2003 Jeep Cherokee · 3,071 MOT tests
2003 Jeep Cherokee reliability
2003 Jeep Cherokees fail 44.1% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 15 Cherokee years (3,071 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Jeep Cherokees: 33.1%)
- 44.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Jeep Cherokees: 33.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 1% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 114,839
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,071
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: brakes, 21.5% of tests fail here (48% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 41% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Jeep Cherokee
Fail rate by area
- Brakes21.5%
- Suspension18.2%
- Lights and electrics18.1%
- Body, chassis and structure12.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.4%
- Steering5.4%
- Seat belts and airbags4.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5.73%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.36%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Position lamp not working 3.97%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 3.03%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Stop lamp not working 2.8%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Exhaust has major gas leak 2.8%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (13.12%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.86%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (12.41%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (10.29%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.69%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.01%)
Other years
Every Jeep Cherokee year
The full picture: Jeep Cherokee reliability. Before you pay for any Jeep Cherokee, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
2003 Jeep Cherokees fail 44.1% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 15 Cherokee years (3,071 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Jeep Cherokee MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (5.73% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (4.36% of tests), position lamp not working (3.97% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Jeep Cherokee have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Jeep Cherokee shows 114,839 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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