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

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

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

• Ball joint3.2× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Patriot

  19.9% All 2008 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, 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 absorbers2.5× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Patriot

  18.5% All 2008 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, 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.

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

  21.4% All 2008 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, 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.

• Track rod ends2.7× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Patriot

  13.4% All 2008 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Sub-frame2.1× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep Patriot

  12.3% All 2008 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, 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.

Common 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Patriot petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  61% 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
  42% 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
  36% 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.

• Brakes
  33% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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 an engine warning light.

• 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 Patriot petrol

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 3.2× as often on the 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Patriot petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Patriot petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2008 Chrysler-Jeep Patriot petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?