The Jaguar F-Pace is the SUV of the Jaguar collection, and since Jaguar began its focus on electric vehicles, it is no longer available as a new car. This means that when buying one, you’ll need to consult our guide on what to check when buying a used Jaguar to ensure you find the F-Pace most suited to your needs.
The F-Pace has been widely reported as a Jaguar that has experienced an assortment of problems over the years. With five recalls at the last count, including issues with the driveshaft and fire risks, many question whether it’s worth the investment. To put further doubt in the minds of potential buyers, owners have also raised concerns about a variety of electrical issues.
This shouldn’t detract future owners too much, though. In the 2024 Top 50 Cars to Own list by Driver Power, it ranked 13th, with reliability and quality scoring well. The marque itself also performed well, finishing 9th out of 32 brands for customer satisfaction, but concerningly, 43% of owners reported some faults with their Jaguar.
In this blog, we review the common faults F-Pace owners encounter and how they can be fixed.
Driveshaft too short
In early editions of the Jaguar F-Pace, those with an automatic gearbox may have been fitted with a driveshaft that is too small. This only affected models up until April 2016, but led to some vehicles being disabled because the driveshaft would actually fall out. This requires a simple fix where the correct size driveshaft is fitted.
Timing chain
Perhaps the most common issue with the Jaguar F-Pace is the timing chain failing. Prominent in the 2-litre model, the chain would stretch over time and potentially lead to the engine failing. The cause is normally due to oil dilution from insufficient DPF regeneration, a lack of oil changes, and chain quality. You’ll notice this needs addressing if you hear rattling noises on a cold start or see warning messages appearing on the dash.
If the timing chains are failing and not fixed, they could snap and cause significant damage to the engine, making your F-Pace undrivable. If timing chain problems occur, get them replaced as soon as possible.
Crankshaft pulley
On models of the Jaguar F-Pace built between November 12th 2018, and December 11th 2018, it was found that the crankshaft pulley was occasionally fracturing. This isn’t something that can be ignored and will require replacement by a professional Jaguar technician.
Co2 emissions
Some Jaguar F-Pace vehicles manufactured between 9th November 2016 and 5th July 2018 were found to produce too much CO2. This was because of a software error, which can be corrected through an update. This update limits the production of CO2 and will need to be conducted by a Jaguar specialist.
Fuel leaks
There have been various issues relating to fuel leaks with Jaguar F-Pace vehicles. The first is related to the fuel return hose on models manufactured between 1st Nov 2016 and 6th April 2017. The hose was found to be leaking and needs to be replaced. A second recall for fuel leaks on the F-Pace was for models built between 1st September 2016 and 17th August 2017, where a leak originated from the fuel rail.
Instrument cluster
Some F-Pace models built between 17th August and 1st September 2017 encountered a software glitch where the instrument cluster would go blank. A software update is all that is needed to solve the problem.
Fire risk
The fire risk recall of the Jaguar F-Pace was specifically for 3-litre models manufactured between 3rd March 2016 and 15th June 2016. This saw a problem emerge with the starter motor cable, which led to melting surrounding plastic components. This increased the risk of fire and led to a recall being issued. For affected vehicles, a replacement cable would be fitted.
Water pump failures
The water pumps on the 3.0 and 5.0 Supercharged F-Pace have been prone to failure. This happens because coolant gets into the bearing housing and corrodes the water pump bearing. With the impeller shaft unable to be supported properly, excessive wear is caused to the flat face seal of the pump, allowing water to escape. You’ll notice this problem if you spot traces of a leak around the water pump pulley or if you have a low coolant warning showing on the dashboard. Replacing the pump and the coolant pipe that connects to it should rectify the issue.
Turbocharger issues
The F-Pace has encountered a few issues with the 2-litre diesel model, where the turbocharger fails to operate properly. You might hear a whistling noise before the vehicle puts itself into restricted performance mode.
To fix a failed turbocharger, the engine, oil supply and exhaust system will need thorough cleaning. Further inspection may also be required to ensure there are no blockages elsewhere. Should any issues be spotted, parts may need to be replaced.
DPF regeneration faults
The throttle body of the 3-lite engine can get blocked, leading to the restricted performance message to appear. If this is ignored, the engine may fail to complete its DPF regeneration, which results in the DPF getting blocked. This can escalate rapidly and cause further issues with your F-Pace if not addressed.
You’ll need to replace the throttle body if this happens.
Overall, the Jaguar F-Pace is a great vehicle; many of the issues it encounters are easily fixable, and thanks to the recalls, have now been widely rectified. If you own an F-Pace and require professional Jaguar servicing, choose RCV. We are the leading service centre for Jaguars, Land Rovers and Range Rovers in the South. Using manufacturer diagnostics, fully trained technicians and approved parts, we ensure your F-Pace runs just as you always need it to. Contact us today to find out more about our Jaguar wheel alignment, MOTs and diagnostics.