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2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 1,367 owner complaints for the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, led by the power train, seats and engine groups[1][2][3][4]. The model year also has 9 recalls on file, so check the exact vehicle before you buy[5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 1,367 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Grand Cherokee[1]. Of those, 129 mention a crash, 22 a fire and 94 injuries, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts. The counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.
Here are the biggest groups:
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train[2] | 353 | 78 | 2 | 12,000 |
| Seats[3] | 316 | 0 | 0 | 69,145 |
| Engine[4] | 221 | 10 | 11 | 67,000 |
| Unknown or other[8] | 192 | 17 | 6 | 35,500 |
| Electrical system[9] | 138 | 13 | 8 | 29,000 |
| Air bags[10] | 104 | 14 | 0 | 70,000 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[11] | 74 | 1 | 4 | 50,000 |
| Seat belts[12] | 59 | 3 | 0 | 59,522 |
We also read a small sample of complaint texts in the top groups. It is too small to say how common any problem is, but it shows what owners describe.
- Power train. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, In a sample of 12 complaints we read, about half describe rough, jerking or unexpected shifts, and 4 describe the vehicle not staying in Park or rolling after the driver got out[2]., and 4 describe the vehicle not staying in Park or rolling after the driver got out[2].
- Engine. In a sample of 12, 6 describe the engine stalling or shutting off while driving[4].
- Electrical system. In a sample of 12, 6 describe radio, screen, dashboard or driver-assist glitches[9].
- Seats. In a sample of 12, 7 describe an active headrest popping out or coming loose with no crash, and 3 describe heated or ventilated seats that stopped working[3].
The power train group also has the lowest median mileage at failure in the table, 12,000[2].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2015 model year[5]. They are below, newest first. Some cover many models. They still apply here because this car is named in each record. The diesel recalls matter only if the vehicle has the 3.0L diesel engine[13].
- Crank sensor wheel (23V411). The sensor wheel can come apart, so the engine may lose track of its timing and stall. A stall raises the risk of a crash. Dealers update the engine computer software for free. About 80,629 vehicles are covered[13]. It expands recall 20V475[13].
- Fuel pump (22V406). A failing high pressure fuel pump can put debris into the fuel system. That can starve the engine of fuel and cause a sudden loss of drive power. Dealers replace the pump and check or replace other fuel parts for free. About 138,645 vehicles are covered[14].
- Remedy pending
EGR cooler (20V699). The cooler can crack and let hot coolant vapor into the intake, where it can burn. That raises the risk of a fire. The fix is a new cooler and a check of the intake manifold. The record says parts were not yet available, so this remedy was still pending. About 28,884 vehicles are covered[15]. - Crank sensor wheel (20V475). This is the earlier version of 23V411[13]. The problem and risk are the same[16]. Dealers update the software free of charge. About 58,016 vehicles are covered[16].
- Cruise control (18V332). A short circuit in the wiring could keep cruise control from switching off, so the car might hold speed or speed up. Dealers update the software for free. The record advises owners to stop using cruise control until the update is done. About 4,815,661 vehicles are covered across many models[17].
- Gear selector warning (16V240). On vehicles with the eight-speed automatic and the monostable gear selector, the driver may not get a clear warning if the door opens while the car is not in Park. The car could roll and hit the driver. Dealers update the software for free. Some earlier repairs did not get the full update, and owners were told to return for it. About 811,290 vehicles are covered[18].
- Front left brake caliper (16V168). On some vehicles built between December 9, 2015, and January 14, 2016, the caliper may crack because of the wrong material[19]. That can lengthen stopping distance. Dealers inspect it and replace it depending on its casting date, free of charge. About 21,183 vehicles are covered[19].
- Rear lower control arm (15V469). On some vehicles built in June 2015, the arm may have been heat treated wrongly and could break. That can change ride height and reduce stability and braking. Dealers inspect it and replace it if needed, free of charge. About 5,492 vehicles are covered[20].
- Radio software (15V461). Software flaws in the radio could let outsiders reach some vehicle systems over the network. The fix is a free software update that owners can install from a USB drive mailed to them, download themselves, or have a dealer install. About 1,416,903 vehicles are covered[21].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive type. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
| Engine and drive | City / highway / combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0L diesel, 2WD[6] | 22 / 30 / 25 | $3,850 |
| 3.0L diesel, 4WD[22] | 21 / 28 / 24 | $4,000 |
| 3.6L, 2WD[23] | 17 / 25 / 20 | $3,350 |
| 3.6L, 4WD[24] | 17 / 24 / 19 | $3,550 |
| 5.7L, 2WD[25] | 14 / 22 / 17 | $4,450 |
| 5.7L, 4WD[26] | 14 / 20 / 16 | $4,750 |
| 6.4L SRT8, 4WD[27] | 13 / 19 / 15 | $5,500 |
The diesel has the best combined rating[6]. The 2WD 3.6L has the lowest estimated annual fuel cost, $3,350[23].
Safety ratings
NHTSA rates the 2WD version 4 stars overall, with 5 stars for frontal and side crashes and 3 stars for rollover[28]. Its rollover risk is 20.4%[28]. The 4WD version gets 5 stars overall, 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 16.9%[7].
Engine and size
EPA lists these horsepower ratings for 2015 test vehicles:
- 3.0L 6-cylinder: 172 hp[29]
- 3.6L 6-cylinder: 290 hp[30]
- 5.7L 8-cylinder: 360 hp[31]
- 6.4L 8-cylinder: 470 hp[32]
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. All are in inches except weight.
How 2015 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 719 | 4 |
| 1996 | 893 | 6 |
| 1997 | 991 | 5 |
| 1998 | 1,028 | 4 |
| 1999 | 1,638 | 4 |
| 2000 | 1,447 | 6 |
| 2001 | 883 | 4 |
| 2002 | 1,476 | 10 |
| 2003 | 762 | 4 |
| 2004 | 1,295 | 8 |
| 2005 | 2,051 | 3 |
| 2006 | 1,280 | 4 |
| 2007 | 1,109 | 5 |
| 2008 | 734 | 4 |
| 2009 | 138 | 2 |
| 2010 | 118 | 5 |
| 2011 | 1,642 | 6 |
| 2012 | 1,644 | 10 |
| 2013 | 805 | 9 |
| 2014 | 2,383 | 18 |
| 2015 | 1,367 | 9 |
| 2016 | 311 | 8 |
| 2017 | 364 | 5 |
| 2018 | 855 | 10 |
| 2019 | 370 | 7 |
| 2020 | 241 | 3 |
| 2021 | 500 | 16 |
| 2022 | 489 | 24 |
| 2023 | 593 | 23 |
| 2024 | 314 | 18 |
| 2025 | 120 | 5 |
| 2026 | 52 | 6 |
The 2015 model year has 1,367 complaints and 9 recalls on file[5]. Seven other model years have more complaints: 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2011, 2012 and 2014[5]. The 2014 year is the highest at 2,383 complaints, and it also has 18 recalls[5].
Next to its neighbors, 2015 has more complaints than 2013 (805 complaints, 9 recalls) and 2016 (311 complaints, 8 recalls)[5]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so they show what is on file, not how likely a problem is.
Should you buy a used 2015 Grand Cherokee?
The facts do not say the car is unsafe or safe to buy. They do show 1,367 complaints and 9 recalls on file, so check the exact vehicle before you pay[1][5]., so check the exact vehicle before you pay[1][5]. Ask a dealer to run the VIN for open recalls, and find out whether it has the 3.0L diesel, since several recalls apply only to that engine[13][14][15][16]. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe shifting, stalling and headrest problems, but the samples are small[2][3][4]. On the plus side, 4WD versions earn 5 stars overall from NHTSA[7]. Cut to 5 sentences, for example by merging the last two: "On the plus side, 4WD versions earn 5 stars overall from NHTSA, and combined fuel economy runs from 15 to 25 MPG depending on the engine[7][27][6]."
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- NHTSA's largest complaint groups are power train with 353, seats with 316 and engine with 221[2][3][4]. In the small samples we read, owners describe rough shifts, stalling and headrests that pop out[2][4][3].
- How many recalls does the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
- NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year[5]. They cover the diesel engine, the gear selector, brakes, suspension, cruise control and radio software[13][18][19][20][17][21].
- How good is the gas mileage on a 2015 Grand Cherokee?
- EPA combined ratings run from 15 MPG for the 6.4L SRT8 to 25 MPG for the 3.0L diesel 2WD[27][6]. The 3.6L is rated 19 to 20 combined[24][23].
- Is 2015 a good year for the Grand Cherokee?
- It has 1,367 complaints, more than 2013 and 2016 but fewer than 2014, which has 2,383[5]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so they are only a rough guide.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 1,367 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee (129 mention a crash, 22 a fire, 94 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 353 complaints name the power train component group (78 crashes, 2 fires, 18 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 316 complaints name the seats component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 39 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,145). NHTSA vehicle records
- 221 complaints name the engine component group (10 crashes, 11 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Grand Cherokee model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 192 complaints name the unknown or other component group (17 crashes, 6 fires, 15 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 138 complaints name the electrical system component group (13 crashes, 8 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 104 complaints name the air bags component group (14 crashes, 0 fires, 20 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 74 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 4 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 59 complaints name the seat belts component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,522). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 23V411, filed June 8, 2023: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V406, filed June 9, 2022: Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V699, filed November 12, 2020: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V475, filed August 13, 2020: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V332, filed May 17, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V240, filed April 25, 2016: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V168, filed March 23, 2016: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V469, filed July 27, 2015: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V461, filed July 23, 2015: Equipment › Electrical › Radio / Tape Deck / Cd Etc.. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Midgrade, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Midgrade, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Grand Cherokee SRT8 4WD, 6.4L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 20.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 172 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 290 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 5.7L 8-cylinder: rated 360 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 6.4L 8-cylinder: rated 470 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE 4DR SUV LAREDO 4X4: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 4,676 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE 4DR SUV LIMITED 4X4: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 4,874 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE 4DR SUV OVERLAND/SUMMIT 4X4: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 4,985 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND CHEROKEE SRT 4DR SUV: length 191 in, width 77 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 5,150 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov