Jeep Cherokee MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 13,940 MOT tests on the Jeep Cherokee carried out in 2023. 34% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Cherokees passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1994 to 2018. Compared with other cars of the same age, 1999 models did best (71% passed, +8.2 points against the average for 24-year-old cars), while 1997 models fared worst (59%, −5.5 points). Tested cars had covered 92,775 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 14.3% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 6.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 13,940
- First-time pass rate
- 66%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −5.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 92,775
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Cherokee?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Cherokee MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 319 | 85% | 84% | +0.7 points | 40,418 |
| 2017 | 554 | 83% | 82% | +1.0 points | 49,081 |
| 2016 | 1,465 | 79% | 79% | +0.5 points | 60,807 |
| 2015 | 2,068 | 76% | 75% | +0.4 points | 70,878 |
| 2014 | 1,223 | 72% | 72% | +0.4 points | 76,078 |
| 2010 | 225 | 56% | 60% | −4.0 points | 96,960 |
| 2009 | 297 | 59% | 59% | −0.4 points | 101,835 |
| 2008 | 194 | 56% | 57% | −1.7 points | 110,837 |
| 2007 | 825 | 57% | 57% | +0.1 points | 105,933 |
| 2006 | 1,029 | 57% | 56% | +0.4 points | 106,553 |
| 2005 | 1,060 | 55% | 56% | −1.0 points | 106,673 |
| 2004 | 1,122 | 57% | 56% | +0.9 points | 113,659 |
| 2003 | 908 | 56% | 57% | −0.2 points | 115,923 |
| 2002 | 637 | 62% | 58% | +4.5 points | 113,563 |
| 2001 | 384 | 61% | 59% | +2.8 points | 114,797 |
| 2000 | 321 | 60% | 61% | −1.1 points | 119,777 |
| 1999 | 287 | 71% | 62% | +8.2 points | 118,422 |
| 1998 | 355 | 68% | 64% | +4.5 points | 123,092 |
| 1997 | 229 | 59% | 64% | −5.5 points | 126,785 |
| 1996 | 140 | 61% | 65% | −3.8 points | 109,807 |
| 1995 | 102 | 69% | 66% | +2.2 points | 118,676 |
| 1994 | 70 | 67% | 66% | +0.7 points | 115,841 |
Why the Jeep Cherokee fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Cherokee | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 14.3% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 12.7% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 10.4% | 8.9% |
| Body and structure | 5.6% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 4.8% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 4.8% | 6.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.6% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 2.5% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.3% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.7% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working6.9%
- 2efficiency below requirements3.9%
- 3pin or bush excessively worn3.3%
- 4prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.9%
- 5not working on dipped beam2.6%
- 6does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
- 7inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.4%
- 8less than 1.5 mm thick2.3%
- 9ball joint excessively worn2.1%
- 10tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
Common Cherokee MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Cherokee, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 14.9% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 11.3% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 11.1% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 9.1% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 6.0% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.6% |
| ferrule excessively corroded | Brakes | 4.2% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 4.0% |
Tips to help your Cherokee pass
Based on where Cherokees most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 14.3% of Cherokee tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 12.7% of Cherokee tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Body and structure · 5.6% of Cherokee tests
Look underneath for corrosion
On older cars, check sills, subframe mounts and brake pipes for rust. Surface rust is common, but corrosion on structural or brake parts is a fail.
Compare with other models
Is the Cherokee ULEZ compliant? See the Jeep Cherokee ULEZ check, or view all Jeep models.
Other Jeep models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 13,940 first MOT tests of the Jeep Cherokee carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 13,940 first MOT tests of the Jeep Cherokee.
What is the Jeep Cherokee MOT failure rate?
In our data, 34% of 13,940 first MOT attempts on the Jeep Cherokee ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Jeep Cherokee fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (14.3% of tests), brakes (12.7% of tests), suspension (10.4% of tests).
Which Cherokee year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 1999 cars performed best: 71% passed first time, +8.2 points against the average for 24-year-old cars. The weakest was 1997, at 59% (−5.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Jeep Cherokee covered at its MOT?
The average was 92,775 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2018 cars averaged 40,418 miles and 1994 cars 115,841.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Jeep Cherokee?
"in such a condition that it is seriously weakened" was recorded on 14.9% of tests, in the brakes area. 12.7% of Cherokees failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Cherokee's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 13,940 Cherokees in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 55% to 85% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any Cherokee's MOT history
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