NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints for the 2002 Jaguar S-Type. Most complaints involve power train (13) and vehicle speed control (7). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JAGUAR S-TYPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION KEY WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO THE DRIVE POSITION, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL. THE FAILURES RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM, THE LOWER BALL JOINTS, AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06E056000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.”
“I WAS SLOWING TO STOP IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC ON A CITY STREET. AS I SLOWED, THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT SOFT, AND THE CAR REVVED UP, ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. I THEN PUSHED HEAVILY ONTO THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT HAD NO ABILITY TO STOP THE CAR. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV. LUCKILY, I WAS SLOWING FROM A FAR ENOUGH DISTANCE THAT I WAS ABLE TO FORCEFULLY PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND STOP THE CAR. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV EVEN THOUGH BOTH FEET WERE OFF ALL PEDALS AND THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL. I THEN TAPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET THE ENGINE TO STOP REVVING, BUT IT HAD NO EFFECT. NEXT, I TAPPED THE GAS PEDAL TO ATTEMPT TO GET THE ENGINE TO STOP REVVING, WITH THIS, THE ENGINE DID STOP REVVING AND RETURNED TO NORMAL RPM'S. VERY SCARY AND QUITE DISTURBING, ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAVE READ OVER 30 COMPLAINTS ON WEBSITES REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE OTHERS HAVE HAD WITH THEIR JAGUARS. WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE? HOW MANY PEOPLE NEED TO REPORT THIS TO HAVE A CASE OPENED?”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JAGUAR S-TYPE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCK AND THE IGNITION LOCK WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED FIVE TIMES BUT THE FAILURE WAS NEVER REMEDIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,165.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-Type Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | $4,200 | 494 |
| S-Type Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,200 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 34 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (13), vehicle speed control (7), electrical system (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Jaguar S-Type at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).