2008 Chrysler-Jeep Patriot diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Patriot diesel?

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

• Ball joint3.3× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Patriot

  20.3% All 2008 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.8%, 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Patriot

  24.3% All 2008 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 2.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Patriot

  28.3% All 2008 cars

  14.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Sub-frame2.5× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Patriot

  14.7% All 2008 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Shock absorbers2.2× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Patriot

  16.3% All 2008 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 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.

Common 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Patriot diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Patriot diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  68% 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
  42% 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
  38% 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
  35% 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 mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Rust and bodywork
  11% 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 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Patriot 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 ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Patriot diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Patriot diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Patriot diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?