Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2004 Jaguar S-Type
The 2004 Jaguar S-TYPE has several safety recalls, notably concerning the brake and transmission systems, and owner complaints are moderately frequent. Buyers should investigate the parking brake module, transmission behavior, and fuel system for potential issues to ensure safety and reliability.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 Jaguar S-Type has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 24 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #06E056000 FUEL LEAK/FIRE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V484000 JAGUAR/FMVSS 135/BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR LABEL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V488000 JAGUAR/ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V024000 JAGUAR/FORWARD DRIVE GEAR NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 7 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 5 complaints
- Electrical System 4 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 4 complaints
- Parking Brake 3 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 3 complaints
Of the 24 complaints on file, 4 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 24 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Unintended parking brake activation
How to check: Engage and disengage the parking brake multiple times to ensure proper function.
Unexpected reverse gear selection
How to check: Test drive to check all gear shifts, especially from stationary.
Non-visible brake fluid warning
How to check: Locate the brake fluid reservoir and check for visibility of warning labels.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any unusual noises from the engine.
Red flag: Loud knocks or rattles
- 02
Stationary idle
What to check: Engage driving gear and observe gear engagement.
Red flag: Jerky or unexpected reverse selection
- 03
First few blocks
What to check: Check parking brake engagement and release.
Red flag: Parking brake engages on its own
- 04
City driving
What to check: Monitor fuel system performance and smell for leaks.
Red flag: Strong smell of gasoline
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Evaluate acceleration and transmission response.
Red flag: Sluggish acceleration or gear problems
- 06
Braking
What to check: Feel for smooth and controlled braking.
Red flag: Brake pedal feels soft or unresponsive
- 07
Final parking
What to check: Engage parking brake and ensure it holds the car.
Red flag: Parking brake does not hold securely
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the parking brake module been replaced?
- Are there any current transmission issues?
- Have you observed unintended gear shifts?
- Can you show recent service records?
- Have any aftermarket fuel filters been used?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history records
- Recall repair receipts
- Transmission service records
- Proof of brake system inspection
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 Jaguar S-Type at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2004 Jaguar S-Type? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.