Research · Subcompact Cars
2005 Jaguar XK8Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 30 owner complaints for the 2005 Jaguar XK8. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (5) and air bags (3). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
30
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$4,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2005 Jaguar XK8 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
30 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2005 – Mar 2024
- Exterior lighting5
- Air bags3
- Tires3
- Service brakes, hydraulic3
- Engine2
- Power train2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Seats2
- Suspension1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Exterior lighting
5 reports
“HEADLIGHT ADJUSTERS BROKEN. THIS CAUSES THE HEADLIGHTS TO POINT DOWNWARD AT THE ROAD AND REDUCED VISIBILITY FOR NIGHT DRIVING. IT WAS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE LINES ON THE ROAD AND OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL JAGUAR DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THESE PLASTIC ADJUSTERS ARE PRONE TO BREAKING IF ADJUSTED AND REFUSED TO WORK ON THE LIGHTS OR PROVIDE A VIABLE SOLUTION. THEIR FIRST CLAIM WAS THAT THESE LIGHTS COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED AND SENT ME AWAY TWICE WITHOUT SERVICING THE VEHICLE. THEIR SOLUTION WAS TO TELL ME TO SEARCH THE INTERNET. UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET IT WAS CLEAR THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH OTHER DRIVERS AS WELL. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS EXTREMELY BRITTLE PLASTIC THAT HOLDS/ADJUSTS THE LIGHTS AND IF BROKEN DO NOT ALLOW FOR SAFE DRIVING.”
Air bags
3 reports2 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JAGUAR X-TYPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR INADVERTENTLY ILLUMINATED ON AND OFF. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.”
Tires
3 reports
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 JAGUAR X-TYPE WITH YOKOHAMA P225/45/R17 TIRES AND DOT CCH8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING 10 MPH. THE MANUFACTURER REPLACED THE FRONT LEFT AND FRONT RIGHT TIRES BECAUSE OF THE BLISTERS ON THEM. THE TIRES WERE DISCONTINUED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE SHE WAS DRIVING AT A HIGHER SPEED, A FATAL CRASH COULD HAVE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF HOW MANY MILES WERE ON THE TIRES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 64,814.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars, Minicompact Cars
- Engines
- 4.2L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 6-spd
- Drive
- Rear-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
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XK8 Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
| XK8 Convertible Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
- 19mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Jaguar XK8 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 1390
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- 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.
2005 XK8 questions
How many recalls does the 2005 Jaguar XK8 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2005 Jaguar XK8 problems?
Owners filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (5), air bags (3), tires (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2005 Jaguar XK8 get?
The EPA rates the 2005 Jaguar XK8 at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026