1999 Jeep Cherokee petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Jeep Cherokee petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Jeep Cherokee petrol than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes3.3× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  8.5% All 1999 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.5% of all 1999 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.

Common 1999 Jeep Cherokee petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Jeep Cherokee petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  36% 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.

• Suspension
  34% 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
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  25% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  9% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Jeep Cherokee petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 1999 Jeep Cherokee petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?