2004 Jeep Cherokee diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Jeep Cherokee diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Jeep Cherokee diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Brake pads1.8× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  13.2% All 2004 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.9% of all 2004 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.

• Battery3.6× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  4.7% All 2004 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.3% of all 2004 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.

• Rust in key structural areas3.1× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  4.4% All 2004 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Transmission oil leaks2.7× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  4.1% All 2004 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2004 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 2004 Jeep Cherokee diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Jeep Cherokee diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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.

• 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
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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
  20% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  16% 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 2004 Jeep Cherokee 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 brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2004 Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2004 Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2004 Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?