2004 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Chrysler Grand Voyager

  30.5% All 2004 cars

  14.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Steering rack inner joints5.1× usual
  Chrysler Grand Voyager

  19% All 2004 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Anti-roll bar link bushes5.2× usual
  Chrysler Grand Voyager

  9.9% All 2004 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.5% of all 2004 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.

• Chassis rust or damage2.6× usual
  Chrysler Grand Voyager

  9.1% All 2004 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Common 2004 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  56% 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
  53% 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
  46% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  33% 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.

• Steering
  26% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Chrysler Grand Voyager 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 engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.1× as often on the 2004 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 2004 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?