2002 Jeep Cherokee petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Jeep Cherokee petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Jeep Cherokee petrol than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Ball joint dust cover3.8× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  15.5% All 2002 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Battery5.8× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  7.6% All 2002 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.3% of all 2002 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.

• Transmission oil leaks4.1× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  7% All 2002 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2002 Jeep Cherokee petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Jeep Cherokee petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  32% 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
  23% 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
  21% 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
  19% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 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 ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2002 Jeep Cherokee petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 5.8× as often on the 2002 Jeep Cherokee petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2002 Jeep Cherokee petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?