2006 Jeep Cherokee diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Jeep Cherokee diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Jeep Cherokee diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Brake pads2× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  16.7% All 2006 cars

  8.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.1% of all 2006 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.

• Flexible brake hoses2.2× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  11.7% All 2006 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1% of all 2006 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  9.2% All 2006 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.9% of all 2006 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.

• Battery4.7× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  5.2% All 2006 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.2% of all 2006 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.

Common 2006 Jeep Cherokee diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Jeep Cherokee diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  52% 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
  44% 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
  40% 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
  25% 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
  17% 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
  15% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 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 2× as often on the 2006 Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2006 Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2006 Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?