Used car guide

2017 Jeep Cherokee: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 Jeep Cherokees, from 554 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

554MOT tests in 2025
79%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%)
7,900typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2017 Jeep Cherokees than on all cars registered in 2017.

  • Brake discs2× usual
    Jeep Cherokee
    22.9% All 2017 cars
    11.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints2.9× usual
    Jeep Cherokee
    13.7% All 2017 cars
    4.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 0.9% of all 2017 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.

  • Engine oil leaks4.1× usual
    Jeep Cherokee
    8.1% All 2017 cars
    2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Headlights4.6× usual
    Jeep Cherokee
    6% All 2017 cars
    1.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 1.2% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

By area

The share of 2017 Jeep Cherokee MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    28% 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.

  • Suspension
    19% 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 leaks
    10% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    9% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20161,411Tyres 29%
20151,957Tyres 31%
20141,153Tyres 33%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2017 Jeep Cherokees registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score