2003 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Track rod ends2× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  12.5% All 2003 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.8% of all 2003 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.

• Battery5.1× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  6.6% All 2003 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes3.1× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  6.2% All 2003 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2003 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 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
  55% 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
  48% 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.

• Tyres
  23% 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
  18% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  14% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2003 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 5.1× as often on the 2003 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2003 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?