2014 Jeep Compass 2.4L Petrol · GV14 UBO

The 2014 Jeep Compass passed its most recent MOT on 27 November 2025 at 105,228 miles, but the record reveals a worsening trend in suspension and steering wear that demands careful attention. That latest test flagged light oil misting on all four shock absorbers, deteriorated front suspension arm ball joint dust covers on both sides, slight play in the nearside track rod end and offside drag link end, plus a minor exhaust gas leak and a worn rear differential pin bush. Several of these defects were present in the November 2024 test at 95,084 miles, where both front brake discs were also noted as worn, pitted or scored. The shock absorber misting has appeared consistently since November 2023 at 86,664 miles and persisted across three consecutive annual tests, indicating the dampers have been seeping for at least two years without replacement. This is not a vehicle where defects are being promptly resolved. The mileage progression tells a coherent story. Between July 2022 at 75,306 miles and November 2025 at 105,228 miles, the vehicle covered roughly 30,000 miles in just over three years, averaging around 9,000 miles annually. That is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and suggests regular use rather than long periods of inactivity. The MOT record itself is well documented with annual tests and no significant gaps, giving a reliable picture of the vehicle's condition over time. The clean pass recorded on 7 December 2022 at 78,011 miles stands out as the last completely defect-free test, and every subsequent inspection has added new advisories or failures. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering components first. The repeatedly flagged ball joint dust covers, if left unaddressed, allow ingress of dirt and moisture that accelerates joint wear and can lead to catastrophic separation. The slight play in the track rod end and drag link end suggests the steering linkage is developing slack that will affect handling precision and tyre wear. All four shock absorbers are misting oil, which means their damping efficiency is compromised and replacement is overdue. The minor exhaust leak noted in the most recent test should be traced to its source, as exhaust gas leaks near the manifold or flexi-pipe can worsen rapidly and pose a carbon monoxide risk if the leak path enters the cabin. The worn front brake discs from the 2024 test may have been replaced since, but a buyer should verify disc condition and pad thickness directly. Beyond the flagged items, the rear differential mount bush wear and the recurring tyre cracking advisories point to a vehicle where rubber components are ageing without proactive renewal. At twelve years old with over 105,000 miles, perishing bushes, deteriorating ball joint boots, and tired dampers are expected wear items, but the pattern here suggests reactive rather than preventive maintenance. A thorough inspection of the underside for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, is advisable before purchase.