2006 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Flexible brake hoses2.6× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  13.8% All 2006 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1% of all 2006 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 joint2× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  12.5% All 2006 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 3.1% of all 2006 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.

• Battery5.8× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  6.4% All 2006 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.2% of all 2006 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 bushes and joints4.8× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  5.8% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.3% of all 2006 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.

• Wheel bearings2.3× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee

  7.4% All 2006 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 1.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 2006 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Suspension
  45% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  40% 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
  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.

• Rust and bodywork
  12% 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 2006 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 flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2006 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2006 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 5.8× as often on the 2006 Chrysler-Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?