2019 Jeep Compass diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Jeep Compass diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Jeep Compass diesel than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Jeep Compass

  16.3% All 2019 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2019 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints30× usual
  Jeep Compass

  6% All 2019 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.1% of all 2019 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.

• Engine warning light7.9× usual
  Jeep Compass

  6.3% All 2019 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 0.8% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints4.1× usual
  Jeep Compass

  5.8% All 2019 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.2% of all 2019 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.

• Wipers1.8× usual
  Jeep Compass

  5.7% All 2019 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2019 Jeep Compass diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Jeep Compass diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Brakes
  21% 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.

• Suspension
  15% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Lights and electrics
  6% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2019 Jeep Compass 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 brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2019 Jeep Compass diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 30× as often on the 2019 Jeep Compass diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 7.9× as often on the 2019 Jeep Compass diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?