Total Complaints
9 filings
JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS · model year
2003 JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS
9 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2003JAGUARVANDEN PLAS carries 9 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2003 VANDEN PLAS is unknown or other with 2 filings, followed by engine (2) and service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2003 VANDEN PLAS. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
9
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
1 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| ENGINE | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN | 1 |
Recalls (1)
06E04300019/05/2006
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CE
Recent Complaints
20241026UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to report a serious incident involving unsafe and negligent repair work performed by Arie Nol Auto Center Inc., an auto repair shop in Kentwood, Michigan. The shopâs conduct has not only caused personal distress but also raised significant public safety concerns. In December 2023, Arie Nol Auto Center diagnosed my 2003 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas as needing a new water pump and mass airflow sensor. After allegedly making these repairs, the vehicle was parked in my garage. However, in May 2024, when I attempted to drive the vehicle, the engine warning light illuminated, and the oil system displayed dangerously low levels. Upon inspection, a retired mechanic discovered that the car had no oil, and the oil cooler bypass was missing. The vehicle leaked oil profusely, which could have led to a catastrophic engine failure or a road hazard. I believe the shopâs negligence could endanger not only vehicle owners but also other motorists. Given the potential risks associated with thi
20241026ENGINE
I am writing to report a serious incident involving unsafe and negligent repair work performed by Arie Nol Auto Center Inc., an auto repair shop in Kentwood, Michigan. The shopâs conduct has not only caused personal distress but also raised significant public safety concerns. In December 2023, Arie Nol Auto Center diagnosed my 2003 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas as needing a new water pump and mass airflow sensor. After allegedly making these repairs, the vehicle was parked in my garage. However, in May 2024, when I attempted to drive the vehicle, the engine warning light illuminated, and the oil system displayed dangerously low levels. Upon inspection, a retired mechanic discovered that the car had no oil, and the oil cooler bypass was missing. The vehicle leaked oil profusely, which could have led to a catastrophic engine failure or a road hazard. I believe the shopâs negligence could endanger not only vehicle owners but also other motorists. Given the potential risks associated with thi
20160612ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
URGENT....... TRAVELING @ 65 MPH IN THE HOV LANE OF THE 405 FREEWAY THE MIL ( MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ) SHOWED A TRANS FAULT, AND THE ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN!!! I TURNED ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS, AND COASTEED TO A STOP. THERE WAS NOT A CHAIN REACTION EVENT. AFTER STOOPING I REMOVED THE KEY, AS A POSSIBLE IGNITION SWITCH OVER HEAT ISSUE , IT WAS NOT HOT. I REPLACED THE KEY AND TURNED THE IGNITION ON , AND THE ENGINE STARTED, I PLACED IT IN GEAR, AND THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD IN LIMP HOME MODE. I AM FAMILIAR WITH OBD 2, AND KNOW THAT NO SYSTEM SHOULD EVER SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. A SUBSEQUENT REVIEW ON GOOGLE SHOWED NUMERIOUS COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE SAME PROBLEM, VEHICLE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ! WHAT DO I WANT. I WANT THE NHTSA TO OPEN AN INVESTIGATION AS TO WHAT IS THE FIX FOR WHAT APPEARS TO BE A PROGRAMMING DESIGN FLAW OF THE ECM OR TCM. I KNOW THE FIX FOR THE TRANS FAULT MIL LIGHT, A LOOSE SNAP RING ON THE FRONT CLUTCH DRUM OF THE ZF-24 5 S
Mileage: 104,586
20160612ENGINE
URGENT....... TRAVELING @ 65 MPH IN THE HOV LANE OF THE 405 FREEWAY THE MIL ( MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ) SHOWED A TRANS FAULT, AND THE ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN!!! I TURNED ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS, AND COASTEED TO A STOP. THERE WAS NOT A CHAIN REACTION EVENT. AFTER STOOPING I REMOVED THE KEY, AS A POSSIBLE IGNITION SWITCH OVER HEAT ISSUE , IT WAS NOT HOT. I REPLACED THE KEY AND TURNED THE IGNITION ON , AND THE ENGINE STARTED, I PLACED IT IN GEAR, AND THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD IN LIMP HOME MODE. I AM FAMILIAR WITH OBD 2, AND KNOW THAT NO SYSTEM SHOULD EVER SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. A SUBSEQUENT REVIEW ON GOOGLE SHOWED NUMERIOUS COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE SAME PROBLEM, VEHICLE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ! WHAT DO I WANT. I WANT THE NHTSA TO OPEN AN INVESTIGATION AS TO WHAT IS THE FIX FOR WHAT APPEARS TO BE A PROGRAMMING DESIGN FLAW OF THE ECM OR TCM. I KNOW THE FIX FOR THE TRANS FAULT MIL LIGHT, A LOOSE SNAP RING ON THE FRONT CLUTCH DRUM OF THE ZF-24 5 S
Mileage: 104,586
20160612POWER TRAIN
URGENT....... TRAVELING @ 65 MPH IN THE HOV LANE OF THE 405 FREEWAY THE MIL ( MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ) SHOWED A TRANS FAULT, AND THE ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN!!! I TURNED ON THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS, AND COASTEED TO A STOP. THERE WAS NOT A CHAIN REACTION EVENT. AFTER STOOPING I REMOVED THE KEY, AS A POSSIBLE IGNITION SWITCH OVER HEAT ISSUE , IT WAS NOT HOT. I REPLACED THE KEY AND TURNED THE IGNITION ON , AND THE ENGINE STARTED, I PLACED IT IN GEAR, AND THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD IN LIMP HOME MODE. I AM FAMILIAR WITH OBD 2, AND KNOW THAT NO SYSTEM SHOULD EVER SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. A SUBSEQUENT REVIEW ON GOOGLE SHOWED NUMERIOUS COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE SAME PROBLEM, VEHICLE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ! WHAT DO I WANT. I WANT THE NHTSA TO OPEN AN INVESTIGATION AS TO WHAT IS THE FIX FOR WHAT APPEARS TO BE A PROGRAMMING DESIGN FLAW OF THE ECM OR TCM. I KNOW THE FIX FOR THE TRANS FAULT MIL LIGHT, A LOOSE SNAP RING ON THE FRONT CLUTCH DRUM OF THE ZF-24 5 S
Mileage: 104,586
20110722UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR THE PAST YEAR. MY 2003 JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS GOES INTO LIMP MODE AND THE CAR WILL BARELY MOVE. IT IS A HAZARD, ESPECIALLY IF THERE IS NO PLACE TO PULL OVER. DIAGNOSED AS A THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM WHICH IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE THAT JAGUAR REFUSES TO ADDRESS. USUALLY A RESTART WILL CORRECT IT. THIS TIME IT DOES NOT CORRECT AND WILL COST $3,000 TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TT
Mileage: 75,177
20080429CrashAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 (NA) JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS. ON APRIL 10, 2004, WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED THE VEHICLE AS DESTROYED AND DID NOT INVESTIGATE THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO HER RIBS AND HEAD. THE OTHER DRIVER RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE FOREHEAD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
Mileage: 24,000
20061010SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL A SCREECHING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THIS WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE NEEDED ROTORS AND BRAKES. UPDATED 10/30/06.*JB
Mileage: 13,537
20061010SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL A SCREECHING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THIS WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE NEEDED ROTORS AND BRAKES. UPDATED 10/30/06.*JB
Mileage: 13,537
Compare 2003JAGUARVANDEN PLAS to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2003 JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS have?▼
The 2003 JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS has 9 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2003 JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS?▼
Yes, the 2003 JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS?▼
The most-complained component for the 2003 JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 2 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP.
Is the 2003 JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.