2003 Jaguar S-Type recalls and problems

The 2003 Jaguar S-Type has 3 safety recalls and 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Jaguar dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

100

Crashes / fires

15 / 1

Injuries / deaths

10 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Jaguar S-Type vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Jaguar S-Type recalls

Recall 04V-484: Equipment

Reported Oct 14, 2004 · 50,000 vehicles affected · JAGUAR CARS LTD

Problem: 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.

Risk: This does not comply with the standard.

Fix: Owners will be sent letters which will include installation instructions and labels containing the required warning statement. If they prefer, owners may contact dealers to have them install the labels. The recall began on january 25, 2005. Owners may contact jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.

Recall 04V-488: Parking Brake

Reported Oct 7, 2004 · 30,181 vehicles affected · JAGUAR CARS LTD

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the electronic park brake module, which controls the application of the parking brake, may unintentionally apply the parking brake without any indication or warning to the driver.

Risk: This condition can cause the vehicle to decelerate and may cause rear wheel "lockup" at any road speed. A crash may occur.

Fix: Dealers will replace the electronic park brake module with the latest production lever parts. The recall began on january 15, 2005. Owners should contact jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.

Recall 04V-024: Power Train

Reported Jan 8, 2004 · 31,731 vehicles affected · JAGUAR CARS LTD

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, with the forward drive gear selected and the vehicle stationary or in a forward motion, the gearbox could potentially select reverse gear, without indication.

Risk: This failure could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the transmission control module. The recall began on may 1, 2004. Owners should contact jaguar at 1-201-818-8500.

2003 Jaguar S-Type problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Vehicle Speed Control	18
Power Train	17
Parking Brake	14
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	13
Electrical System	11
Visibility	9
Service Brakes	9
Equipment	8
Exterior Lighting	7
Engine and Engine Cooling	7
Air Bags	7
Steering	6

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 7
Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 4
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
Equipment › Electrical — 3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 2
Air Bags › Frontal — 2
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 38,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Jaguar S-Type complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 75,000 miles · reported Jun 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2003 Jaguar S-Type. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle at a gas station, fuel suddenly sprayed out from underneath the vehicle without warning. The contact contacted an authorized dealer and was informed that the dealer lacked the equipment and parts required to service vehicles over 15 years old. The contact was then referred to an independent mechanic specialized in foreign vehicles, to whom the dealer transmitted the vehicle information and failure details. However, the contact later received a follow-up call from the dealer, confirming the independent…

Power Train · at 120,000 miles · reported Apr 22, 2022

The contact owns a 2003 Jaguar S-Type. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-25 MPH, the vehicle would shift into reverse independently and would lock up while the gear shifter was in a drive(D). The gear box fault warning light was illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal in order to continue to drive. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a complete stop with the vehicle in drive(D), the vehicle would reverse independently. The contact would immediately depress the brake pedal. The warning message "Gear Box Fault" was illuminated. There was no further…

Power Train · at 105,000 miles · reported Jun 24, 2021

The contact owns a 2003 Jaguar S. The contact stated that his wife was reversing with the brake pedal being depressed when she lost control of the vehicle and it accelerated on its own almost crashing into pedestrians. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they only repair vehicles made in 2005 and newer and the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000. VIN was unavailable.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 108,000 miles · reported May 13, 2019

Seems that gas is leaking or something, the cabin of the car begins to smell of fuel at random times and the car also randomly decelerates.

Parking Brake · at 198,000 miles · reported Jan 22, 2019

Vehicle parking brake randomly comes on without warning and causes car to try lock wheels even when driving. Sometimes when first start the parking brake is locked even if I don't use it and will unlock when start rolling. Vehicle has multiple misfire coeds and restricted performance and loses power for no reason. Also dangerous when driving in traffic. Not sure what issues is but has new plugs and coils and everything so believe electrical issue

Other Jaguar S-Type years

2008 2007 2006 2005 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Jaguar S-Type years · All Jaguar models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Jaguar S-Type have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Jaguar S-Type: 04V-484 (equipment), 04V-488 (parking brake), 04V-024 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Jaguar S-Type?

Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (18 reports), followed by power train (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 38,000 miles.

Are Jaguar recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Jaguar dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.