At a Glance
The Jeep Cherokee has 22 identified common problems across 4 generations, with the XJ (1993-2001) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 527K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Jeep Cherokee common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Jeep Cherokee generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Jeep Cherokee Generations
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Most Common Jeep Cherokee MOT Failures
Every reason Jeep Cherokee vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.40% |
| 2 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.54% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.47% |
| 4 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 6.17% |
| 5 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 6.05% |
| 6 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.00% |
| 7 | Stop lamp not working | 4.93% |
| 8 | Exhaust system fault | 4.31% |
| 9 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.96% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 3.41% |
| 11 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.70% |
| 12 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.65% |
| 13 | Parking brake condition | 2.34% |
| 14 | Track rod end worn | 2.19% |
| 15 | Tyre condition | 2.02% |
| 16 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.74% |
| 17 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.54% |
| 18 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.39% |
| 19 | ABS fault | 1.37% |
| 20 | Position lamp not working | 1.31% |
| 21 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.30% |
| 22 | Indicator fault | 1.26% |
| 23 | Headlamp fault | 1.26% |
| 24 | Battery loose or leaking | 1.22% |
| 25 | Fog lamp not working | 1.20% |
| 26 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.14% |
| 27 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.03% |
| 28 | Driveshaft fault | 0.96% |
| 29 | Seat belt condition | 0.93% |
| 30 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.90% |
| 31 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.84% |
| 32 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.75% |
| 33 | Chassis condition | 0.70% |
| 34 | Rear lamp not working | 0.60% |
| 35 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.59% |
| 36 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.54% |
| 37 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.52% |
| 38 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.48% |
| 39 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.48% |
| 40 | Horn not working | 0.47% |
| 41 | Front suspension fault | 0.46% |
| 42 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.42% |
| 43 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.40% |
| 44 | Drag link end worn | 0.40% |
| 45 | Rear suspension fault | 0.35% |
| 46 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.34% |
| 47 | Brake lever fault | 0.33% |
| 48 | Brake fluid leak | 0.29% |
| 49 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.28% |
| 50 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.26% |
| 51 | Airbag warning light on | 0.26% |
| 52 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.25% |
| 53 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.24% |
| 54 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.23% |
| 55 | Brake pedal fault | 0.21% |
| 56 | Steering rack fault | 0.20% |
| 57 | Propshaft fault | 0.17% |
| 58 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.17% |
| 59 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.16% |
| 60 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.16% |
| 61 | Electrical switch fault | 0.15% |
| 62 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.15% |
| 63 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.15% |
| 64 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.15% |
| 65 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.14% |
| 66 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.13% |
| 67 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.13% |
| 68 | Brake caliper fault | 0.12% |
| 69 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.12% |
| 70 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.11% |
| 71 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.11% |
| 72 | Engine oil leak | 0.10% |
| 73 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.10% |
| 74 | Steering lock fault | 0.09% |
| 75 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.09% |
| 76 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.09% |
| 77 | Steering free play excessive | 0.08% |
| 78 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.08% |
| 79 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 80 | Towbar fault | 0.07% |
| 81 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.06% |
| 82 | Steering damper fault | 0.06% |
| 83 | Driver seat fault | 0.06% |
| 84 | Steering column fault | 0.05% |
| 85 | Steering box fault | 0.05% |
| 86 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.05% |
| 87 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 88 | Power steering pump fault | 0.05% |
| 89 | CV joint worn | 0.05% |
| 90 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.04% |
| 91 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 92 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.04% |
| 93 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.04% |
| 94 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 95 | Power steering ram fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Transmission oil leak | 0.03% |
| 97 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 98 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 99 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.03% |
| 102 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.03% |
| 103 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.03% |
| 104 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 105 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 109 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 110 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 111 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.01% |
| 112 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 113 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 114 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.01% |
| 115 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 116 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 117 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 118 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 119 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.01% |
| 120 | Handbrake fails on gradient | 0.01% |
| 121 | Leaf spring slipper worn | 0.01% |
| 122 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 123 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 124 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.01% |
| 125 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 126 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 127 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 128 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 129 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 131 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 133 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 134 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 135 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 138 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 144 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 147 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 150 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 152 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 155 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 156 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 160 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 166 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 168 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 170 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 171 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 172 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 173 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 175 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 177 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 179 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 181 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 182 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 184 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 189 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 191 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 192 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 193 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 194 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 194 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Jeep Cherokee MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Jeep Cherokee, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Jeep Cherokee problems?
Based on analysis of 527K Jeep Cherokee MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 22 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Driveshaft fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Jeep Cherokee generation has the most problems?
The Jeep Cherokee XJ (1993-2001) (1993–2001) has the highest number of identified common problems (25). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Jeep Cherokee?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Jeep Cherokee owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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