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Jeep Cherokee reliability

B · Good

MOT pass rates and common problems from 116,953 MOT tests of cars first registered 1997–2018.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
65.6%pass first time
+2.8 ptsvs typical car
Beats 62%of cars
116,953MOT tests

Verdict

The Jeep Cherokee passes its MOT first time on 65.6% of tests, 2.8 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (62.8%). That puts it ahead of 62% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 1999 Cherokee does best (beats 77% of cars) and the 2010 worst (beats 46%).

Of its engines, the 2.8 Diesel does best (beats 60%) and the 2.0 Diesel worst (beats 58%).

Better than average on suspension, visibility, tyres.

Watch these weak spots

Brakes1.3×as often as a typical car
Handbrake performance1.7×as often as a typical car
Component mounting prescribed areas1.5×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

40%50%60%70%80%90%3456789101112131415161718192086%81%78%72%67%57%56%56%58%
Jeep CherokeeTypical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

1997
Beats 65%
1998
Beats 67%
1999
Beats 77%
2000
Beats 72%
2001
Beats 72%
2002
Beats 69%
2003
Beats 63%
2004
Beats 65%
2005
Beats 60%
2006
Beats 58%
2007
Beats 60%
2008
Beats 65%
2009
Beats 53%
2010
Beats 46%
2014
Beats 58%
2015
Beats 59%
2016
Beats 59%
2017
Beats 48%
2018
Beats 50%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.8 Diesel2003–201028,52457.6%Beats 60%B
2.0 Diesel2014–201624,57376.4%Beats 58%C
2.2 Diesel2015–201819,12380.2%Beats 58%C
2.5 Diesel1998–200416,37257.0%Beats 64%B
2.7 Diesel2003–200611,01257.6%Beats 67%B
3.7 Petrol2002–20068,25358.4%Beats 62%B
4.0 Petrol1997–20017,05764.1%Beats 74%B
2.4 Petrol2002–20052,03956.1%Beats 57%C

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 4.6% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 5.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 9.7% of tests fail on suspension, against 13.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 15.1% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 16.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 5.1% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 13.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 15.1% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 16.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+1.7 ptsTyres: 5.1% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+2.1 ptsBrakes: 13.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes−2.8 ptsSuspension: 9.7% of tests fail on suspension, against 13.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+3.5 ptsExhaust: 4.6% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 5.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+0.8 ptsSuspension: 9.7% of tests fail on suspension, against 13.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 13.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 5.1% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 15.1% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 16.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 4.6% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 5.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 15.1% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 16.9% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+1.7 ptsTyres: 5.1% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres+2.1 ptsBrakes: 13.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes−2.8 ptsSuspension: 9.7% of tests fail on suspension, against 13.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+3.5 ptsExhaust: 4.6% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 5.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+0.8 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Brakes: 13.5% of tests fail on brakes, against 10.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Lights & electrics
15.1% vs 16.9%
Brakes
13.5% vs 10.7%
Suspension
9.7% vs 13.2%
Body & structure
5.3% vs 6.1%
Visibility
5.1% vs 6.4%
Tyres
5.1% vs 7.2%
Emissions & leaks
4.6% vs 5.4%
Steering
2.6% vs 3.1%
Seat belts & airbags
2.3% vs 2.1%
Wheels
0.7% vs 0.4%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Handbrake performance 1.7× typical
    Check the handbrake holds the car firmly on a slope.
  • Sidelights
    Walk around with the lights on: bulb failures are the easiest MOT fails to avoid.
  • Headlight bulbs & units
    Check dipped and main beam on both sides.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.
  • Windscreen wipers
    Test the washers and wipers: a cheap fix, but a very common MOT fail.
  • Brake pads
    Ask when the pads were last replaced and look for a brake-wear warning on the dash.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k89%82%76%67%61%58%55%54%
Jeep CherokeeTypical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Handbrake performance4.0%2.4%1.7×
Sidelights3.5%4.1%0.9×
Headlight bulbs & units3.3%3.2%1.0×
Headlight aim3.1%4.7%0.7×
Windscreen wipers2.9%3.0%1.0×
Brake pads2.6%2.1%1.2×
Component mounting prescribed areas2.4%1.6%1.5×
Brake lights2.4%3.3%0.7×
Tyre tread depth2.2%3.1%0.7×
Tyre damage & cracking2.1%3.6%0.6×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn46.1
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement35.5
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements30.9
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen28.4
A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED27.9
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning26.3
A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm23.9
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired23.9
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2018 Jeep Cherokee1 engine83.2% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel1,46183.2%Beats 50%C
2017 Jeep Cherokee1 engine81.5% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel2,97981.5%Beats 48%C
2016 Jeep Cherokee2 engines79.9% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Diesel9,52380.4%Beats 61%B
2.0 Diesel1,55477.2%Beats 40%D
2015 Jeep Cherokee2 engines77.7% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel12,60877.4%Beats 59%C
2.2 Diesel5,16078.3%Beats 58%C
2014 Jeep Cherokee1 engine75.0% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel10,41175.0%Beats 58%C
2010 Jeep Cherokee1 engine60.5% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.8 Diesel1,73260.5%Beats 46%C
2009 Jeep Cherokee1 engine59.5% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.8 Diesel2,27059.5%Beats 53%C
2008 Jeep Cherokee1 engine61.1% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.8 Diesel1,41061.1%Beats 65%B
2007 Jeep Cherokee1 engine58.4% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.8 Diesel6,98158.4%Beats 60%C
2006 Jeep Cherokee3 engines56.9% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.8 Diesel5,86456.1%Beats 57%C
3.7 Petrol1,68056.9%Beats 51%C
2.7 Diesel1,56959.9%Beats 68%B
2005 Jeep Cherokee4 engines56.2% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.8 Diesel5,92155.8%Beats 60%B
2.7 Diesel2,09356.3%Beats 60%B
3.7 Petrol1,17657.9%Beats 60%C
2.4 Petrol1,03856.6%Beats 52%C
2004 Jeep Cherokee4 engines56.6% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.7 Diesel4,12457.9%Beats 69%B
2.5 Diesel3,68055.1%Beats 62%B
2.8 Diesel2,31157.4%Beats 67%B
3.7 Petrol1,48656.0%Beats 57%C
2003 Jeep Cherokee4 engines56.0% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.7 Diesel3,22656.9%Beats 68%B
2.5 Diesel3,15652.7%Beats 56%C
2.8 Diesel2,03557.6%Beats 69%B
3.7 Petrol1,58858.2%Beats 63%B
2002 Jeep Cherokee3 engines58.3% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.5 Diesel3,58457.1%Beats 68%B
3.7 Petrol2,32361.3%Beats 74%B
2.4 Petrol1,00155.5%Beats 60%B
2001 Jeep Cherokee2 engines60.5% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.5 Diesel1,96758.5%Beats 69%B
4.0 Petrol1,23863.7%Beats 79%B
2000 Jeep Cherokee2 engines61.7% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
4.0 Petrol1,42162.6%Beats 73%B
2.5 Diesel1,20860.6%Beats 70%B
1999 Jeep Cherokee2 engines64.7% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
4.0 Petrol1,47865.8%Beats 79%B
2.5 Diesel1,20863.3%Beats 74%B
1998 Jeep Cherokee2 engines62.7% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
4.0 Petrol1,62064.6%Beats 72%B
2.5 Diesel1,56960.8%Beats 63%B
1997 Jeep Cherokee1 engine63.9% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
4.0 Petrol1,30063.9%Beats 65%B

FAQ

What is the Jeep Cherokee MOT pass rate?

65.6% of MOT tests on the Jeep Cherokee were passed first time, based on 116,953 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 1997–2018. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 62.8% of the time.

Is the Jeep Cherokee reliable?

On MOT results it rates B (good): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 62% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Jeep Cherokee year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 1999 Cherokee does best for its age and mileage: it beats 77% of cars on UK roads. The 2010 does worst: it beats 46%.

Which Jeep Cherokee engine is best?

Across all years, the 2.8 Diesel does best: it beats 60% of cars on UK roads. The 2.0 Diesel does worst: it beats 58%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Jeep Cherokee?

The most common failure items are handbrake performance, sidelights, headlight bulbs & units. Compared with similar cars, handbrake performance comes up 1.7× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.