2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  16.3% All 2008 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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 joints9.4× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  8.5% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.2% of all 2008 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.

• Flexible brake hoses3.1× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  11.1% All 2008 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Steering rack inner joints3.7× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  10% All 2008 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.3× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  9.8% All 2008 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1.6% of all 2008 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 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 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
  48% 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
  38% 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
  33% 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
  22% 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
  21% 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
  11% 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 2008 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 2.6× as often on the 2008 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 9.4× as often on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?