2009 Jeep Cherokee: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Jeep Cherokee?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Jeep Cherokee than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  16.3% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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.

• Steering rack inner joints4.6× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  10.1% All 2009 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Battery9.4× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  7.5% All 2009 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.2% of all 2009 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.

• Windscreen2.6× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  8.4% All 2009 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

Common 2009 Jeep Cherokee MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Jeep Cherokee MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  44% 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
  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.

• Suspension
  40% 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.

• 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  17% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Exhaust and emissions
  14% 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 2009 Jeep Cherokee

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? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2009 Jeep Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2009 Jeep Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 9.4× as often on the 2009 Jeep Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?