1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Transmission oil leaks7.3× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  14.5% All 1999 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 1999 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.

• Brake discs2.2× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  22.8% All 1999 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.6% of all 1999 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.

• Coil springs2.5× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  19.4% All 1999 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 1.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.9× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  14.8% All 1999 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 2.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Headlights2.5× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  15.7% All 1999 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  48% 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
  38% 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
  29% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  15% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Jeep Grand 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 transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 7.3× as often on the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?