Selling a tired or broken Jaguar XK

An XK8 or XKR that runs hot, won't shift or has sat under a cover for years can still go as one piece. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, coupes and convertibles alike. Sell the whole car as it sits, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

Two generations, two different complaint pictures

Wikipedia says the XK was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1996 to replace the XJS, and was discontinued in July 2014 without a replacement. It came as a two-door coupe and a two-door convertible, both with 2+2 seating. Every version used a Jaguar AJ V8 between 4.0 and 5.0 liters, supercharged only in XKR form, and Wikipedia lists both five- and six-speed automatics.

We pulled these XK complaints from NHTSA on October 10, 2026. They're owner reports, not a grade for the XK, and a 2014 has had far fewer years than a 1998 for owners to report. The vehicle total after each recall is NHTSA's figure for the entire campaign, and several XK campaigns also take in other Jaguars.

XK8 and XKR, 1996-2006 (X100)

Geoff Lawson designed the first XK, built at the Browns Lane plant in Coventry on a modified XJS platform. Model years 1997 through 2006 hold 141 of the 183 complaints. Engine and cooling, power train and speed control lead the early years.

Six recall campaigns cover these cars:

• Rear axle, 1997. Retaining rings on the differential output shaft can shift, so the shaft may pull free of the differential (97V045000, 2,303 vehicles).
• Throttle cable, 1998. The adjuster bracket nut on the cable's outer sleeve can work out of its abutment bracket (98V022000, 5,379 vehicles; the 1998 XJ is in it too).
• Gearbox, 1998-1999. Hairline cracks in gear teeth inside the automatic. Dealers fitted a new gearbox (99V138000, 189 vehicles).
• Headlamp aim, 1997-2003. XK owners were sent a handbook addendum explaining how to aim the headlamps (03V509000, 39,448 vehicles).
• Reverse gear, 2003-2004. In Drive, the XK's automatic could drop into reverse unannounced; the remedy is new transmission control module programming (04V024000, 31,731 vehicles, XJ and S-Type included).
• Pedals, 2006. Accelerator pedal arms put together wrong at the supplier could sit too near the brake pedal (05V162000, 659 vehicles).

XK and XKR, 2006-2014 (X150)

The second XK debuted at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, styled by Ian Callum, with a grille meant to recall the 1961 E-Type. It rode on the XJ's platform. Model years 2007 through 2015 hold 42 complaints, and the 2007 has 17 of them, 6 about speed control.

The X150 has eight campaigns, most of them small:

• 07V199000, 2007: the brake servo's vacuum hose may run too close to the EGR valve (277 vehicles).
• 09V161000, 2007-2009: 112 XKs on run-flat tires didn't flash the tire pressure warnings the federal standard requires.
• 10V332000, 2010-2011: the in-tank fuel pump may not start up. The 2010 XF V8 is in this one too (5,048 vehicles across both).
• 11V168000, 2010: power steering pipes plated below the corrosion spec, XK and XF (4,926 vehicles).
• 13V340000, 2011-2014 convertibles: a fault with a switch in the overhead roof console. Dealers fit a new console (1,989 vehicles).
• 14V157000, 2013-2014: rear toe links can come apart. XJ, XF and XK (297 vehicles).
• 14V389000, 2013-2015 XKR and XKR-S: an incorrect tire placard (144 vehicles).
• 15V038000, 2012-2015: front side lamps may go out. Dealers update software (4,787 vehicles).

Complaints and recalls by model year

NHTSA's file has a 1997 XK row even though EPA data begins at 1998, and no 2004 row at all. The right-hand column counts recall campaigns naming that XK year, so a campaign spanning 1997-2003 lands in seven rows.

All told, XK complaints report 8 crashes, 4 fires and 3 tows.

Worth fixing, or time to sell?

1. Have the XK's VIN checked on NHTSA's recall search, then ask a Jaguar dealer about whatever it lists.
2. An early XK8 running hot? Engine and cooling is the top complaint on the 1997 and 1998. See head gasket or overheating.
3. Shifting trouble? Read our bad transmission guide before paying for a teardown.
4. Hold the quote up to the car. If it nears what a running XK of that year brings, see when fixing it costs more than the XK is worth.

Selling your XK whole

1. Start with the XK's facts: VIN, miles, coupe or convertible, XK8 or XKR, and what's wrong with it.
2. Request an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Tell us how the XK is stored: in a garage, under a carport, beneath a cover in the yard. Flag a flat tire, a top stuck halfway or wheels that won't turn, so the driver arrives prepared. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
4. Leave the XK complete. Wheels, top and engine parts stay where they are. List anything that's already been taken off.
5. When the driver arrives, have the XK's signed title, your ID and its keys ready. Plate rules depend on your state; see after you sell.

Was it a long-term project? See old project car. Other Jaguars: XJS, F-Type, XJ, or every Jaguar we cover.