2005 Jeep Cherokee diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Jeep Cherokee diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Jeep Cherokee diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Track rod ends2.2× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  12.7% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.7% of all 2005 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.

• Flexible brake hoses1.9× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  10.6% All 2005 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.2% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Battery3.5× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  4.2% All 2005 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.3% of all 2005 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 areas2.6× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  3.4% All 2005 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.9% of all 2005 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.

Common 2005 Jeep Cherokee diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Jeep Cherokee diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  48% 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  37% 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
  20% 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
  18% 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 2005 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 track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2005 Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2005 Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?