2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes8.3× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  16.6% All 2003 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Track rod ends2.6× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  16.2% All 2003 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.8% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Ball joint2.4× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  15.2% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 3% of all 2003 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.

• Brake pads2.1× usual
  Jeep Grand Cherokee

  14.4% All 2003 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

Common 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  58% 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
  47% 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
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% 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.

• Tyres
  14% 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 emissions
  10% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 8.3× as often on the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?