Most Reliable Jeep Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 67,544 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Jeep models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
67,544 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Jeep model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Jeep WRANGLER
80.9% pass rate
Best Single Year
GRAND CHEROKEE 2013 Diesel
79.2% pass rate
Jeep vs National Average
74.8% vs 71.5%
+3.3% above average
Proven Durability Champion
GRAND CHEROKEE CRD LTD A 2006
+5.6% at 13+ years
Jeep has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 67,544 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Jeep models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Jeep model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Jeep Compares to Rivals
Jeep ranks #30 out of 75 manufacturers with a 74.8% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep | 74.8% | #30 | 67,544 |
| Toyota | 74.0% | #31 | 1,606,300 |
| Volkswagen | 72.2% | #43 | 2,967,545 |
| Nissan | 68.7% | #50 | 1,612,552 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #51 | 4,432,652 |
| Vauxhall | 65.4% | #59 | 3,038,498 |
The verdict: Jeep leads its competitors with a 74.8% pass rate. However, newer Jeep models significantly outperform this average.
Best Jeep Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Jeep's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRANGLER | 80.9% | +9.4% | 3,163 | 2013-2020 |
| COMPASS | 79.6% | +8.1% | 8,750 | 2011-2020 |
| RENEGADE | 78.9% | +7.4% | 26,229 | 2015-2020 |
| GRAND CHEROKEE | 78.0% | +6.5% | 8,346 | 2002-2019 |
| CHEROKEE | 71.2% | -0.3% | 7,550 | 2002-2018 |
| G-CHEROKEE OVERLAND CRD A | 62.8% | -8.7% | 1,376 | 2006-2010 |
Proven Durability Champions: Which Jeep Models Age Best?
These Jeep models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRAND CHEROKEE CRD LTD A | 2006 | Diesel | +5.6% | 13+ years | 62.9% |
| G-CHEROKEE OVERLAND CRD A | 2007 | Diesel | +5.5% | 13+ years | 62.8% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Jeep models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - these vehicles have not been tested at older ages. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RENEGADE | 2019 | Petrol | +5.3% | 3-4 years | 91.2% |
| RENEGADE | 2017 | Petrol | +3.4% | 5-6 years | 84.6% |
| RENEGADE | 2016 | Petrol | +0.7% | 5-6 years | 81.9% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Jeep RENEGADE: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The RENEGADE has 26,229 tests in our database with an overall 78.9% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Diesel | 89.6% | +1.9% | 365 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 88.7% | +1.1% | 1,305 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 91.2% | +5.0% | 1,258 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 87.5% | +1.3% | 456 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 86.2% | +2.0% | 1,357 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 83.6% | -0.6% | 964 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 84.6% | +2.9% | 2,047 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 79.6% | -2.0% | 1,993 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 79.8% | +1.1% | 4,171 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 75.3% | -3.4% | 6,392 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 73.3% | -2.2% | 2,280 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 70.2% | -5.3% | 3,641 |
RENEGADE verdict:
Jeep Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Jeep's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 82.1% | +10.6% | 20,143 |
| Diesel | 74.2% | +2.7% | 36,498 |
Jeep Models to Avoid
Not all Jeeps are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMPASS | 2018 | Diesel | 74.9% (-9.7% vs same-age) | 777 |
| COMPASS | 2019 | Diesel | 79.5% (-7.0% vs same-age) | 1,086 |
| RENEGADE | 2015 | Diesel | 70.2% (-7.0% vs same-age) | 3,641 |
| RENEGADE | 2016 | Diesel | 75.3% (-4.7% vs same-age) | 6,392 |
| RENEGADE | 2015 | Petrol | 73.3% (-3.9% vs same-age) | 2,280 |
| RENEGADE | 2017 | Diesel | 79.6% (-2.5% vs same-age) | 1,993 |
| COMPASS | 2019 | Petrol | 84.5% (-1.9% vs same-age) | 2,038 |
| COMPASS | 2020 | Petrol | 86.5% | 1,308 |
| COMPASS | 2018 | Petrol | 83.1% (-1.9% vs same-age) | 1,588 |
| RENEGADE NIGHT EAGLE | 2020 | Petrol | 86.5% | 622 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2018-2020 petrol/diesel COMPASSs, 2015-2017 petrol/diesel RENEGADEs are the models that drag down Jeep's average. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Jeeps?
When Jeeps fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4,558 |
| 2. Tyres | 3,330 |
| 3. Brakes | 2,749 |
| 4. Suspension | 2,645 |
| 5. Visibility | 1,972 |
| 6. Noise, emissions and leaks | 1,849 |
| 7. Steering | 1,180 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Jeep owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- RENEGADE 2019 Petrol: 91% pass rate
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- GRAND CHEROKEE CRD LTD A 2006: +6% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- G-CHEROKEE OVERLAND CRD A 2007: +6% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Jeep Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- No major proven reliability concerns
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 67,544 tests on Jeep vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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