Used car guide

2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokees, from 118 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 118 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

118MOT tests in 2025
68%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
5,400typical miles a year
54%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    54% 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
    43% 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
    38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Tyres
    19% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    19% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    10% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2019259Brakes 18%
2018410Brakes 21%
2017845Brakes 23%
20161,033Brakes 25%
20151,356Brakes 26%
20141,412Brakes 27%
2013953Tyres 24%
2012502Brakes 25%
2011199Suspension 31%
2008171Suspension 53%
2007180Suspension 54%
2006472Suspension 49%
2005410Suspension 53%
2004170Suspension 55%
2002174Suspension 56%
2001153Suspension 50%
2000112Brakes 47%
1999107Brakes 51%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokees registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score