Jaguar E-Pace 2017-2024 Reliability & Common Problems

Is the Jaguar E-Pace reliable?

A well-maintained and regulalry serviced E-Pace should serve as a relaible family wagon, but keep in mind that it is prone to common faults which are widely known (se below).

With a strong dealer and service network across the UK, as well a great number of independent specialists, shoudl you car go wrong it will be easy to source parts.

It is worth noting that in the What Car? reliability survery, the E-Pace came 29th out of 34 cars in the family SUV categroy, with an overall score of 83.8%. While it finished above rivals like the Range Rover Evoque and Skoda Karoq, the Nissan Qashqai and Volvo XC40 scored better for reliability.

Engine: Test a used diesel Ingenium model from cold, because an engine rattle on start-up could be a sign of a worn timing chain. The chain can stretch and snap, causing engine failure.

Jaguar dealers can fit an upgraded chain to eliminate the issue.

A blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF) is common, and oil dilution can happen as a result.

Test drive a diesel on a long journey and see if it goes into limp mode or an engine management warning light illuminates. Replacement DPFs are pricey.

Watch for any AdBlue leaking from hoses and filler caps and that the air breather pipes aren’t rubbing on engine components.

The engine fan can burn itself out by running at full speed for too long. A software update resolved the issue, but check the history of any car you’re viewing.

An owner’s view

Dan Walker: “During my nearly four-year ownership of my E-Pace, it has proved a comfortable motorway cruiser, and it feels pretty settled on a twisty B-road.

"It’s surprisingly economical for a heavy, four-wheel-drive SUV, too. The Pivi Pro infotainment system can be temperamental at times, but I’ve not had any out-of-the-ordinary maintenance costs or issues.

"The Chequered Flag special edition commands a higher road tax, though, and servicing costs can be expensive. I’ve put just shy of 60,000 miles on my car, and overall I’m very happy with it.”

Also worth knowing

The E-Pace gained a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, scoring highly for both adult and child occupant safety.

Several trims were offered across the E-Pace range, the main ones being S, SE and HSE. The range-topper gets you 20in wheels, a 12.3in touchscreen and keyless entry.

Sportier-looking R-Dynamic trims came later.

Sam Phillips

Title: Staff Writer

Sam joined the Autocar team in summer 2024 and has been a contributor since 2021. He is tasked with writing used reviews and first drives as well as updating top 10s and evergreen content on the Autocar website.

He previously led sister-title Move Electric, which covers the entire spectrum of electric vehicles, from cars to boats – and even trucks. He is an expert in new car news, used cars, electric cars, microbility, classic cars and motorsport.

Sam graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2021 with a BA in Journalism. In his final year he produced an in-depth feature on the automotive industry’s transition to electric cars and interviewed a number of leading experts to assess our readiness for the impending ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars.

Richard Lane

Title: Deputy road test editor

Richard joined Autocar in 2017 and like all road testers is typically found either behind a keyboard or steering wheel (or, these days, a yoke).

As deputy road test editor he delivers in-depth road tests and performance benchmarking, plus feature-length comparison stories between rival cars. He can also be found presenting on Autocar's YouTube channel.

Mostly interested in how cars feel on the road – the sensations and emotions they can evoke – Richard drives around 150 newly launched makes and models every year. His job is then to put the reader firmly in the driver's seat.