2008 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Ball joint3× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee

  18.9% All 2008 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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.

• Shock absorbers2× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee

  15% All 2008 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 2.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.4× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee

  9.9% All 2008 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.6% of all 2008 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.

Common 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee 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.

• 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.

• Brakes
  35% 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.

• Tyres
  24% 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
  22% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% 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 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee

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

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Grand Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?