A compact executive Jaguar built on the Ford Mondeo platform, offering affordable entry into the brand. The Ford Duratec V6 engine is generally reliable, but the JATCO automatic transmission and AWD transfer box are the weak points - expect expensive repairs if they fail. Early cars (pre-2004) suffered serious quality issues including wheel hub failures and sill corrosion. Later models (2007-2009) are significantly better built. Manual transmission versions avoid the costly JATCO issues. Always check under the plastic sill covers for hidden rust - this is structural and an MOT failure point.
AWD transfer case fails due to heat and poor fluid maintenance - more- less
The transfer box is positioned close to the exhaust and catalytic converters, causing excessive heat. Combined with the "filled for life" fluid that actually degrades, bearing failure is common. Symptoms include whining/hooting noise, vibration, and eventually loss of drive to rear wheels. Jaguar dealers quote €3,000-4,000 for replacement, but specialist rebuilds cost €900-1,500. The design was improved for 2004 models, removing the problematic viscous coupling. A grumbling/leaking transfer box or vibrating propshaft are warning signs requiring immediate attention.
JF506E gearbox known for premature failure, especially on early cars - more- less
The JATCO JF506E automatic is the most commonly reported X-Type problem. Some transmissions have failed as early as 50,000 km. 2002 models with transmissions built in early 2001 had defective reverse clutch pistons causing harsh shifts and eventual failure. Jaguar had a list of affected VINs and replaced some proactively. Symptoms: clunking gearbox, won't accelerate smoothly, slipping. A rebuild costs €2,500-3,000, full replacement €4,000-5,000. Manual transmission versions use a more reliable Getrag unit and avoid this issue entirely.
Sill corrosion (structural)€1,000 - €3,000
Sills rot from inside out, hidden by plastic covers - MOT failure point - more- less
A major design flaw on early X-Types. The sills lack adequate drain holes, causing water to pool inside and rot the metal from within. Corrosion is hidden by plastic side skirts, making inspection difficult. The sills are structural, reinforcing the floor pan between subframes - any failure is an MOT failure. Especially bad on pre-2004 cars; later models have drain holes at the front. Cars parked nose-down on slopes are particularly susceptible. Check bonnet edges, front wing bottoms, and boot above number plate too. Repair costs €1,000-1,200 per side for welding work.
Brake servo failure€450 - €900
Internal spring fails, causing sticking pedal and eventual brake binding - more- less
The brake pedal sticks down and won't return to its resting position. This is caused by a faulty internal spring in the servo unit. As the problem progresses, brakes gradually come on while driving until they bind completely - the car becomes impossible to drive until it cools down. The issue can be triggered by pumping the brake pedal to bleed brakes (pressure bleeders are recommended instead). New servo costs approximately €450, labor is awkward and time-consuming. Independent mechanics charge €500-600 total; dealers quote €1,100+ including master cylinder.
Cooling fan module failure€300 - €1,400
Defective circuit board causes fan failure and engine overheating - more- less
Particularly common on pre-2003 cars. The printed circuit board in the cooling fan module has a defective NAND gate that fails, preventing the fans from operating. This leads to engine overheating. Jaguar issued a TSB and improved production from VIN C91720 onwards with a modified Philips circuit board. Dealers no longer sell the module separately - only as a complete assembly with shroud and fans for €1,200+. Specialist repairs to the circuit board cost €300-400. Some owners have identified and replaced the failed transistors (BUK9506-55A) themselves.
Oil pan gasket leak€800 - €1,500
Common leak requiring 8+ hours labor due to differential access - more- less
The engine oil pan gasket commonly develops leaks. Oil may accumulate on the exhaust, causing a burning smell. The repair is expensive because the differential housing must be removed or cut to access the last oil pan bolt - official labor time is 8.8 hours. Dealers charge €1,200-1,500; independent specialists €800-1,000. Some DIY owners complete it in 3 hours, but it requires experience. Also check the cast aluminum oil pan itself for cracks.
Rear suspension control arm wear€250 - €500
Worn bushings cause wobbly handling, especially in corners - more- less
The rear suspension uses "small radius arms" that wear at the bushings, causing the rear end to feel wobbly or loose in corners. This affects tire wear and handling precision. The X-Type should always feel stable - if it doesn't, these arms likely need replacing. Aftermarket arms from brands like Febi cost €100 for a pair but may have incorrect lengths causing camber issues - genuine Jaguar parts are recommended. Critical: only tighten the bush bolts with the car's weight on the suspension, or the bushes will fail prematurely. Replacement takes 45-60 minutes per side.
ABS sensor failure€100 - €250
Sensors fail due to road grime, can disable cruise control and stability control - more- less
The wheel speed sensors are exposed to dust, debris, salt, and brake dust, causing interference or failure. When a sensor fails, ABS warning light illuminates and cruise control/stability control may shut down - the car can also have a tendency to stall. Some owners report intermittent faults that only appear in wet weather. Aftermarket sensors cost €20-30; genuine Jaguar parts €180-200. Related issue: the reluctor ring on the rear axle can crack from rust expansion - worth inspecting when replacing wheel bearings (part costs ~€15).
Ignition coil failure€150 - €400
Coils fail causing misfires, rough running, and potential catalytic converter damage - more- less
Ignition coils fail from heat and electrical overload. Symptoms include misfires, loss of power, poor acceleration, hard starting, and check engine light. Many X-Types have a permanently illuminated engine light due to oxygen sensor or ignition issues. If a coil fails, unburned fuel enters the catalytic converter and can cause expensive damage. The V6 uses individual coil-on-plug design, so only the failed coil needs replacing. Coils typically last 100,000 km but can fail earlier. Parts cost €70-100 per coil; labor €80-150.
Water pump failure€400 - €700
Coolant leaks from pump or expansion tank nipple - more- less
Water pump failure causes coolant leaks and potential overheating. The expansion tank is also a weak point - the nipple at the top left develops hairline cracks or snaps off completely. Replacing the water pump requires removing timing components and is not a DIY job. Dorman (aftermarket) expansion tanks are a popular, more durable alternative to OEM. Always replace the thermostat when doing major coolant work - it costs little and provides insurance against future breakdown.
Door latch and central locking issues€100 - €300
Door latches fail; key fob loses connection and needs reprogramming - more- less
Door latches have a habit of failing on the X-Type. Genuine Jaguar replacement costs €200+, but used parts are available for €25-30. The remote key fob can lose its connection to the car and require reprogramming. DIY reprogramming for lock/unlock functions is possible (turn key to position II then I four times, then press fob button), but starting transponder recoding requires dealer equipment at €60-250. Note: all fobs must be repaired at the same time as the procedure changes the code.
High risk of expensive drivetrain repairs
The X-Type offers affordable Jaguar ownership but carries significant repair risks. The JATCO automatic transmission and AWD transfer box are the major concerns - failures are common and expensive. Sill corrosion on early cars can equal the car's value to repair. Post-2004 models are better, and 2007-2009 are the most reliable. Manual transmission versions avoid the worst issues. Budget for repairs or walk away from cars showing warning signs.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals - the V6 and transmission are sensitive to maintenance neglect.
Tires
Check tread depth, age, uneven wear patterns. AWD system is sensitive to mismatched tires.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds, rough idle, or misfires.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Pay special attention to hidden areas.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds to get gearbox and transfer box up to temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Remove plastic sill covers and inspect for rust
Critical check. The sills rot from inside out and are hidden by plastic covers. Look for bubbling, perforation, or structural weakness. This is an MOT failure point.
Listen for whining/hooting from under the car
A howling noise indicates transfer box failure. Test at various speeds. Also check for propshaft vibration.
Test automatic gearbox thoroughly
Drive for 20+ minutes until fully warm. Feel for clunking, harsh shifts, slipping, or hesitation. The gearbox should shift smoothly through all gears.
Check rear end stability in corners
The car should feel precise and stable. Wobbly or loose feeling indicates worn rear suspension radius arms.
Test brake pedal return
Press brake pedal and release - it should return fully to resting position. A sticking pedal indicates servo failure.
Check for oil leaks underneath
Inspect engine oil pan, transfer box, and gearbox for leaks. Oil pan gasket leak is expensive to repair.
Verify all electrics work
Test A/C, all windows, central locking from both fobs, all door latches. Electronic issues were common on early cars.
Check for engine overheating signs
Look for coolant stains, check expansion tank nipple for cracks. Run engine and verify cooling fans operate.
Inspect wheel arches and bonnet edges
Check for corrosion at front wing bottoms, bonnet seams, and boot above number plate.
Check production date
Avoid pre-2004 cars if possible. Best years are 2007-2009 with improved quality and reliability.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Cooling fan module circuit board (pre-VIN C91720)TSB - check if updated
Contact a Jaguar dealer with the VIN to check for outstanding recalls or service actions. Many issues were addressed through TSBs rather than formal recalls.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years)Expired on all X-Types
Extended warranty availabilityLimited - age of vehicles
All X-Types are well outside their original warranty period. Extended warranties for cars of this age are difficult to obtain and may exclude major drivetrain components. Consider setting aside a repair fund instead.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.