ZF Transmission ? Error message during reprogramming
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Jaguar S-Type powertrain problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 3 powertrain complaints filed for the 2008 Jaguar S-Type, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 17 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Recently (10/16/08) purchased a 2001 s-type 4.0 with 74316 mi. 2nd day I had it transmission started slipping. Within 1 week had to be rebuilt. All coils replaced and #4 & #5 keep going bad. Dealership stated coils were broken. Sent home with broken coils. Window regulators needed to be replaced. Check engine light on dealership stated no problem. Poor service, poor quality. *tr
On 5/8/23 called JLR NA on transmission issues fault codes C0003A(abs) P0500 and PO721 gear box and speed sensors. They recommended not to drive and have towed and connected to JLR road side, but $225 to closest JLR dealer, so called back and JLR recommended Jaguar Plus and T&S Auto Clinic, locally. Plus does not do transmissions, so T&S called for tow $105.Open case on 5/9/23 #[XXX] and told T&S…
Bought a new Jaguar s-type in 2001. On 8/9/04 with 10723 miles the transmission failed and was replacement. On 12/29/06 took car in because of transmission issues (27302 miles). I was told the car was operating within specs. On 7/7/07 took car in again with complaint regarding transmission (32625 miles) and again was told the cars transmission was operating within specs. On april 17, 2009…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2008 Jaguar S-Type?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 Jaguar S-Type?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 75,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Jaguar/S-Type.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.