Recall Alert: 2012 Jaguar XF

Jaguar is recalling 51 model-year 2012 XF sedans to fix an incorrect certification label, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The label lists the wrong gross vehicle weight rating. Exceeding the rating could lead to a loss of vehicle stability and increase the risk of a crash. Affected vehicles were built from Sept. 7 through Nov. 24. The vehicle's build date is on a label affixed to the driver-side doorjamb.

Dealers will replace the label free of charge. Jaguar will start notifying owners on or before Jan. 23. Owners can contact Jaguar at 800-452-4827 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

2012 Jaguar XF, XFR at 2011 New York Auto Show

• Competes with: BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M, Lexus GS
• Looks like: Jaguar gave the XF the headlights it should have had from the get-go
• Drivetrain: 385-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 or 510-hp, supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 with six-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: 2011

Jaguar has revised the exterior styling of its 2012 XF and XFR sport sedans, but even though the changes are relatively small, the impact on the car's appearance is quite dramatic.

More 2011 New York Auto Show Coverage

When the car that became the XF debuted in concept form a few years back as the C-XF, it was a stunning vision for a Jaguar. The production XF that debuted as a 2009 model had much of that concept's style, but it had sprouted bug-eyed headlights, marring the car's look. All has been rectified for 2012, as the XF and XFR have thin bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights with LED daytime running lights that more closely mimic the original concept car's look — and the lights on the brand's flagship XJ sedan. To further differentiate the high-performance XFR, Jaguar has enlarged the mesh-filled openings in the lower bumper.

Recall Alert: 2010 Jaguar XF and XK

Jaguar is recalling 6,085 of its 2010 XK and 2010 XF models over potential long-term problems with the power-steering system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The power-assist steering pipes were not assembled with the correct amount of corrosion protection. Over time, corrosion may lead to pin-holing of the pipe, which could allow power-steering fluids to seep out and cause a loss of power-assisted steering. The loss of power steering may make the car more difficult to maneuver, resulting in an accident. The power-steering fluid can also ignite, causing a vehicle fire. Both vehicles were also recalled in July over potential problems with the fuel system.

Jaguar dealers will replace the power-steering fluid pipes with parts that meet corrosion specifications. The recall will begin on or before April 11. To find out more information, call Jaguar at 800-452-4827 or NHTSA’s hotline at 888-327-4236.

Jaguar Tops Service Study

When you’re considering a new-car purchase you’re usually not only shopping for the best car but also looking for the best car-shopping experience. If you’re looking for a level of customer service equal to Southwest Airline or U.S. Cellular — two firms widely renowned for excellent care — with your car dealership, look to luxury makers Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Lincoln and Jaguar.

Those findings are a result of a broad-based customer feedback survey conducted by J.D. Power and Associates. The survey included nearly 800 brands from 40 different industries. The five luxury carmakers were placed in the top 40 brands, with players like Caribou Coffee, the Four Seasons and, of course, the two brands already mentioned.

According to the J.D. Power survey, the brands with the best services often communicate effectively with their customers and provide speed and convenience. Jaguar in particular was noted for satisfying customers with a great new-vehicle sales experience, which is a good thing considering that vehicles like the Jaguar XF have rather poor reliability, according to Consumer Reports. You may be using those stellar services more often than not.

Jaguar and Land Rover Riding High Under Tata

It’s been more than two years since Ford sold off its Land Rover and Jaguar unit to Indian conglomerate Tata Motors. So far, the new parent couldn’t be happier. 

In fact, you could say Tata – which just posted a net profit in the latest quarter compared to a net loss a year earlier – owes a lot of its current success to these two relatively small luxury carmakers. 

Jaguar and Land Rover sales are soaring high – up 18% in the U.S. – with production up 59% globally in the latest quarter. 

Much of Jaguar’s and Land Rover’s current success has to do with new models either completely or partially developed by Ford Motor Co. Ford’s leadership laid the groundwork for the designs of the popular Jaguar XK, XF and XJ. The same person that designed many popular Lincoln concepts at Ford, including the Lincoln Continental and Navicross, was also responsible for Land Rover’s LRX Concept, which is now going on sale nearly unaltered as the Range Rover Evoque. 

Jaguar, Land Rover May Expand Lineup

Jaguar and, to a lesser extent, Land Rover have been on a roll lately. Sales for Jaguar/Land Rover are up 46% for the year, and a lot of that growth has been at Jaguar, whose reengineered and redesigned 2010-11 XJ saw sales climb 608% in July and was the brand's best-selling model, usurping the XF. 

Now, Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata (owner of Jaguar and Land Rover since 2008) says, in a press release, he's considering widening Jaguar’s lineup by adding an all-new entry-level sedan, a new roadster and a station wagon. 

Jaguar's current roadster — the XK, which starts at $82,150 — is obviously pricey. Jaguar could design something smaller and more nimble. The wagon could either be a body-style extension of the XJ or XF, or it could end up being its own model entirely, akin to the Volvo XC70 or recent hatchback-like touring cars from BMW and Porsche — the 550 Gran Turismo and Panamera, respectively. 

The entry-level sedan is an interesting proposal. With the demise of the X-Type, Jaguar hasn’t offered a model for less than around $50,000. A model in the $35,000-$45,000 range could allow the company to compete better with best-sellers from Audi, BMW and Lexus. However, the X-Type is widely regarded as one of the biggest flops in recent luxury car history. Execution of the new model would be very important to a new model's success. 

Over at Land Rover, Tata says there will be a revamp and refresh of the entire lineup, starting with the all-new two-door Evoque (pictured above). No more information about specific model upgrades or timetables was given.

Recall Alert: 2010 Jaguar XF, 2010-11 XK

Jaguar is recalling 5,048 of its 2010-11 XK and 2010 XF models with the 5.0-liter V-8 over potential problems with the fuel system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

On those vehicles, when the car is turned on, the fuel pump may not fully function because of a software error. This can cause an inadequate supply of fuel to reach the engine, causing it to cut out with little to no warning and potentially lead to an accident. 

Jaguar dealers will install new software into the affected vehicles free of charge. The recall begins on or before Aug. 30. To find out more, call Jaguar’s hot line at 800-452-4827 or NHTSA’s hot line at 888-327-4236.

Jaguar Launches Free Maintenance Program for 2011

Jaguar does not want consumers avoiding its cars because of high maintenance costs, and in order to dispel that (completely fair) notion, it will introduce “Jaguar Platinum Coverage.”

The new program offers a five-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle warranty, free scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance. It will also include free replacement of parts for basic wear and tear, including oil changes, filters, brake pads, brake discs, brake fluids and wiper blade inserts. That's a big difference from Jaguar’s last free maintenance program where owners were asked to pay for replacement parts. Jaguar killed the program in 2006, presumably because customers didn’t like paying for new brake pads and wiper blades.

The new program will start with the 2011 XJ sedan, which is slated to hit dealerships in May. The XF sedan and XK coupe will follow suit when the 2011 models debut in June, according to the automaker.

Cars.com Podcast: 2010 Jaguar XFR Versus 2010 VW GTI

OK, we’re kidding. Editors Mike Hanley and Kelsey Mays didn’t actually pit these two high-performance trims against each other — they just talk about the pros and cons in this week’s podcast. Especially interesting is the fact that both the Jaguar XFR and VW GTI could be serviceable daily drivers.

Download the latest podcast via iTunes here. 

Cars.com Compares Luxury Sedans

Cars.com reviewers Mike Hanley and Kelsey Mays have a fantastic gift idea for Valentine’s Day: a luxury sedan. Before their respective significant others get too excited, though, it should be noted that their gift idea is for other, richer people. Check out their takes on the Mercedes-Benz E550, Jaguar XF and Lexus GS 460 to find out which posh sedan came out on top.

Cars.comparison: For That Special Someone