2014 Jeep Wrangler diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Jeep Wrangler diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Jeep Wrangler diesel than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Side repeaters7.2× usual
  Jeep Wrangler

  5.8% All 2014 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 0.5% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Sidelights2.5× usual
  Jeep Wrangler

  6.3% All 2014 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.2% of all 2014 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.

• Rear fog light6.8× usual
  Jeep Wrangler

  3.4% All 2014 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.5% of all 2014 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.

Common 2014 Jeep Wrangler diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Jeep Wrangler diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  30% 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
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  15% 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.

• Tyres
  14% 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
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Jeep Wrangler 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 side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 7.2× as often on the 2014 Jeep Wrangler diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2014 Jeep Wrangler diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 6.8× as often on the 2014 Jeep Wrangler diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?