2018 Jeep Cherokee diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Jeep Cherokee diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee diesel than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  17.4% All 2018 cars

  9.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.5% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.6× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  6% All 2018 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.4% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Engine oil leaks3.8× usual
  Jeep Cherokee

  3.8% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2018 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 2018 Jeep Cherokee diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Jeep Cherokee diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% 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.

• Brakes
  22% 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
  9% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Lights and electrics
  6% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  5% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 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 discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?