2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Brake lights2.2× usual
  Chrysler Grand Voyager

  11.9% All 2008 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 4.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Wheel bearings2.8× usual
  Chrysler Grand Voyager

  7% All 2008 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Side repeaters3.7× usual
  Chrysler Grand Voyager

  5.2% All 2008 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.9% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Handbrake performance4.4× usual
  Chrysler Grand Voyager

  4.8% All 2008 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

Common 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  45% 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
  44% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  43% 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.

• Tyres
  30% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 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 brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2008 Chrysler Grand Voyager diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?