Jeep G-Cherokee common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Jeep G-Cherokee?

We haven’t found widely reported faults for the Jeep G-Cherokee in the UK buying guides we use yet. That doesn’t mean it has none, so check the car carefully and look at the MOT weak spots below.

Common Jeep G-Cherokee MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Diesel

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints

  up to 7.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Ball joint

  up to 1.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006.

  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.

Jeep G-Cherokee MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2009 Jeep G-Cherokee did best (66% passed first time, 7 points above all 2009 cars) and the 2010 did worst (63%, 3 points above all 2010 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Jeep G-Cherokee

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the Jeep G-Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 10× as often on the Jeep G-Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the Jeep G-Cherokee as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?