CarBrief

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee has a heavy complaint record, led by the power train, with 1,792 complaints on file[1]. NHTSA also lists 11 recalls, so check any used car's VIN before you buy[2].

1,792owner complaints[1]
11recalls[2]
21–25MPG combined (EPA)[3]
4★NHTSA overall rating[4]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 1,792 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Cherokee[1]. Of those, 45 mention a crash, 28 a fire and 32 injuries, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports. One complaint can name several parts of the car, so the groups below overlap and should not be added together.

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Power train[5] 1,005 24,000
Engine[6] 371 30,000
Electrical system[7] 327 30,000
Unknown or other[8] 258 33,556
Brakes[9] 137 18,050
Speed control[10] 120 16,043
Structure[11] 86 32,000
Steering[12] 59 21,000

Power train. This is the largest group by a wide margin[5]. In a sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 10 describe shifting trouble such as slipping, dropping into neutral, harsh shifts or a "service transmission" warning[5]. Three describe the car speeding up or lurching forward while slowing to a stop[5]. Five say software updates or parts had been tried and the problem came back[5].

Engine. In a sample of 12 engine complaints, 6 describe the engine revving or the car lunging forward while the driver was slowing down[6]. Two describe smoke or fire and two describe the engine shutting off[6]. The engine group has 16 fires among its complaints, the most of any group[6].

Electrical system. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 4 are really about transmission warnings and shifting[7]. Four describe radio, screen or computer glitches and 3 describe the engine shutting off or stalling, including the start/stop system[7]. The group has 12 fires among its complaints[7].

Brakes. In a sample of 12 brake complaints, 5 describe the car speeding up or lurching while the brake pedal was pressed, which sounds like a shifting issue rather than a brake one[9]. Two describe the parking brake applying itself or related warnings, and 1 describes the brake pedal going to the floor[9].

Speed control, structure and steering have fewer complaints, and we did not read samples for them[10][11][12].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2015 Cherokee[2]. Newest first:

Several of these recalls also cover other models[15][16][18][21]. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see which still apply to your car.

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions of the 2015 Cherokee. Combined ratings run from 21 to 25 MPG[3][24].

Version City / Hwy / Combined Annual fuel cost
2.4L 4-cyl, front-wheel drive[3] 21 / 30 / 25 $2,700
3.2L 6-cyl, front-wheel drive[25] 21 / 29 / 24 $2,800
2.4L 4-cyl, 4WD (all-wheel drive)[26] 21 / 28 / 23 $2,900
3.2L 6-cyl, 4WD (all-wheel drive)[27] 20 / 27 / 23 $2,900
2.4L 4-cyl, Active Drive II[28] 21 / 27 / 23 $2,900
3.2L 6-cyl, Active Drive II[24] 19 / 26 / 21 $3,200
2.4L 4-cyl, Trailhawk[29] 19 / 25 / 22 $3,050
3.2L 6-cyl, Trailhawk[30] 19 / 26 / 22 $3,050

All use an automatic 9-speed[3]. EPA's fuel cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new. The 2.4L front-wheel drive is the most efficient at 25 combined[3]. The 3.2L Active Drive II is the thirstiest at 21 combined[24]. Some versions are also listed for gasoline or E85[31][32].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gave the 2WD version 4 stars overall, 4 for frontal, 5 for side and 4 for rollover, with a rollover risk of 17.4%[4]. The 4WD version has the same star ratings and a rollover risk of 16.9%[33].

Engine and size

EPA lists a 2.4L 4-cylinder rated at 184 hp[34] and a 3.2L 6-cylinder rated at 271 hp[35]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Front-wheel drive All-wheel drive
Length[36][37] 182 in 182 in
Width[36][37] 73 in 73 in
Height[36][37] 67 in 67 in
Wheelbase[36][37] 106 in 106 in
Curb weight[36][37] 3,680 lb 3,942 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

1995: 608 complaints, 6 recalls19951996: 447 complaints, 6 recalls1997: 390 complaints, 4 recalls19971998: 399 complaints, 5 recalls1999: 366 complaints, 2 recalls19992000: 369 complaints, 1 recalls2001: 229 complaints, 2 recalls20012014: 2,650 complaints, 13 recalls2015: 1,792 complaints, 11 recalls1,79220152016: 1,411 complaints, 9 recalls2017: 1,337 complaints, 6 recalls20172018: 687 complaints, 7 recalls2019: 1,669 complaints, 11 recalls20192020: 328 complaints, 3 recalls2021: 176 complaints, 4 recalls20212022: 51 complaints, 3 recalls2023: 3 complaints, 1 recalls20232026: 8 complaints, 4 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Cherokee model year. The 2015 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19956086
19964476
19973904
19983995
19993662
20003691
20012292
20142,65013
20151,79211
20161,4119
20171,3376
20186877
20191,66911
20203283
20211764
2022513
202331
202684

Among the Cherokee model years in NHTSA's data, 2015 has the second-most complaints at 1,792, behind 2014 at 2,650[2]. For recalls, 2015 has 11, tied with 2019 and behind 2014 at 13[2]. Other years listed: 2016 has 1,411 complaints and 9 recalls, 2017 has 1,337 and 6, 2018 has 687 and 7, and 2019 has 1,669 and 11[2]. These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2015 Cherokee?

The record is mixed. Power train complaints stand out at 1,005, and shifting trouble came up often in the sample we read[5]. The 2015 year also has 11 recalls, so check the VIN for open ones, especially the power liftgate fire recall 23V338 and the transmission recall 16V529[2][13][18]. Ask for service records on the transmission. NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall, so if the recalls are done, weigh the problems above against that rating and the fuel economy[4][33].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Jeep Cherokee?
Owners filed 1,005 power train complaints, far more than any other group[5]. In a sample of 12 we read, 10 describe shifting trouble[5]. Engine and electrical complaints follow with 371 and 327[6][7].
How many recalls does the 2015 Jeep Cherokee have?
NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2015 model year[2]. They cover liftgate fire risk, the transmission, the power transfer unit, cruise control, seats, air bags and more[13][14][15][18][23].
What is the gas mileage of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee?
EPA combined ratings run from 21 to 25 MPG depending on version[3][24]. The 2.4L front-wheel drive is rated 21 city, 30 highway and 25 combined[3].
Is the 2015 Jeep Cherokee safe?
NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall for both 2WD and 4WD, with 5 stars for side protection[4][33]. It also has recalls that affect safety, so check your VIN[2].
Which Jeep Cherokee year has fewer complaints than 2015?
In NHTSA's data, 2016 has 1,411 complaints and 2017 has 1,337, both fewer than 2015 at 1,792[2]. These counts are not adjusted for sales[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,792 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Jeep Cherokee (45 mention a crash, 28 a fire, 32 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Cherokee model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for Cherokee FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 1,005 complaints name the power train component group (13 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 24,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 371 complaints name the engine component group (8 crashes, 16 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 327 complaints name the electrical system component group (8 crashes, 12 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 258 complaints name the unknown or other component group (7 crashes, 5 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,556). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 137 complaints name the brakes component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,050). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 120 complaints name the speed control component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,043). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 86 complaints name the structure component group (6 crashes, 7 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 59 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 21,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 23V338, filed May 11, 2023: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 20V343, filed June 11, 2020: Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 18V332, filed May 17, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 17V824, filed December 21, 2017: Equipment. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 16V590, filed August 10, 2016: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 16V529, filed July 12, 2016: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 15V826, filed December 9, 2015: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 15V676, filed October 19, 2015: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 15V461, filed July 23, 2015: Equipment › Electrical › Radio / Tape Deck / Cd Etc.. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 15V393, filed June 22, 2015: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate. NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 15V041, filed January 28, 2015: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain. NHTSA recall database
  24. EPA rating for Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Cherokee FWD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Cherokee 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Cherokee 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for Cherokee FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. EPA rating for Cherokee 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  33. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  34. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Jeep Cherokee with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 184 hp. www.epa.gov
  35. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Jeep Cherokee with 3.2L 6-cylinder: rated 271 hp. www.epa.gov
  36. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHEROKEE SPORT/NORTH/LIMITED FWD: length 182 in, width 73 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,680 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  37. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CHEROKEE SPORT/NORTH/TRAILHAWK/LIMITED AWD: length 182 in, width 73 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,942 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.