The Jaguar F-Type is a two-seat sports car sold as a coupe and a convertible for the 2014 to 2024 model years. Over its run it was offered with a turbocharged four-cylinder, a supercharged V6 and a supercharged V8. NHTSA complaint numbers are small for every year, but several years carry fire-related complaints and recalls worth checking.
This guide ranks each F-Type model year using NHTSA complaints and recalls and our years to avoid methodology. In short: avoid the 2016, be careful with 2014, 2015 and 2018, and look for a 2021 or later if you want an F-Type.
Related: Porsche Cayman years to avoid, Porsche 911 years to avoid, Jaguar XF years to avoid.
How we rated the best and worst Jaguar F-Type years
We put the most weight on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, and every count in this guide comes from NHTSA’s complaint and recall records.
The F-Type has 37 NHTSA complaints across all model years. The 2016 has the most, with 11, and the 2021 to 2024 model years have none. Because the numbers are small, we also look at what each complaint and recall describes, especially reports of fire.
Every Jaguar F-Type model year ranked
| Model year | Verdict | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA recalls | Most-reported components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Caution | 2 | 2 | Air bags, electrical system, engine |
| 2015 | Caution | 6 | 3 | Engine, electrical system, structure |
| 2016 | Avoid | 11 | 1 | Electrical system, engine, power train |
| 2017 | Good | 2 | 2 | Engine, fuel and propulsion |
| 2018 | Caution | 8 | 3 | Electrical system, exterior lighting, fuel and propulsion |
| 2019 | Good | 4 | 2 | Engine, exterior lighting, fuel and propulsion |
| 2020 | Good | 4 | 2 | Electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting |
| 2021 | Best | 0 | 1 | None |
| 2022 | Best | 0 | 2 | None |
| 2023 | Best | 0 | 0 | None |
| 2024 | Best | 0 | 0 | None |
Most common Jaguar F-Type problems
These are the problems that show up most in NHTSA complaints and recall campaigns.
1. Engine stalling, coolant loss and fires
The engine is tied with the electrical system as the most-reported component, with 11 complaints each. One 2014 complaint and one 2015 complaint describe the car stalling while driving and then catching fire in the engine compartment. Other complaints describe oil leaks, overheating and a sudden loss of coolant. A 2018 complaint reports a fire at a gas station.
Two recalls cover fire risks. Campaign 14V673 covers certain 2015 F-Types where the accessory drive belt, power steering pump pulley or the battery cable at the alternator may detach. A loose battery cable can cause a short and a fire, and a detached belt can cause a loss of power steering. Campaign 18V090 covers 2018 F-Types with the 2.0-liter engine, where the fuel rail end caps may leak fuel into the engine bay.
2. Electrical faults and dim turn signals
Electrical complaints include a car shutting down at a toll booth, a rear camera fault and warning lights. On the 2018 to 2020 cars, several complaints describe a dim driver’s side daytime running light that also makes the front turn signal hard to see. Campaign 17V341 covers certain 2018 F-Types with Highline headlamps, where the turn signal warning does not speed up as required when a front turn signal stops working.
3. Passenger airbag and seat belt recalls
Campaign 14V714 covers 2014 and 2015 F-Types where a seat belt sensor connector may be wired incorrectly, so the passenger airbag may not switch off for a child seat or a small adult. Campaign 19V326 recalled 2014 and 2015 cars that were already repaired under 14V714 for the same wiring problem.
Later years have seat belt recalls. Campaign 16V940 covers 2017 F-Types whose front pretensioners may not work properly in a crash. Campaign 21V667 covers 2021 and 2022 cars whose automatic locking retractors may release early, so a child seat may not be held securely. Campaign 22V524 covers certain 2022 cars with possibly damaged front pretensioners.
4. Steering, differential and stability control
Complaints for the 2016, 2018 and 2020 cars describe heavy or wandering steering, loss of power steering assist and rear differential leaks or noise. Campaign 21V167 covers certain 2020 F-Types where the anti-lock brake check at start-up may not finish in time, which could disable the ABS and stability control for that drive.
5. Engine pulley bolt (2019)
Campaign 19V039 covers certain 2019 F-Types with V6 or V8 engines. The crankshaft pulley bolt may have been made incorrectly and could break, possibly causing engine failure.
Which Jaguar F-Type years to avoid
Avoid: 2016
The 2016 has 11 NHTSA complaints, the most of any F-Type year. They cover the electrical system, power train, engine and steering, including reports of overheating, a failed rear differential and heavy, wandering steering.
Caution: 2014, 2015 and 2018
The 2014 and 2015 have engine fire complaints and the passenger airbag wiring recalls, and the 2015 also has the belt and battery cable recall. The 2018 has 8 complaints, a fuel rail recall on 2.0-liter cars and complaints about dim turn signals. Confirm all recall work before you buy one of these years.
What is the best Jaguar F-Type year
The 2021 to 2024 F-Types have the cleanest NHTSA record, with no complaints on file. The 2023 and 2024 have no recalls either. The 2021 and 2022 have seat belt recalls, so confirm those are complete.
Jaguar F-Type pre-purchase checklist
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm every open recall is complete.
- On a 2014 or 2015, confirm both passenger airbag wiring recalls are done.
- Look for oil, coolant or fuel leaks in the engine bay, and check the coolant level and the cooling pipes.
- Check that both front turn signals and daytime running lights are bright and working.
- Test the steering at low and highway speeds, and listen for noise from the rear differential.
- Check for stability control, ABS and engine warning lights at start-up and on a test drive.
- Ask for service records, and have a mechanic inspect the car before you buy.
Better alternatives to consider
If you want a stylish two-seat sports car, these models are worth comparing. Check the years to avoid for each one before you shop.
Is the Jaguar F-Type reliable
The F-Type has few NHTSA complaints for a car sold over 11 model years, and the later cars have the cleanest record. The early cars have fire-related complaints and several recalls, so recall status and service history matter more than the badge. A well-maintained, late car with complete recall work is the safest choice.
Frequently asked questions
What years did Jaguar make the F-Type?
Jaguar sold the F-Type in the US for the 2014 to 2024 model years, as a coupe and a convertible.
What is the most common problem with the Jaguar F-Type?
The engine and the electrical system are the most-reported components in NHTSA complaints, with 11 complaints each. Engine complaints include stalling, leaks and two reports of the car catching fire after stalling.
What gas mileage does the Jaguar F-Type get?
Fueleconomy.gov rates the four-cylinder F-Type at 26 mpg combined, the V6 versions at 18 to 23 mpg and the V8 versions at 18 to 19 mpg, depending on year and drivetrain.
Which Jaguar F-Type years should you avoid?
Avoid the 2016 F-Type. It has the most NHTSA complaints. Be careful with the 2014, 2015 and 2018. The 2021 to 2024 cars are the best years.