Used car guide

1998 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee first registered in 1998: we looked at the 114 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 114 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

114MOTs of 1998 cars, done in 2023–2025
71%pass first time (all 1998 cars: 65%)
4,800typical miles a year
39%had suspension flagged

Common 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    39% 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.

  • Brakes
    38% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    27% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    26% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Tyres
    18% 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.

  • Steering
    11% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee?

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Other years

Every year of the Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2010199Suspension 34%
2009299Suspension 43%
2008251Suspension 47%
2007621Suspension 46%
2006815Brakes 48%
2005805Suspension 48%
2004980Suspension 54%
2003661Suspension 55%
2002459Suspension 53%
2001278Brakes 44%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee cars first registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score