1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Jeep Cherokee MOT pass rate and common faults

181 MOT tests in 2024. 68.5% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time68.5%
Failed or needed repairs31.5%
Typical mileage at test120,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 181 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.5%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle5.0%
  3. Headlamp aim: too low4.4%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.3%
  5. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.3%
  6. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.8%
  7. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.8%
  8. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.8%
  9. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.8%
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes34.3%
  2. Lights & electrics26.0%
  3. Suspension12.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks11.6%
  5. Body & chassis8.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.4%
  7. Seat belts & airbags2.8%
  8. Steering2.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine28.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.2%
  3. Transmission oil leaks: leaking excessively from transmission8.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.6%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases6.1%

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.

← 1996 CherokeeAll Cherokee years1998 Cherokee →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Jeep Cherokee?

In 2024, 68.5% of 1997 Jeep Cherokee cars passed their MOT first time, across 181 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Jeep Cherokee?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; service brake imbalance: across an axle; headlamp aim: too low. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1997 Jeep Cherokee reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).