In response to ever growing demand for compact and midsize luxury SUVs following the success of models like the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5, Jaguar launched their first foray into the market segment in 2016 with the release of the Jaguar F-Pace. Officially categorized by Jaguar as a ‘compact luxury crossover SUV’, the F-Pace’s handsome styling and premium feel struck a chord with buyers and Jaguar cumulatively sold close to 70,000 units in the US alone by the end of 2020.
However, as with many modern luxury and performance vehicles, the need for endlessly escalating technology and complexity to meet consumer demands and to be competitive in the marketplace resulted in more than a handful of recurring issues for early F-Pace models. Many new vehicle models go through teething pain in their early years and Jaguar’s first SUV was no different, necessitating 12 manufacturer safety recalls in the first four model years and a very long list of Technical Service Bulletins (recommendations to mechanics to resolve repeat problems) to be issued. These quirks and quibbles even lead Consumer Reports to rank the F-Pace as the least reliable vehicle in 2019.
That said, the majority of repeat issues have been centered around electrical gremlins affecting things like the infotainment and Start/Stop ignition, often sorted for free at a dealership under warranty or recall via a software update. These recalls and issues shouldn’t necessarily discourage you from owning and enjoying a F-Pace if it fits your lifestyle, as a majority of owners report positively about their ownership experience. Rather, it is important to be aware of the most common maintenance and repairs for Jaguar F-Paces so that you can plan ahead, make sure the safety recalls are all take care of, and to budget for and proactively address problems that may arise. In this article we will guide you through the most common issues you need to be aware of for 2016-2020 Jaguar F-Pace.
MANUFACTURER SAFETY RECALLS
When a manufacturer sells a vehicle where there are a sufficient number of instances of a problem occurring that could potentially seriously affect passenger safety, the manufacturer will issue a recall. Jaguar has issued several recalls for US market F-Paces since 2016. These issues can be repaired for free at a Jaguar Dealership by making an appointment with your VIN number.
WHERE DID MY GAUGES GO?
A vehicle’s instrument cluster is a source of vital information for the driver. The instrument panel displays data such as oil pressure, engine temperature, tire pressures, amount of fuel remaining and vehicle speed. In modern cars where an electrical gremlin or software issue causes the display or gauges to go blank, the driver will not be able to accurately receive this important information, increasing the risk of a crash.
F-Pace models from production years 2017-2018 had a sufficient number of instances of their instrument clusters failing that Jaguar issued a recall, which involves a software update to fix the problem.
CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLTS
For some 2019 F-Pace models, one of Jaguar’s parts suppliers incorrectly manufactured the crankshaft pulley bolt, which plays a crucial role in keeping your engine held together and functioning properly. The original bolt from the factory does not meet the proper specifications and may fracture during the vehicle’s use. A fractured bolt will result in engine failure, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Jaguar will replace the bolt free of charge repair for the owner under the recall campaign.
FUEL SYSTEM ISSUES
The 2017 F-Pace with a 3.0L engine ran into issues where the fuel pump was not secured firmly enough in place due to a bolt being too long. This oversight could cause a fuel leak and fire if the fuel line cracks from the additional stresses. Jaguar will inspect and repair for free as needed.
Jaguar also recalled certain 2018 Jaguar F-PACE vehicles equipped with the 2.0L gasoline engine. On this model, the fuel rail end caps may leak, possibly resulting in fuel vapor or liquid fuel leaking into the engine bay and increasing the likelihood of a fire. Jaguar will will replace the fuel rail, free of charge, if the recall has not already been completed on your vehicle.
DRIVESHAFT ENVY?
A driveshaft is a part of a car’s powertrain that helps transmit the power created by the engine from the transmission to the drive wheels. In the case of some 2017 F-Pace models with automatic transmissions, they were built with a rear driveshaft that is too short. This manufacturing error places extra stress on the drivetrain and could cause the driveshaft to detach from the vehicle, preventing forward motion and potentially causing a crash. As with other recalls, if your vehicle is affected, Jaguar will replace the driveshaft unit at no charge.
ERRATIC START/STOP
Another issue repeatedly noted by Jaguar owners is around potential erratic behavior with the F-Pace start/stop system, a fuel-saving ignition-cutting system that shuts the engine off when a vehicle is at rest (such as at a traffic light). People have reported that sometimes the F-Pace’s engine will turn off in stop-and-go traffic, while making left hand turns and at other inconvenient moments – much to the dismay of the driver’s ego and patience of others behind them. The system is complicated by being tied to the seatbelt and brake pedal pressure sensor, often giving mixed signals to the F-Pace’s brain and incorrectly deciding to hit the kill switch at inopportune times. Jaguar has identified that the issue is primarily caused by a faulty instrument pack, which necessitates replacing the entire instrument panel. The stop-fail-to-restart issue can also be caused by a faulty stop lamp switch, which may also need to be replaced.
GETTING A LITTLE HOT UNDER THE COLLAR
While Jaguar has not issued a formal recall for this issue, many F-Pace owners have reported problems with engine overheating. Some owners have even experienced serious coolant leaks in combination with the engine temperature gauge not properly warning them that things were quickly heating up past safe levels. It is a good idea to have your local Jaguar mechanic inspect the cooling system when your F-Pace is in for service to try and identify and potential weak spots that may be developing, as well as to regularly flush the system with fresh coolant for maximum reliability.
MYSTERIOUSLY DRAINED BATTERIES
Owners have also noted their battles on occasion with unexpected dead batteries after their F-Pace has been sitting for as little as ten minutes. There has been some speculation that the issue can be caused by a software program that continues to run even when the vehicle is turned off, which may be fixable with a software update. Other owners have experienced the problem when their F-Pace recognizes their key fob nearby and the SUV’s computer begins automatically starting up programs on the vehicle, even if the driver is not in the car. While Jaguar may test and replace batteries under warranty in some instances, this can still be quite the inconvenience.
KEEPING YOUR JAGUAR F-PACE PURRING
Acknowledging the issues above, the Jaguar F-Pace is still a popular vehicle with scores of satisfied owners. While perhaps not the most trouble-free experience, the majority of major issues to date have been covered under warranty or recall. As these vehicles age and start seeing their second and third owners, you can expect more issues to arise. At that point, with warranties expiring over time, seeking the help of a trustworthy local independent Jaguar mechanic will be crucial for keeping your maintenance costs down and remaining proactive with maintenance to avoid unwanted headaches with your F-Pace.
