2007 Jeep Commander: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Jeep Commander?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Jeep Commander than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Ball joint2.7× usual
  Jeep Commander

  16.8% All 2007 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 3.1% of all 2007 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints6.9× usual
  Jeep Commander

  7.6% All 2007 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.2% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.1× usual
  Jeep Commander

  9.2% All 2007 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.6% of all 2007 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.

Common 2007 Jeep Commander MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Jeep Commander MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  49% 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
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  31% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  25% 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.

• 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Jeep Commander

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 2.7× as often on the 2007 Jeep Commander as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.9× as often on the 2007 Jeep Commander as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2007 Jeep Commander as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?