The picture
Cherokee: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 3,065 MOT tests, the Cherokee returns 67.0% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a number-plate lamp out. The strength or continuity of the load bearing and a torn suspension dust cover round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 112,892, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.
Top ten reasons for rejection.
- 01
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
228 occurrences · 7.4% of tests
- 02
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
185 occurrences · 6.0% of tests
- 03
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
129 occurrences · 4.2% of tests
- 04
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
116 occurrences · 3.8% of tests
- 05
A battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier
108 occurrences · 3.5% of tests
- 06
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
103 occurrences · 3.4% of tests
- 07
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
99 occurrences · 3.2% of tests
- 08
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
85 occurrences · 2.8% of tests
- 09
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
85 occurrences · 2.8% of tests
- 10
Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective
82 occurrences · 2.7% of tests
Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.
Worst-case fix budget · top 2 failures
£88–£275
If every one of this Cherokee's most-logged Major fails hit at the same MOT, that's the real-world UK garage range. Reality is usually one or two items, not all of them. Open the estimator →
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Tools that pre-empt a retest.
Picked against this car's top failure patterns. Affiliate links to Amazon UK — we earn a small cut at no cost to you. Disclosed up-front, doesn't shape the data.
Buying or keeping a Cherokee?
Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.
If you own a Cherokee and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.