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

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee petrol than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Exhaust system2.2× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  21.5% All 2002 cars

  9.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 2.8% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Track rod ends2.7× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  15.4% All 2002 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2.4% of all 2002 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.

Common 2002 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee petrol 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
  40% 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
  37% 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
  24% 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
  22% 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 an engine warning light.

• Tyres
  20% 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.

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

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2002 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2002 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?