2004 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes4.9× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  9.3% All 2004 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.5% of all 2004 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.

• Flexible brake hoses2× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  11.2% All 2004 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.2% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Ball joint1.8× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  12.2% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 3.2% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Battery4.5× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  5.4% All 2004 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.3% of all 2004 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.

• Transmission oil leaks2.9× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  4.3% All 2004 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2004 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 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
  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
  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
  20% 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
  14% 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 2004 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 anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2004 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2004 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2004 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?