Jeep Wrangler common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Jeep Wrangler?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Timing belt that runs in oil (PureTech petrol)

  Cars registered 2023–2026 · 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol

  The 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol engines use a timing belt that runs in the engine oil (a “wet belt”). It can break down early and shed rubber that blocks the oil supply, which can wreck the engine. Some also burn too much oil. Stellantis now covers earlier engines for belt and oil-burning problems for up to 10 years or 112,000 miles, as long as the car has been serviced on schedule.

  At the viewing: Ask for a full service history showing the right oil, and when the belt was last checked or changed. Check the oil level on the dipstick, and that no oil-pressure or engine warning light stays on.

  Source: Parkers: Stellantis wet belt compensation, and the cars at risk, Stellantis: compensation policy for earlier PureTech 1.0 and 1.2 engines (7 May 2025)

Common Jeep Wrangler MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Diesel

• Side repeaters

  up to 7.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2014 and 2015.

  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.

• Rear fog light

  up to 7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2014 and 2015.

  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.

• Headlight aim

  up to 3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2015 and 2016.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

• Ball joint

  up to 2.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2015 and 2016.

  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.

Jeep Wrangler MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2009 Jeep Wrangler did best (64% passed first time, 5 points above all 2009 cars) and the 2017 did worst (76%, 4 points below all 2017 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Jeep Wrangler

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. When was the timing belt last checked or changed, and has it had the right oil at every service? Is the car still within Stellantis’ extended PureTech cover?
2. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 7.1× as often on the Jeep Wrangler as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the Jeep Wrangler as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the Jeep Wrangler as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?