Are Jaguars Reliable?

•  Jaguars are known for their luxury, style, and performance, but they have a mixed reputation for reliability, similar to other luxury brands.
• Resources like J.D. Power and RepairPal provide insights into Jaguar's reliability, showing a mix of high maintenance costs and average repair visits.
• Jaguars can face problems with engines, brakes, and electronics, contributing to their maintenance cost and reliability concerns.

Jaguars target a specific niche and, in prioritizing select features for that market, succeed in earning a reputation for good cars. However, the brand suffers from a slight lack of reliability, which is common in the luxury segment. Jaguar is also tied to another less-than-reliable brand in the same segment: Land Rover. These two icons share the same propensity for high-maintenance hiccups now and then. 

Car reliability can be challenging to measure, mainly as most cars perform differently in various tests, many of which can be subjective. To help determine a fair verdict on the reliability of the Jaguar brand, you can use the following resources: 

• J.D. Power dependability rewards
• Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB) 5-Year Cost to Own 
• Safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Average repair costs per RepairPal

These sources can also tell you more about the reliability of any brand, from Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Ford to BMW, Audi, Mazda, Land Rover, and Porsche. The best reliability determination requires compiling data from each source to present a more well-rounded perspective of a brand’s reliability ratings. If you’re buying a new or used car, research it first with these resources before signing on the dotted line. 

The following analysis of data from the sources above offers insight into the discussion of Jaguar reliability, including whether or not the latest iterations of the brand can be considered reliable vehicles. Consider these facts as you consider leasing, buying, or subscribing to a Jaguar. 

1. Cost of ownership

KBB recognized two Jaguar models in its cost of ownership awards. The 2023 Jaguar XF ranked second in the luxury car segment, with a $69,122 five-year cost of ownership. Third in the high-end luxury car segment is the 2023 F-TYPE coupe. This British sports car has a cost of ownership just north of $100,000.  

2. Dependability 

J.D. Power recognized the 2020 E-PACE for two awards: the highest quality small premium SUV and the best performance small premium SUV. While Jaguar hasn’t won any dependability awards since, the brand remains a strong competitor. Recent news of the brand’s commitment to an all-electric lineup reveals how Jaguar will position itself as an eco-friendly yet luxurious choice for consumers. 

3. Safety features and ratings

Curiously, the IIHS has not tested newer Jaguar models. In fact, the last two nameplates to receive recognition from the IIHS were the 2008 X-Type and S-Type. The former earned a “Good” rating in the “Moderate overlap front: original test,” a “Marginal” rating in the “Side: original test,” and a “Poor” rating in the “Head restraints & seats” test. The S-Type was only subject to the “Head restraints & seats” test but scored a “Good” rating. 

Although the NHTSA lists the Jaguar I-PACE, E-PACE, F-PACE, XF, and F-TYPE on its site, it awards the models no ratings for 2024 or many previous model years. The main reason for Jaguar’s lack of safety ratings concerns the cost of testing and the brand’s low production volume. Many other British and German automakers can’t afford to participate in safety testing, but that doesn’t mean you should deem these brands unsafe. 

4. Fuel efficiency 

Jaguar’s fuel-efficiency ratings span the spectrum, from the guzzling F-TYPE to the green I-PACE. As expected of a powerful sports car, the supercharged 2024 Jaguar F-TYPE achieves only 18 miles-per-gallon (MPG) combined. Compare that to the 2024 I-PACE, which returns 85 combined MPG-equivalent (MPGe). The F-PACE, E-PACE, and XF fall somewhere in between, with ratings in the low- to mid-20s combined MPG.  

5. Average repair costs

RepairPal awards Jaguar 2.5 out of five stars for reliability. This scoring puts it 29th out of 32 car brands. With an average annual repair cost of $1,123, Jaguar maintains the luxury nameplate trend of higher service ticket balances due. The 0.6 visits to the shop and 14% probability of a severe repair also align with this segment. 

With Jaguar’s addition of the electrified I-PACE, many consumers wonder if now is a good time to buy an electric vehicle. Before you scout out I-PACE models for sale, check out the list of common Jaguar problems below. 

1. Engine 

Jaguars tend to have the most problems with their engines. Issues can range from failure of the water pump and turbo to the crankshaft and timing chain. The coolant overflow tank isn’t made from the most durable of materials, which can result in an overheated engine if enough coolant leaks out. Blown head gaskets, low oil pressure, and a leaking oil pan gasket are common issues among Jaguar engines. 

2. Brakes

Problems with Jaguar brakes can vary from excessive noise while braking to delayed braking. Sometimes, the yaw-rate sensor can fail, which results in uneven pressure applied to the brakes. A faulty brake pressure accumulator can also cause a stiff brake pedal that makes slowing down difficult. 

3. Electronics, airbags, and transmissions

Issues with Jaguar’s electronics, airbags, and transmissions aren’t as rampant as the problems owners experience with the brakes and engine. However, they’re still worth mentioning. Older Jaguars tend to have more electrical problems, especially with the satellite navigation and infotainment systems. Some airbags can fail to deploy, and many transmissions have issues shifting. 

To get a better idea of how much it costs to maintain a Jaguar, check out the following table that illustrates the maintenance schedule for the Jaguar XF and F-PACE: 

Actual maintenance costs vary depending on how well you care for your Jaguar.  

Although Jaguar stocks sedans and SUVs, only a few new cars stand out for their reliability. These models include the Jaguar XF and XJ. 

Jaguar XF

RepairPal awards the Jaguar XF with a three-out-of-five reliability rating. Average annual repair costs tip the scales at just over $1,000, and the model visits the shop 0.7 times annually, just 0.1 more times than the average for luxury midsize cars. However, the model’s probability of a severe repair is on par with the luxury segment at 12%. Many experts point to the 2015 XF as the most reliable year. 

Jaguar XJ

Although RepairPal ranks the XJ in the middle of the pack for luxury full-size cars, the model only visits the shop 0.5 times annually. Compare that to the 0.8 times common among other luxury full-size cars. The XJ does have a higher probability of a severe repair than is standard for the segment, and repair costs total over $1,200 annually. The most reliable XJ models tend to be manufactured in 2014. 

Jaguars are as reliable as any luxury brand of its size. The Jaguar stable is small, so any issues with particular models tend to stand out more. However, many of Jaguar’s customers tend to prioritize creature comforts, style, and advanced features over reliability. The brand appeals more to the senses than any promise of high resale value.