2009 Chrysler-Jeep 300: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Chrysler-Jeep 300?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Chrysler-Jeep 300 than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Rigid brake pipes2.4× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep 300

  17.6% All 2009 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Track rod ends2.5× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep 300

  12.4% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 2.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Anti-lock braking system6.9× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep 300

  5.5% All 2009 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 0.7% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Handbrake performance4.3× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep 300

  4.3% All 2009 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

Common 2009 Chrysler-Jeep 300 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Chrysler-Jeep 300 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  45% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  45% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  28% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  24% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Chrysler-Jeep 300

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2009 Chrysler-Jeep 300 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2009 Chrysler-Jeep 300 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 6.9× as often on the 2009 Chrysler-Jeep 300 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?