Jaguar XF 2015-2024 Reliability & Common Problems

Is the Jaguar XF reliable?

The Jagaur XF doesn't have the best reliabilty record, and as you can see from the list below, it does suffer from a wide range of issue of varying severity. That being said, in the What Car? Reliability Survey, the XF finished in sixth place out of 20 cars in the executive car class with an overall score of 94.7%.

Earlier diesel models fitted with the Ingenium engine are best avoided as these are afflicted by timing chain issues and clogged diesel particulare filters.

Engine: Walk away if you hear a knocking noise from the V6 diesel. It’s an early sign of crankshaft failure, which starves the engine of oil and can cause a full seizure.

Timing chains can stretch over time and eventually snap if not repaired, again causing major engine damage. Check the car’s history to see if it has been replaced, and listen out for rattles from the engine from start-up.

Any issues with the alternator will first appear as a ‘Charging System Fault’ message and red warning light on the dashboard. Alternator problems can vary from the auxiliary belt slipping off and stopping it from turning to the battery failing to hold charge.

A clogged up diesel particulate filter is pretty common on the 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine, particularly so with early examples. Watch out for reduced performance or blue smoke on a test drive.

Gearbox: The gear selector that rises up from the centre console can get stuck, stopping you from putting the car into drive. A weak battery or faulty brake switch is often the cause.

An owner’s view

Jason Semanic: “The XF immediately stood out, with its character, elegant design and genuinely rewarding drive. I bought a 25t and found it to be bulletproof over 40,000 miles. The reputation for poor reliability has been completely false in my experience: only routine servicing has been needed.

"After stints in an Audi S5 and a Tesla Model 3 Performance, I eventually returned to an XF S with the supercharged V6. It’s quick, composed and fantastic on the open road. This generation of Jaguar is seriously underrated. It offers real driving credibility in a way few cars do.”

Also worth knowing

If you want to avoid any timing chain issues, it’s best to opt for a post-2019 XF: the 2.0-litre diesels were fitted with an upgraded timing chain that eliminated any problems.

The V6 oil-burner suits the long-distance nature of the Sportbrake estate in particular, but expect to pay upwards of £16,000 for one of these.

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