2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Ball joint2.4× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  15.3% All 2006 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 3.1% of all 2006 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 joints7.9× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  9.5% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.3% of all 2006 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 joints1.9× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  8.2% All 2006 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1.6% of all 2006 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.

• Rear fog light3.8× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  4.6% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Diesel smoke emissions4.1× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  3.7% All 2006 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.8% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 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
  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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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
  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 2006 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 2.4× as often on the 2006 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 7.9× as often on the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?