1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Jeep Cherokee MOT pass rate and common faults

270 MOT tests in 2024. 66.7% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time66.7%
Failed or needed repairs33.3%
Typical mileage at test120,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 270 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.1%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.6%
  3. Headlamp aim: too high2.2%
  4. Position lamp: not working2.2%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.2%
  6. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.2%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle1.9%
  8. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.9%
  9. Stop lamp: not working1.9%
  10. Hazard warning - switch: inoperative1.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics26.7%
  2. Suspension17.4%
  3. Brakes17.0%
  4. Body & chassis8.9%
  5. Emissions & leaks5.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.8%
  7. Seat belts & airbags3.7%
  8. Steering3.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine25.9%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.3%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened8.5%
  5. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Jeep Cherokee?

In 2024, 66.7% of 1998 Jeep Cherokee cars passed their MOT first time, across 270 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Jeep Cherokee?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; headlamp aim: too high. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Jeep Cherokee reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).