S-Type (2003)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Jaguar S-Type Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
4.2-V8-Gas
4.2L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Jaguar S-Type, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2003 Jaguar S-Type
On a used 2003 Jaguar S-Type, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the brakes (30), the transmission and drivetrain (13) and the electrical system (12). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on the 2003 Jaguar S-Type about the brakes.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2003 Jaguar S-Type about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2003 Jaguar S-Type about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 10 owner complaints on the 2003 Jaguar S-Type about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 7 owner complaints on the 2003 Jaguar S-Type about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Recalls (4)
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
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.
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.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2003-2003 Jaguar S-Type complaints?
Owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2003 Jaguar S-Type. The systems they name most often are the brakes, the transmission and the electrical system.
Is the 2003-2003 Jaguar S-Type a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2003 Jaguar S-Type. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003-2003 Jaguar S-Type have?
NHTSA has 96 owner complaints on file for the 2003-2003 Jaguar S-Type as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2003-2003 Jaguar S-Type?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2003-2003 Jaguar S-Type vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Jaguar S-Type?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the brakes, the transmission and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the S-Type have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2003 Jaguar S-Type. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 96 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.