Used Jaguar F-Type Coupé 2014-2024 reliability

When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.

First and foremost, you want to know the Jaguar F-Type you're looking at has been well cared for and serviced to schedule, including any relevant software updates. If it’s less than three years old, make sure it’s been serviced at a main dealer, too, so that it qualifies for the original manufacturer warranty.

Jaguar offers various wheel sizes and interior trims so it’s worth being patient to find exactly the specification you’re after, and once you’ve done that inspect the car carefully to ensure it hasn’t suffered any parking scrapes or kerb damage, and that the tyres have plenty of tread left.

Also note that misaligned panel gaps need not necessarily be a sign of accident damage. For example, the bonnet needs to be closed straight with a firm push in the middle or it can fall out of alignment.

Recalls: Recalls carried out to date include one for four-wheel drive F-Types built until March 2015 to ensure the correct specification anti-roll bars were fitted, while in cars built between February and December 2016 the seat belt pretensioner might potentially be faulty. Other recalls tend to be related to ensuring bolts are tightened to the correct specification. If in doubt, contact a Jaguar dealer to see if the work has been carried out to the car you’re interested in.

Differential leak: The F-Type’s engines are proven from use in Jaguar’s other cars so shouldn’t give too much cause for concern if serviced to schedule. Some owners have, however, found that the rear differential can leak oil due to faulty seals. If this is repaired, make sure the coupling isn’t over-tightened as this can ruin the diff completely, first signalled by unpleasant noises from the rear of the car.

Sticking exhaust valves: Speaking of noise, some owners have also found the valves in Jaguar’s active exhaust system can stick open. This can require a new back box, usually fitted under warranty.

Windows: Look for any scratches to the windows, too, as original F-Types were susceptible to tiny stones getting between the seal and the glass. This is a known fault and should be rectified by Jaguar fitting modified seals free of charge.

Squeaks and rattles: The rising centre air vent and pop-out door handles have also caused problems for a few owners, and it’s not unknown for the F-Type to accrue a few squeaks and rattles over time, so try to listen out for more than the glorious engine note on your test drive.

Click here for more information. Contact your local Jaguar dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.

We consider the Jaguar F-Type to be a generally reliable car, but it has its faults and, when they do crop up, they aren't always easy fixes. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, it ranked eighth out of 15 cars in the sports car class. Its reliability score of 91.0% put it above the Mazda MX-5 and Porsche 911 but below the Porsche 718 Cayman.

Just 12% of F-Types suffered a fault, with the majority of those relating to non-engine electrics. However, if something does go wrong, the news isn’t quite so good. All faults took more than a week to repair, while a third left cars undriveable until they were put right. And, while most issues were sorted out under warranty, one owner had to shell out more than £1500.

As a brand, Jaguar didn't perform so well, ranking 29th out of 32 manufacturers. Its overall reliability score of 87.4% places it above Alfa Romeo and Vauxhall, but below Audi and Mercedes.

Used Jaguar F-Type: owners' reliability data

As part of our 2023 Reliability Survey, What Car? readers said that the Jaguar F-Type can be mixed regarding reliability and dealer service. Many owners noted recurring issues. Common problems included electrical faults, such as warning lights and malfunctioning infotainment systems, along with occasional engine troubles and cooling system failures. These issues often led to multiple visits to the dealership.

Reader experiences with Jaguar dealerships varied widely. Some customers reported excellent service, with knowledgeable staff and timely repairs, often covered under warranty. Others, however, encountered long wait times, poor communication, and costly out-of-warranty repairs. A few owners expressed frustration with the inconsistency in service quality across different dealerships.