2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  14.4% All 2005 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 3.2% of all 2005 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 joints5.3× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  7.9% All 2005 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.3% of all 2005 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.

• Battery4× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  4.8% All 2005 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

• Transmission oil leaks3.2× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  4.5% All 2005 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2005 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 bushes2.6× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  4.4% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 2005 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.

Common 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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
  34% 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
  32% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  10% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Jeep Grand 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 ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?