2010 Jeep G-Cherokee: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Jeep G-Cherokee?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Jeep G-Cherokee than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Ball joint2.9× usual
  Jeep G-Cherokee

  18.1% All 2010 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 3.3% of all 2010 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.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  Jeep G-Cherokee

  15.7% All 2010 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.2% of all 2010 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.

• Transmission oil leaks6.8× usual
  Jeep G-Cherokee

  6.8% All 2010 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2010 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.2× usual
  Jeep G-Cherokee

  8.7% All 2010 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 1.5% of all 2010 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 joints2.2× usual
  Jeep G-Cherokee

  5.3% All 2010 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2010 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.

Common 2010 Jeep G-Cherokee MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Jeep G-Cherokee MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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
  31% 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
  29% 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
  24% 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
  23% 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.

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Jeep G-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 2.9× as often on the 2010 Jeep G-Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2010 Jeep G-Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 6.8× as often on the 2010 Jeep G-Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?