Research · Compact Cars

2003 Jaguar X-TypeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 90 owner complaints for the 2003 Jaguar X-Type. Most complaints involve power train (17) and tires (14). The EPA rates it 19–20 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19–20mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Oct 2004
Owner complaints
90
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Parking brake

Free remedy

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH LHD MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE HAND BRAKE, WHICH APPLIES THE PARKING BRAKE, MAY NOT APPLY SUFFICIENT PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PADS TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING IF THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS LEFT IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION. THE AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER WITHIN THE HAND BRAKE MAY NOT WORK PROPERLY CAUSING THE HAND BRAKE LEVER TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE RECOMMENDED RANGE.

Parking brakeReported Oct 7, 2004NHTSA 04V487000

Exterior lighting: turn signal

Free remedy

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER SEDANS, THE POWER CIRCUIT WHICH FEEDS THE DIRECTION INDICATOR SYSTEM COULD FAIL. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER BEING UNAWARE THAT THE EXTERNAL TURNING INDICATORS ARE NOT OPERATING BECAUSE THE INTERNAL "TELL-TAIL" LIGHT ON THE DRIVER'S INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTINUES TO WORK NORMALLY.

Exterior lightingReported Jan 16, 2003NHTSA 03V011000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

90 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2002 – Aug 2019
  1. Power train17
  2. Tires14
  3. Vehicle speed control11
  4. Structure9
  5. Air bags9
  6. Engine and engine cooling9
  7. Electrical system9
  8. Steering7
  9. Wheels6

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each X-Type model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2002124
200390
2004136
200549
200643
200734
200812
Crashes reported
12
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
5
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

17 reports3 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JAGUAR X-TYPE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND THE GEAR BOX FAULT CRUISE UNAVAILABLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 182,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 15, 2015Power train, EngineODI 10725207

Tires

14 reports
“REGULAR CAR OPERATION ON TYPICAL ROADS, ALL 4 TIRES BOUGHT 2007, 30,000 MILES HAVE INNER WALL AXIAL CRACKS WIDE AND DEEP ALL THE WAY AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE AND REQUIRE IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT BEFORE AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 1, 2009TiresODI 10294163

Vehicle speed control

11 reports3 crashes
“TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JAGUAR X-TYPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND DECREASED IN SPEED. IN ADDITION, THE TEMPERATURE GAGE FLUCTUATED AND THE RADIATOR EMITTED STEAM. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. DJR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 7, 2015Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 10670622
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
2.5L 6-cyl · 3.0L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic 5-spd
Drive
4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
X-Type
Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
172520$4,000444
X-Type
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
172419$4,200468
X-Type
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
162319$4,200468
X-Type
Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
162519$4,200468
  • X-Type
    Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L
    17 city · 25 hwy · $4,000/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • X-Type
    Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L
    17 city · 24 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • X-Type
    Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • X-Type
    Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L
    16 city · 25 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Jaguar X-Type as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 4782
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2003 X-Type questions

How many recalls does the 2003 Jaguar X-Type have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 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.

What are the most common 2003 Jaguar X-Type problems?

Owners filed 90 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (17), tires (14), vehicle speed control (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2003 Jaguar X-Type get?

The EPA rates the 2003 Jaguar X-Type at 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026