Jeep Wrangler MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 7,214 MOT tests on the Jeep Wrangler carried out in 2023. 28% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Wranglers passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1993 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2006 models did best (73% passed, +16.8 points against the average for 17-year-old cars), while 1995 models fared worst (59%, −7.1 points). Tested cars had covered 63,811 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 17.0% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 10.4% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 7,214
- First-time pass rate
- 72%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +0.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 63,811
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Wrangler?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Wrangler 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 691 | 92% | 88% | +4.1 points | 22,468 |
| 2019 | 655 | 89% | 86% | +3.0 points | 27,376 |
| 2018 | 374 | 83% | 84% | −1.6 points | 32,612 |
| 2017 | 272 | 80% | 82% | −1.9 points | 36,573 |
| 2016 | 299 | 72% | 79% | −6.7 points | 45,185 |
| 2015 | 533 | 70% | 75% | −5.1 points | 55,233 |
| 2014 | 353 | 70% | 72% | −2.0 points | 60,703 |
| 2013 | 251 | 63% | 68% | −5.3 points | 70,177 |
| 2012 | 178 | 65% | 66% | −0.4 points | 72,059 |
| 2011 | 139 | 75% | 63% | +11.8 points | 77,896 |
| 2010 | 182 | 66% | 60% | +5.4 points | 84,723 |
| 2009 | 326 | 61% | 59% | +2.0 points | 93,466 |
| 2008 | 207 | 55% | 57% | −2.8 points | 99,739 |
| 2007 | 236 | 61% | 57% | +4.1 points | 93,360 |
| 2006 | 137 | 73% | 56% | +16.8 points | 62,691 |
| 2005 | 100 | 69% | 56% | +12.8 points | 70,193 |
| 2004 | 174 | 72% | 56% | +16.4 points | 74,598 |
| 2003 | 172 | 66% | 57% | +9.6 points | 73,740 |
| 2002 | 153 | 60% | 58% | +2.6 points | 77,854 |
| 2001 | 198 | 64% | 59% | +5.0 points | 79,593 |
| 2000 | 218 | 67% | 61% | +6.9 points | 83,285 |
| 1999 | 224 | 66% | 62% | +3.6 points | 85,816 |
| 1998 | 332 | 65% | 64% | +1.5 points | 92,567 |
| 1997 | 368 | 65% | 64% | +1.0 points | 94,507 |
| 1996 | 50 | 66% | 65% | +0.8 points | 90,904 |
| 1995 | 101 | 59% | 66% | −7.1 points | 94,834 |
| 1994 | 114 | 69% | 66% | +2.9 points | 90,464 |
| 1993 | 108 | 63% | 67% | −3.8 points | 92,934 |
Why the Jeep Wrangler fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Wrangler | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 17.0% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 8.9% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 5.4% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 4.6% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 3.6% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.1% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 1.8% | 1.8% |
| Tyres | 1.5% | 6.3% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.4% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 1.1% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working10.4%
- 2efficiency below requirements2.7%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
- 4too high2.1%
- 5projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.9%
- 6ball joint excessively worn1.6%
- 7inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.5%
- 8inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.5%
- 9less than 1.5 mm thick1.4%
- 10excessively binding1.4%
Common Wrangler MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Wrangler, 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 | 7.0% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.9% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 5.8% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 4.8% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 4.3% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 4.3% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.2% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 3.9% |
| leaking excessively from transmission | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.9% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.4% |
Tips to help your Wrangler pass
Based on where Wranglers most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 17.0% of Wrangler 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 · 8.9% of Wrangler 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.
Visibility · 4.6% of Wrangler tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Wrangler ULEZ compliant? See the Jeep Wrangler ULEZ check, or view all Jeep models.
Other Jeep models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 7,214 first MOT tests of the Jeep Wrangler 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 7,214 first MOT tests of the Jeep Wrangler.
What is the Jeep Wrangler MOT failure rate?
In our data, 28% of 7,214 first MOT attempts on the Jeep Wrangler ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Jeep Wrangler fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (17.0% of tests), brakes (8.9% of tests), suspension (5.4% of tests).
Which Wrangler year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2006 cars performed best: 73% passed first time, +16.8 points against the average for 17-year-old cars. The weakest was 1995, at 59% (−7.1 points).
How many miles had a typical Jeep Wrangler covered at its MOT?
The average was 63,811 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 22,468 miles and 1993 cars 92,934.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Jeep Wrangler?
"in such a condition that it is seriously weakened" was recorded on 7.0% of tests, in the brakes area. 8.9% of Wranglers failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Wrangler's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 7,214 Wranglers in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 55% to 92% 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 Wrangler's MOT history
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