Jaguar XE O2 Sensor Issues, Fix Costs and Tips

This sounds familiar. I had a similar issue with my 2016 Jaguar XF, which shares many components with your XE model. As someone with some decent experience working on cars, I first noticed the same symptoms, the check engine light and increased fuel consumption. The O2 sensor readings were definitely off, affecting the fuel efficiency significantly. Initially, I thought I needed a complete sensor replacement, but when I took it to my regular workshop, they discovered it was actually just a loose connection. The cable connecting to the exhaust sensor had developed a fault, causing intermittent readings. They found the defective plug connection during inspection and fixed it for 95€, which saved me from unnecessarily replacing the entire O2 sensor unit. The repair completely resolved both the check engine light and the fuel consumption issue. The catalytic converter was also checked during the diagnosis and found to be working properly, which was a relief. Could you share: Current mileage on your XE? Are you experiencing any other symptoms besides the check engine light and increased fuel consumption? Have you noticed any unusual exhaust sounds or smells? This information would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced or if you might be dealing with something different.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My XE has 76581 KM and the last service was done 3 months ago. I have not noticed any unusual exhaust sounds, but there is a slight hesitation during acceleration. The oxygen sensor readings from my OBD scanner fluctuate wildly, suggesting the automotive sensor might be failing completely rather than just having a loose connection. The check engine light started flashing occasionally last week, which made me more concerned about potential damage to the catalytic converter if left unaddressed. Will try to get it checked soon to prevent any impact on fuel efficiency.

Thanks for providing those additional details. The symptoms you describe with your XE are more severe than what I experienced with my XF, especially the flashing check engine light and acceleration hesitation. When my exhaust sensor issue occurred, I never experienced a flashing CEL, only a steady light. A flashing check engine light often indicates potential catalytic converter damage, which is much more serious than the loose connection I dealt with. Given your OBD readings showing erratic O2 sensor behavior and the acceleration issues, this does point to a failing automotive sensor rather than just a connection problem. The symptom progression matches what you would expect from a degrading oxygen sensor, starting with increased fuel consumption and progressing to performance issues. Getting this addressed quickly is crucial. When my XF had the connection issue, fixing it cost 95€. However, based on your symptoms, you are likely looking at a complete O2 sensor replacement, which typically runs 200-400€ depending on which exhaust sensor needs replacement (upstream or downstream). The good news is that with your mileage, this type of sensor wear is normal, and replacing it should resolve all the symptoms youre experiencing. Delaying the repair could lead to catalytic converter damage, which would be significantly more expensive.

The flashing check engine light definitely sounds more serious than what I originally feared. Thanks for the detailed response about your XF experience, it helps put things in perspective. I will schedule a workshop visit this week to avoid any potential catalytic converter damage. The car maintenance costs you mentioned seem reasonable, and I would rather pay 400€ now for an O2 sensor replacement than risk more expensive repairs later. My main concern was that the oxygen sensor might not be the only issue, but your explanation about the symptom progression matches exactly what I have been experiencing with my car. The steady decline in fuel efficiency followed by the acceleration issues and then the flashing CEL makes perfect sense now. I will update the forum once I get the exhaust system checked and repaired. Hopefully, a new automotive sensor will get everything back to normal. Really appreciate the advice about acting quickly, I definitely dont want to risk damaging other components by waiting too long.