2008 Chrysler Voyager diesel: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Battery6.9× usual
  Chrysler Voyager

  6.2% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

• Braking performance1.9× usual
  Chrysler Voyager

  12.6% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 2.7% of all 2008 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.8× usual
  Chrysler Voyager

  7.6% All 2008 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 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.

• Track rod ends2× usual
  Chrysler Voyager

  10.2% All 2008 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, 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.

Common 2008 Chrysler Voyager diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  50% 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
  49% 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
  47% 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
  33% 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
  14% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% 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 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 battery? (Flagged at MOT 6.9× as often on the 2008 Chrysler Voyager diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2008 Chrysler Voyager diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2008 Chrysler Voyager diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?