2008 Jaguar XK
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- /Xkr Convertible, /Xkr Coupe
- Engines
- 4.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 188.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,671–3,759 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Jaguar XK is a minicompact car offered with a 4.2L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 188 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,671 lb (/Xkr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 25 highway), 6% worse than the 2008 minicompact car average of 20.2 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 XK — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 XK →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| /Xkr Convertible | 188.2 in | 73.2 in | – | 108.3 in | 61 / 63.4 in | 3,671 lb | 53/47 |
| /Xkr Coupe | 188.2 in | 74 in | 52.4 in | 108.3 in | 61.4 / 63.8 in | 3,759 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XK | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -6% | $4,350 | 468 |
| XK Convertible | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -6% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Jaguar XK under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Jaguar XK (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Jaguar XKR | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Porsche Carrera 2 Cabriolet | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Porsche Carrera 2 Coupe | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Porsche Carrera 2 S Cabriolet | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Porsche Carrera 2 S Coupe | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Jaguar XK.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Jaguar XK is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Jaguar XK buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Exterior Lighting — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 62,700 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Jaguar XK. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XK years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jaguar. How we calculate this →