2015 Jeep Renegade 1.6L Diesel · WM65 OUN

A single mechanical concern emerges from this Renegade's otherwise unblemished MOT record, centred on the front steering linkage and specifically the track rod end ball joint dust covers. Across seven tests spanning 2019 to 2025, the vehicle has passed cleanly on six occasions with no advisories whatsoever, including the most recent examination on 17 December 2025 which recorded no defects. However, the same December 2025 visit also logged a failure before the pass was issued, citing an offside track rod end ball joint dust cover that was excessively damaged and split to the point that it could no longer prevent dirt ingress, alongside a minor nearside cover showing early deterioration. The split boot is a notable red flag because once the protective gaiter is breached, abrasive contamination can enter the joint and accelerate wear of the bearing surfaces internally, even if no immediate play is detectable. The fact that both sides were flagged simultaneously also suggests either a common root cause such as age-hardened rubber or external knocks from kerbing or debris, rather than an isolated one-off event. Annual mileage accumulation sits at roughly 7,900 miles per year over an eleven-year lifespan, which is broadly proportionate for the age of the vehicle and implies consistent rather than sporadic use. There are no extended gaps in the testing record that would indicate the vehicle was laid up for prolonged periods, and the test entries are spaced at fairly regular twelve-month intervals from late 2019 through to late 2025, suggesting continuous road use throughout this monitoring window. Such consistent usage is generally favourable for components like brake discs, callipers, and the 12V battery, which all benefit from regular operation, and it reduces the likelihood of seized caliper pistons or corroded brake lines that often plague cars left standing. The mileage itself, at just under 87,000 miles, means that wear-related items such as suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and the dual-clutch or automatic transmission fluid (depending on variant) will be approaching or past their first replacement cycle, warranting close physical inspection. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the steering and front suspension during any test drive, given the recent dust cover failure. Listen for any clonks, knocking, or tapping from the front wheels when traversing speed bumps or potholes, as these can indicate worn ball joints or drop links where the split boot has allowed contamination. With the engine running and the vehicle stationary, turn the steering lock to lock and feel for any notchiness, roughness, or clunks through the wheel, which would suggest internal ball joint wear. On the road, the car should track straight without pulling to either side, and there should be no vibration through the steering wheel at speed that could point to worn track rod ends or unbalanced components. Inspect both front boots visually for fresh splits, grease deposits, or perished rubber, and check for any uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which is often the first external indicator of play in the steering or suspension geometry. Beyond the steering concerns, the 2019 advisory regarding emissions not being clean enough for an accurate readout is worth investigating, although it was not repeated in any subsequent test. On a test drive, observe whether the engine idles smoothly when warm, whether the exhaust emits any blue smoke on overrun which could indicate oil consumption, and whether any dashboard warning lights such as the engine management or glow plug indicator remain illuminated. Physically inspect the underside of the vehicle for any signs of oil residue around the engine or transmission seams, corrosion on suspension components or brake lines, and the condition of the exhaust system including the mounting rubbers and any visible rust around joints. Confirm that the steering rack itself is dry with no signs of weeping, and check that the front brake discs have an adequate friction surface remaining without a pronounced lip on the outer edge, which would point to worn pads or a binding caliper that may have developed during the vehicle's life.