Used car guide

2002 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee first registered in 2002 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 245 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 245 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

245MOTs of 2002 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
68%pass first time (all 2002 cars: 58%)
5,600typical miles a year
53%had suspension flagged

Common 2002 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    53% 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
    41% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    35% 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
    22% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    17% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel

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%
2001278Brakes 44%
1998114Suspension 39%

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 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score