2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Braking performance2.6× usual
  Chrysler Grand Voyager

  12.5% All 2012 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 1.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Shock absorbers2.3× usual
  Chrysler Grand Voyager

  13.3% All 2012 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 1.5% of all 2012 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.

• Brake pads1.8× usual
  Chrysler Grand Voyager

  17.1% All 2012 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.3% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Engine warning light3.6× usual
  Chrysler Grand Voyager

  6.2% All 2012 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 1.7% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  40% 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
  32% 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.

• Suspension
  29% 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
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% 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
  8% 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 2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager

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

1. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?