1998 Jeep Cherokee: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1998 Jeep Cherokees, from 261 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 261 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1998 Jeep Cherokees than on all cars registered in 1998.
- Engine oil leaks1.9× usualJeep Cherokee32.6% All 1998 cars16.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
By area
The share of 1998 Jeep Cherokee MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension41% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks36% 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.
- Brakes35% 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 electrics30% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres13% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
Looking at a Jeep Cherokee?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 310 | Brakes 26% |
| 2017 | 554 | Brakes 28% |
| 2016 | 1,411 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 1,957 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 1,153 | Tyres 33% |
| 2010 | 111 | Lights and electrics 43% |
| 2009 | 138 | Suspension 46% |
| 2007 | 340 | Brakes 51% |
| 2006 | 472 | Brakes 50% |
| 2005 | 475 | Suspension 48% |
| 2004 | 436 | Suspension 56% |
| 2003 | 384 | Suspension 54% |
| 2002 | 251 | Suspension 57% |
| 2001 | 196 | Suspension 44% |
| 2000 | 222 | Suspension 39% |
| 1999 | 219 | Brakes 39% |
| 1997 | 169 | Suspension 37% |
| 1996 | 116 | Suspension 39% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1998 Jeep Cherokees registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score