA owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Jaguar XE years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (20 complaints), 2018 (8 complaints), 2019 (7 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Jaguar XE problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11 complaints); ENGINE (11 complaints); BACK OVER PREVENTION (6 complaints).
Does the Jaguar XE have recalls?
Yes — 9 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Jaguar XE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.