2012 Jeep Compass diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Jeep Compass diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Jeep Compass diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Sub-frame4.5× usual
  Jeep Compass

  15.3% All 2012 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
  Jeep Compass

  21% All 2012 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 1.9% of all 2012 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.

• Ball joint2.9× usual
  Jeep Compass

  15.2% All 2012 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 2.9% of all 2012 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 joints4.9× usual
  Jeep Compass

  9.7% All 2012 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 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.

• Ball joint dust cover4× usual
  Jeep Compass

  9.7% All 2012 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1% of all 2012 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 2012 Jeep Compass diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Jeep Compass diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  57% 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.

• Brakes
  33% 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.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Steering
  11% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Jeep Compass 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 sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 4.5× as often on the 2012 Jeep Compass diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Jeep Compass diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2012 Jeep Compass diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?