IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2008 Jaguar X-Type

Major facelift brings over 500 changes: new mesh grille inspired by the XF, indicator-repeaters in door mirrors, upgraded cabin trims, and a 6-speed automatic gearbox option for the 2.2-litre diesel engine.

What changed for 2008

  • •Extensive exterior restyle featuring a bold mesh grille with Jaguar growler badge and redesigned front and rear bumpers
  • •Door mirrors with integrated LED turn signal repeaters replacing earlier front wing-mounted indicator repeaters
  • •Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift paired with the 2.2-litre diesel
  • •Standard diesel particulate filter (DPF) on diesel models and refreshed interior with tungsten trim finishes

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Diesel emissions test failure resulting from high DPF soot loading on vehicles used primarily for short urban trips
  • !Structural rust on sills, chassis outriggers, and rear suspension mounting areas
  • !Worn multi-link rear control arm bushes and ball joints causing rear-axle wander and MOT advisories
  • !Binding rear brake calipers and split rubber brake flexi hoses
5
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
2
Minor

All Known Issues

Sill Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

The plastic sill covers trap moisture and road salt, leading to terminal rust that is hidden from view until it fails an MOT.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Crunching sound when jacking, Visible rust at the edges of the plastic covers, MOT failure for structural integrity

What to Inspect:
  • Pull back the plastic covers if the seller allows
  • Check MOT history for "corrosion" advisories
  • Look for fresh underseal which might hide poor repairs
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

AWD Transfer Box Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The transfer box on 2.5 and 3.0 AWD models holds very little oil and has no service interval, leading to bearing failure.

Est. Repair Cost: £600–£1,200
Warning Signs:

Whining noise from the center of the car, Vibration under acceleration

What to Inspect:
  • Listen for transmission whine during the test drive
  • Check for oil leaks around the transfer box seals
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Thermostat Housing Coolant Leak

ModerateCooling System

The plastic thermostat housing on the Duratec V6 engines becomes brittle from heat cycling and cracks, leading to coolant loss. The leak typically starts as a slow seep but can progress to a steady drip or spray, risking overheating if not caught early.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£500
Warning Signs:

Coolant warning light on dashboard, Sweet smell of coolant from engine bay, Pink/orange residue around the thermostat area

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the thermostat housing for visible cracks or coolant residue
  • Check coolant level regularly for unexplained drops
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Window Regulator Failure

MinorInterior & Trim

The cable-driven window regulators fail frequently, with the cable fraying and snapping. The window drops into the door panel or operates slowly and erratically. All four windows are susceptible but the driver window fails most often.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£400
Warning Signs:

Window drops into the door, Window operates slowly or erratically, Grinding noise when operating window

What to Inspect:
  • Test all four windows up and down several times
  • Listen for grinding or clicking noises
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Door Lock Actuator Failure

MinorBodywork & Rust

The door lock actuators fail regularly, causing the central locking to stop working on individual doors. The remote key fob may also lose its connection and need reprogramming. Moisture ingress is a common cause.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£250 per door
Warning Signs:

Individual door fails to lock/unlock remotely, Central locking does not respond on one door, Clicking sound from door when locking

What to Inspect:
  • Test all doors with the remote key fob
  • Check that all doors lock and unlock from the driver's switch
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2008 Jaguar X-Type

  • Verify that 2.2d automatics have received low-SAPS engine oil and regular uninterrupted DPF regenerations
  • Test the 6-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifts and prompt gear engagement from cold
  • Probe the sills and jacking points thoroughly; late-facelift cars rot just as severely as earlier models
  • Check all cabin electronics including Bluetooth phone connectivity, touchscreens, and heated front windscreen elements
2005–20072009
Check a 2008 Jaguar X-Type by Registration