Timing Tensioner Problems of Jaguar XJ8

Operating my vehicle, the engine starting running poor. Jaguar dealership explained poorly designed timing chain tensioners and arms have failed because Jaguar made the components out of a cheap plastic, that is known to crack and cause the valves to contact the pistons. Jaguar updated the tensioners to metal , but refuses to accept responsibility for this design flaw and want to charge several thousand dollars to upgrade to the better designed parts. They refereed me to service bulletin technical service bulletin no. X303-68 , but it states if you haera a rattling noise, however it also states you may not hear a rattling noise, my car did not, and out of no where , thengine stopped running due to this design flaw, that has been updated. In fact, this effect every single 4. 0 engine, that's millions! it's time this becomes a recall to replace these parts free and repair any engine component damaged from their failure. A customer should not have to pay thousands for an defective plastic tensioner, some one put inside a hot running engine, that was a very dumb idea, and the failure may even occur as young as 32,000 miles.

See all problems of the 1998 Jaguar XJ8 🔎.

The contact owns a 2001 Jaguar Xj8. The contact stated when starting the vehicle, the check engine and error warning lights were illuminated. The performance of the engine was restricted with minimal engine power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was advised the failure potentially was caused by the primary or secondary timing chain tensioner. The dealer advised having the vehicle diagnosed in order to determine the exact failure and repair needed. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. There was not a recall for the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were 90,000.

See all problems of the 2001 Jaguar XJ8 🔎.

The contact owns a 1999 Jaguar Xj8. The vehicle would not start and the contact took it to the dealer. Because the timing chain tensioner was made of plastic, the plastic shears kept entering into the engine timing chain tensioner. The repair cost over $1,000 and the manufacturer was unable to assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The current and failure mileages were less than 98,817.

See all problems of the 1999 Jaguar XJ8 🔎.

The contact owns a 1998 Jaguar Xj8. When the contact started the vehicle, he heard a clicking noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they determined that the timing tensioner was failing. The cost for repair would be $1,500. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 106,000 and current mileage was 106,050.

The contact owns a 1998 Jaguar Xj8. The contact detected a loud rattling noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who stated that the timing chain tensioner failed which caused the vales to bend. The pistons and connecting rod were also damaged. The dealer informed the contact that a new engine would be needed. The contact stated that the failure was unexpected, and the vehicle's routine maintenance was up-to-date. The current and failure mileage were 63,000. The consumer provided repair invoices for vehicle and various information from different websites pertaining to the same defect. Updated 06/26/07.

2000 Jaguar xjr x308, 47,500 miles, timing chain tensioner failure. Very well documented, known mechanical failure with the car that Jaguar refuses to pay for. This problem is clearly a defect in the product and should have been recalled/replace under warranty.

See all problems of the 2000 Jaguar XJ8 🔎.

Ltr fm (CA) re a defective plastic timing chain tensioner installed in their 1999 Jaguar Xj8. The consumer stated the vehicle was not properly maintained prior to purchasing it. The consumer was told there was oil sludge build up in the engine.

Over the past six (6) months, the vehicle has stalled on the highway approximately 4 times. Had to drift onto the shoulder, put vehicle in park to start car again. That is a very dangerous situation to be on an interstate traveling at a speed of 50 and above having to drift across lanes with absolutely no power. As of this past weekend, I started the car, the airbag light would not go off. The next day, the car was making a horrible noise and once again the airbag light was on. The noise sounded as if something was loose underneath the hood. The car sounded so horrible, I had it towed versus driving it to the shop. I got the bad news that the engine has no compression and needs to be replaced. The mechanic has no idea what went caused this. I will have to get another engine or let the mechanic break the current engine down to see what parts can be re-used. I read on another website that a few people had to have engines replaced on the 1998 Jaguars for no apparent cause. This is ridiculous and no fault of mine. I have kept up the maintenance. . Read more...

1999 xj-8 secondary timing chain tensioner catastrophic failure. Plastic secondary timing chain tensioner broke into pieces, disabling engine and causing significant damage. Damage included 3 valves, one constantly variable valve timing unit (cvvt), timing chains and sprockets. Required removal of b bank head for machining necessary to replace valves and repair valve seats. No TSB or recall has been issued by Jaguar with regard to this design deficiency. Contact with other Jaguar owners has identified that this problem affects many owners. Jaguar repair is to replace entire engine ($7,000-10,000). I rebuilt engine myself, and contacted Jaguar to question why replacement of the tensioners is not specified at some reasonable interval to prevent tensioner failure. Jaguar response to date has been to deny that any design deficiency exists. Failure of this component will disable the engine, and in certain conditions could cause accident leading to loss of property or life. Cost to repair by owner was over $3,000 (parts and head machining); dealer replaces entire engine vice rebuild/replace damaged. Components.