2003 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee first registered in 2003 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 192 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 192 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.
- Ball joint2.7× usualChrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee17.2% All 2003 cars6.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Common 2003 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension54% 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.
- Brakes39% 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 electrics36% 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 leaks23% 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.
- Tyres18% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors11% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2003 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 151 | Brakes 30% |
| 2011 | 127 | Brakes 35% |
| 2010 | 417 | Suspension 46% |
| 2009 | 348 | Suspension 47% |
| 2008 | 466 | Suspension 55% |
| 2007 | 733 | Suspension 48% |
| 2006 | 931 | Suspension 50% |
| 2005 | 454 | Suspension 51% |
| 2004 | 367 | Suspension 53% |
| 2002 | 202 | Suspension 46% |
| 2001 | 189 | Suspension 46% |
| 2000 | 141 | Suspension 59% |
| 1999 | 151 | Suspension 50% |
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 Grand Cherokee cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score