2015 Jeep Wrangler: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Jeep Wrangler?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Jeep Wrangler than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Side repeaters7.4× usual
  Jeep Wrangler

  5.2% All 2015 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 0.5% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

• Rear fog light7× usual
  Jeep Wrangler

  3.5% All 2015 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.4% of all 2015 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.

• Ball joint2× usual
  Jeep Wrangler

  6.2% All 2015 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 1.7% of all 2015 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.

• Number plate lights1.9× usual
  Jeep Wrangler

  6.7% All 2015 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.1% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Headlight aim2.2× usual
  Jeep Wrangler

  5.2% All 2015 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.4% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

Common 2015 Jeep Wrangler MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Jeep Wrangler MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  25% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  25% 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
  16% 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.

• Tyres
  16% 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  5% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 Jeep Wrangler

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

1. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 7.4× as often on the 2015 Jeep Wrangler as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 7× as often on the 2015 Jeep Wrangler as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2015 Jeep Wrangler as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?