2012 Jaguar XK
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- Cabrio, Coupe
- Engines
- 5.0L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 188.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,660–3,739 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 19 MPG combined, 14% below the 2012 minicompact car average of 22.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Jaguar XK is a minicompact car offered with a 5.0L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 188 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,739 lb (Cabrio).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 24 highway), 14% worse than the 2012 minicompact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 XK — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 XK →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabrio | 188.2 in | 74.4 in | 52 in | 108.3 in | 61 / 63.4 in | 3,739 lb | 53/47 |
| Coupe | 188.2 in | 74.4 in | 52.4 in | 108.3 in | 61.4 / 63.8 in | 3,660 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 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 468 |
| XK Convertible | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -19% | $4,550 | 494 |
| XK Convertible | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -23% | $4,850 | 523 |
| XK | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -23% | $4,850 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Jaguar XK.
Similar 2012 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Jaguar XK (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Porsche New 911 Carrera | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Exterior Lighting · Jan 27, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V038000 · 4,787 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Jaguar XK vehicles manufactured March 4, 2011, to March 20, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the front side lamps (parking lamps) may turn off after approximately 5 minutes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- If the parking lamps turn off, the vehicle will have reduced conspicuity, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will update software that controls the front side lamps, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2015. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's number for this recall is J049.
Electrical System · Aug 5, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V340000 · 1,989 vehicles
- Problem
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 XK convertible vehicles manufactured October 1, 2010, through August 1, 2013. The switch in the overhead roof console also activates the power operated windows when the convertible roof is opening or closing. The switch does not move downward to close the windows. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
- Risk
- The power windows may inadvertently be activated and pinch or injure an arm or finger.
- Fix
- Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the overhead roof console, free of charge. The recall began on October 1, 2013. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's recall number is J030.
Not every 2012 Jaguar XK is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Jaguar XK buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 2,845 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 2012 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 →