2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD LTD Auto 2.7L Diesel · NU54 ABX

Chronic brake and rear suspension wear dominates the mechanical profile of this 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Ltd Auto. The 2024-10-24 test resulted in a failure driven entirely by braking concerns, with an illuminated ABS warning lamp indicating a stored anti-lock braking system fault, a Major for brake performance being unable to be tested, and a Major for severe brake grabbing across all four corners where the brakes were sticking on and grabbing. That serious braking episode followed a 2022-05-17 Dangerous failure for an offside rear inner brake pad measuring less than 1.5 mm thick, paired with a 2022 advisory noting the nearside front brake grabbing slightly with binding. Across the 2022 and 2023 tests, both front brake discs have carried advisories for being worn, pitted, or scored, showing a steady front brake deterioration rather than a one-off finding. Separately, the 2022-07-20 test produced two Major defects for nearside and offside rear suspension arm pins or bushes being excessively worn, with the rear bush outer steel casing recorded as corroded and partially missing, alongside a 2023 advisory for a fuel tank cover corroded through and partially adrift. With 139,557 miles recorded over approximately 22 years, this Grand Cherokee has averaged around 6,344 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age. The mileage history does not reveal extended lay-up periods or unusually rapid accumulation between tests, so the wear pattern observed is consistent with steady, age-appropriate use rather than long-standing neglect or high-intensity driving. Given the diesel CRD drivetrain and this mileage level, the underlying mechanicals such as the engine, automatic transmission, transfer box, and propshafts will have done substantial work, but the MOT record itself only directly evidences wear on the braking system, rear suspension bushes, and minor bodywork corrosion. The combination of typical annual mileage and consistent annual-to-biennial testing means the components flagged in the advisories reflect genuine service life wear rather than unusual usage. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the braking system, as it has been the consistent weak point. On a test drive, expect to feel the pedal response carefully; with the 2024 Major for severe grabbing and sticking on all four corners, there is a real risk of binding calipers or stuck slider mechanisms, particularly after the brakes warm up. Test from cold and again after several firm stops to feel for any pulling to one side, judder through the pedal, or a sensation that the brakes are not fully releasing. Inspect both front discs on the nearside and offside for visible ridging, pitting, and minimum thickness, as they have been flagged repeatedly since 2022, and check that the rear pads have substantial material left, given the prior sub-1.5 mm reading on the offside rear inner pad. The ABS warning lamp illuminating in 2024 also warrants a live diagnostic scan for stored ABS and wheel speed sensor faults, as the warning lamp indication alone means the anti-lock system cannot be relied upon without further investigation. The rear suspension is the second priority, with the 2022 Major defects for both rear suspension arm bushes and corroded outer steel casings indicating structural vulnerability on this chassis. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces and speed humps, particularly from the rear, and check for any rear-end instability or vagueness over bumps, which can suggest perished or displaced bushes. Visually inspect the rear trailing arm and control arm bushes for cracking, squashing, or rust perforation, and examine the underbody generally given the fuel tank cover corrosion advisory. Steering response should also be checked, as worn rear bushes can introduce trampiness and poor tracking under load. Finally, verify the indicator lamps are clear and equally bright on all four corners, as both front indicators were flagged as discoloured in 2022, and confirm matching tyre sizes on both axles, since a mismatched set was previously noted and can affect ABS and traction behaviour on this vehicle.