Chrysler Cherokee

What fails its inspection

Great Britain's MOT record for the 2004 2.7 diesel. 82 of 281 tests failed, 29%.

Better than 38% of 2004 cars. The typical one fails 28%, across 750 models with enough tests behind them to say.

The defects inspectors cite

• A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
• A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play
• Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
• A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
• 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 repaired
• A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc

Where it stands out against its peers

• Steering: failed more often than 90% of 2004 cars — 22% of its 82 failed tests, where an ordinary 2004 car has 6%.

Same model year only, at least 30 peer cars, zeros included. Every car has a worst part; this shows which, and how far from ordinary it is. A high share means more to check, not a verdict.

NHTSA's investigations are American; no European regulator publishes an equivalent record, so this section has nothing to draw on for a European car. There is no European equivalent of the service-bulletin register either.

Before you buy one

Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.

• Suspension — 49% of its failures
  • A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
  • 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 repaired
• Brakes — 46% of its failures
  • Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
  • A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
• Steering — 22% of its failures
  • A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play
• Lights and electrics — 35% of its failures
  • A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
• Body and structure — 27% of its failures
  • 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 repaired
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• Seat belts and airbags — 13% of its failures
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired

When it starts failing

At 140–160k miles this one fails 24% of its inspections, against the 31% an ordinary car of the same age fails.

234 British inspections, grouped by the odometer reading recorded at the test.

Half of these have more than 100k miles on them. That is how far people drive this car, not how long it lasts.