1996 Jeep Cherokee petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Jeep Cherokee first registered in 1996 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 248 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 248 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1996 Jeep Cherokee petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1996 Jeep Cherokee petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension33% 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.
- Brakes29% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks27% 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.
- Lights and electrics26% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions15% 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 mirrors11% 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 1996 Jeep Cherokee petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Jeep Cherokee?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Jeep Cherokee compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | – | Too few tests |
| 2018 | 924 | Tyres 25% |
| 2017 | 1,620 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 4,305 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 6,015 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 3,526 | Tyres 33% |
| 2010 | 367 | Brakes 44% |
| 2009 | 454 | Brakes 44% |
| 2008 | 195 | Brakes 41% |
| 2007 | 1,301 | Brakes 51% |
| 2006 | 1,684 | Brakes 50% |
| 2005 | 1,764 | Brakes 48% |
| 2004 | 1,656 | Brakes 50% |
| 2003 | 1,383 | Suspension 50% |
| 2002 | 959 | Suspension 51% |
| 2001 | 589 | Suspension 44% |
| 2000 | 674 | Brakes 40% |
| 1999 | 616 | Brakes 38% |
| 1998 | 780 | Suspension 38% |
| 1997 | 474 | Brakes 38% |
| 1995 | 179 | Suspension 41% |
| 1994 | 147 | Suspension 37% |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Jeep Cherokee cars first registered in 1996. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score