2006 Chrysler-Jeep 300 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Chrysler-Jeep 300 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Chrysler-Jeep 300 diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Track rod ends2.5× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep 300

  13.7% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep 300

  17.7% All 2006 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Ball joint1.8× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep 300

  11.7% All 2006 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2× usual
  Chrysler-Jeep 300

  9.1% All 2006 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.9% 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.

Common 2006 Chrysler-Jeep 300 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Chrysler-Jeep 300 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
  48% 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.

• Tyres
  27% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  26% 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
  21% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% 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 Chrysler-Jeep 300 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 track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2006 Chrysler-Jeep 300 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2006 Chrysler-Jeep 300 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2006 Chrysler-Jeep 300 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?