CarBrief

NHTSA has 315 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Jeep Patriot, and engine complaints lead the list[1][2]. It has one recall, for a power steering hose clamp that can raise fire risk[3].

315owner complaints[1]
1recalls[4]
21–25MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 315 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 14 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 20 injuries and 3 deaths[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car.

Here are the largest groups by number of complaints:

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Engine[2] 109 50,744
Electrical system[6] 63 60,180
Unknown or other[7] 53 57,000
Power train[8] 50 54,500
Speed control[9] 39 56,500
Steering[10] 30 37,900
Electronic stability control[11] 29 61,500
Fuel/propulsion system[12] 26 60,500

Here is what owners describe. We read a small sample of 12 complaints in each of four groups[2][6][8][9]. These themes come from that sample only, so they do not tell you how common a problem is.

Steering has a lower median failure mileage than every other group in the table, at 37,900 miles[10]. It also has 2 fires among its 30 complaints[10]. The engine group has 2 fires as well[2].

Recalls

NHTSA lists one recall for this model year[4].

The recall only covers vehicles built in that date range, so ask a Jeep dealer to check a specific car by VIN.

Fuel economy

EPA combined ratings run from 21 to 25 MPG depending on engine, drive and gearbox[5][13]. EPA's estimated annual fuel cost runs from $2,700 to $3,200[5][13]. That estimate uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
FWD, 2.0L, Manual 5-spd[5] 23 / 30 / 25 $2,700
FWD, 2.4L, Manual 5-spd[14] 23 / 28 / 25 $2,700
FWD, 2.0L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[15] 22 / 26 / 24 $2,800
FWD, 2.4L, Automatic 6-spd[16] 21 / 27 / 23 $2,900
4WD, 2.4L, Manual 5-spd[17] 22 / 27 / 24 $2,800
4WD, 2.4L, Automatic 6-spd[18] 21 / 27 / 23 $2,900
4WD, 2.4L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[13] 20 / 23 / 21 $3,200

All versions use regular gasoline[15][16][5][13][18][17][14]. The 4WD 2.4L with the variable gear ratio automatic is the thirstiest at 21 combined MPG[13].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2WD version 3 stars for frontal crash and 3 stars for rollover[19]. Its rollover risk is 21.9%[19]. The 4WD version has the same ratings and the same rollover risk[20].

Engine and size

EPA lists two engines for this year. The 2.0L four-cylinder is rated 158 hp[21]. The 2.4L four-cylinder is rated 172 hp[22].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications, converted from metric, and can differ slightly from US models[23][24].

AWD FWD
Length 174 in 174 in
Width 69 in 69 in
Height 67 in 65 in
Wheelbase 104 in 104 in
Curb weight 3,263 lb 3,137 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

2007: 270 complaints, 1 recalls20072008: 447 complaints, 0 recalls20082009: 275 complaints, 1 recalls20092010: 188 complaints, 2 recalls20102011: 326 complaints, 4 recalls20112012: 354 complaints, 4 recalls20122013: 120 complaints, 1 recalls20132014: 548 complaints, 2 recalls20142015: 315 complaints, 1 recalls31520152016: 458 complaints, 1 recalls20162017: 59 complaints, 0 recalls2017
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Patriot model year. The 2015 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20072701
20084470
20092751
20101882
20113264
20123544
20131201
20145482
20153151
20164581
2017590

NHTSA lists 315 complaints and 1 recall for 2015[4]. Across the 11 Patriot model years from 2007 to 2017, that puts 2015 in the middle for complaints[4]. Five years have more and five have fewer[4].

The highest counts are 548 for 2014, 458 for 2016 and 447 for 2008[4]. The lowest are 59 for 2017 and 120 for 2013[4]. Four years have more recalls than 2015: 2010 and 2014 with 2 each, and 2011 and 2012 with 4 each[4]. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2015 Patriot?

The numbers put the 2015 Patriot in the middle of its own model years for complaints and recalls[4]. One thing to weigh is the complaint pattern: in the samples we read, owners describe stalls, shut-offs and lost power while driving, and those can be dangerous in traffic[2][6][8][9]. In the samples we read, owners describe stalls, shut-offs and lost power while driving, and those can be dangerous in traffic[2][6][8][9]. The sample is small, so it cannot tell you how likely this is for any one car. Before buying, ask a dealer to run the VIN for recall 15V878 and ask for service records covering throttle, electrical and transmission work. Fuel costs depend a lot on the version, so check which engine and drive the car has[15][13].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Jeep Patriot?
Engine is the largest complaint group with 109 of 315 complaints, followed by electrical system with 63[1][2][6]. In a small sample of complaints we read, owners describe stalling and lost power while driving[2][6].
Does the 2015 Jeep Patriot have any recalls?
Yes, one. Recall 15V878 covers a power steering return hose clamp that may be in the wrong place, which can cause a fluid leak and fire risk. Dealers inspect and reposition the clamp for free[3].
What gas mileage does the 2015 Jeep Patriot get?
EPA combined ratings range from 21 to 25 MPG depending on engine, drive and gearbox[5][13]. The best is 25 MPG combined for the FWD manual versions[5][14].
What is the safety rating of the 2015 Jeep Patriot?
NHTSA gives both the 2WD and 4WD versions 3 stars for frontal crash and 3 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 21.9%[19][20].
Is 2015 a good year for the Jeep Patriot?
By NHTSA counts it sits in the middle. It has 315 complaints, compared with 548 for 2014 and 59 for 2017, and 1 recall[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 315 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Jeep Patriot (14 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 20 injuries, 3 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 109 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,744). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 15V878, filed December 23, 2015: Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections. NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Patriot model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Patriot FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 63 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,180). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 53 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 50 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 39 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 30 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,900). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 29 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 26 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. EPA rating for Patriot 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 23 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  14. EPA rating for Patriot FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Patriot FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 26 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Patriot FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Patriot 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Patriot 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: frontal 3 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: frontal 3 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Jeep Patriot with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 158 hp. www.epa.gov
  22. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Jeep Patriot with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 172 hp. www.epa.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PATRIOT 4DR SUV AWD SPORT/NORTH/LIMITED: length 174 in, width 69 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,263 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PATRIOT 4DR SUV FWD SPORT/NORTH/LIMITED/ HIGH ALTITUDE: length 174 in, width 69 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,137 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.