CarBrief

NHTSA has 478 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Wrangler, and brakes and engine are the biggest groups[1][2][3]. The car has 3 recalls, including one for a passenger air bag inflator that owners were told not to drive with until fixed[4].

478owner complaints[1]
3recalls[5]
18MPG combined (EPA)[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 478 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 15 mention a crash, 27 a fire and 13 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one part, so the groups below overlap.

Component group Complaints Fires Crashes Injuries Median miles at failure
Brakes[2] 135 2 3 0 61,000
Engine[3] 132 16 1 0 45,570
Electrical system[7] 81 10 1 0 34,000
Air bags[8] 73 0 10 11 40,587
Unknown or other[9] 58 11 1 0 37,753
Power train[10] 51 1 1 1 33,000
Speed control[11] 32 0 1 1 51,900
Steering[12] 29 0 0 0 15,000

We also read a small sample of 12 complaint texts from each of the four biggest groups. This is not a count of all owners, so treat it as a sketch of what people describe.

Brakes. In the sample, 6 of 12 owners describe the ABS or traction system grabbing or weakening the brakes[2]. 6 of 12 describe a soft pedal, a pedal that went to the floor, or a vehicle that did not slow down[2]. 2 of 12 describe a fire[2]. The brake group has 2 fires[2].

Engine. Owners describe 4 of 12 cases of power loss, stalling or the engine shutting off while driving[3]. 4 of 12 describe a fire, often after the vehicle was parked[3]. 3 of 12 describe a misfire or check engine light that sent them back to the dealer more than once[3]. The engine group has 16 fire mentions[3].

Electrical system. In the sample, 4 of 12 describe a fire[7] and 4 of 12 describe a delay between pressing the horn and the horn sounding[7]. 2 of 12 describe a failed power module, one causing a no-start and one causing dead turn signals[7]. The electrical group has 10 fire mentions[7].

Air bags. In the sample, 7 of 12 owners say the air bags did not deploy in a crash[8]. 4 of 12 describe a warning light that stayed on[8]. 1 of 12 describes an air bag going off without a crash[8]. The air bag group has 10 crashes and 11 injuries, more than any other group[8].

The brake and engine groups are the largest, but a high count does not tell us how likely any one car is to have the problem. NHTSA counts are not adjusted for sales[1].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year[5]. Newest first[13][4][14]:

For any used 2015 Wrangler, ask for proof that the 19V018 repair was done, since its notice says owners should not drive the vehicle until the repair is done[4]. Remove this sentence, and in the verdict change 'Check the recall status by VIN' to 'Ask for proof that the recalls were completed'.

Fuel economy

EPA rates the 2015 Wrangler at 18 MPG combined in all four configurations in our data[6][15][16][17]. EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,700, based on its current fuel price assumptions rather than the price in 2015[6][15][16][17].

Version Transmission City / highway / combined
Wrangler 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl[6] Automatic 5-spd 17 / 21 / 18
Wrangler 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl[15] Manual 6-spd 17 / 21 / 18
Wrangler Unlimited 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl[16] Automatic 5-spd 16 / 20 / 18
Wrangler Unlimited 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl[17] Manual 6-spd 16 / 21 / 18

All four use regular fuel and four-wheel drive.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2015 Wrangler 3 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 27.9%[18]. Our data has no other star ratings for this model year.

Engine and size

The EPA test list shows 290 hp for a 3.6L 4-cylinder entry and 290 hp for a 3.6L 6-cylinder entry[19][20]. The fuel economy listings in our data are all for the 6-cylinder[6][15][16][17].

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. The two-door and four-door Unlimited bodies differ in length and wheelbase:

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
2-door Sport/Sport S[21] 153 in 74 in 72 in 95 in 3,878 lb
2-door Sahara[22] 153 in 74 in 72 in 95 in 4,054 lb
2-door Rubicon[23] 153 in 74 in 72 in 95 in 4,131 lb
Unlimited 4-door Sport S[24] 173 in 74 in 71 in 116 in 4,277 lb
Unlimited 4-door Sahara[25] 173 in 74 in 71 in 116 in 4,396 lb
Unlimited 4-door Rubicon[26] 173 in 74 in 71 in 116 in 4,522 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

1995: 202 complaints, 1 recalls19951997: 411 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 265 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 217 complaints, 1 recalls19992000: 256 complaints, 1 recalls2001: 170 complaints, 3 recalls2002: 108 complaints, 2 recalls20022007: 1,639 complaints, 8 recalls2008: 1,828 complaints, 7 recalls2009: 621 complaints, 7 recalls20092010: 686 complaints, 10 recalls2011: 485 complaints, 10 recalls2012: 835 complaints, 9 recalls20122013: 654 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 657 complaints, 4 recalls2015: 478 complaints, 3 recalls47820152016: 462 complaints, 5 recalls2017: 311 complaints, 5 recalls2018: 1,827 complaints, 14 recalls20182019: 746 complaints, 9 recalls2020: 616 complaints, 13 recalls2021: 958 complaints, 17 recalls20212022: 409 complaints, 16 recalls2023: 376 complaints, 16 recalls2024: 962 complaints, 14 recalls20242025: 80 complaints, 6 recalls2026: 12 complaints, 3 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Wrangler model year. The 2015 is highlighted[5].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19952021
19974113
19982652
19992171
20002561
20011703
20021082
20071,6398
20081,8287
20096217
201068610
201148510
20128359
20136546
20146574
20154783
20164625
20173115
20181,82714
20197469
202061613
202195817
202240916
202337616
202496214
2025806
2026123

The 2015 Wrangler has 478 complaints and 3 recalls[5]. Nearby years of the same model look like this[5]:

Model year Complaints Recalls
2011 485 10
2012 835 9
2013 654 6
2014 657 4
2015 478 3
2016 462 5
2017 311 5
2018 1,827 14

2015 has fewer complaints than 2011 through 2014 and 2015 has fewer complaints than 2011 through 2014, slightly more than 2016 (462) and more than 2017 (311)[5].. Its 3 recalls are fewer than any other model year from 2007 through 2025, where the next lowest is 2014 with 4[5]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide only[1].

Should you buy a used 2015 Wrangler?

The numbers are not alarming next to other Wrangler years. 2015 has a lower-than-average complaint count among recent years[5] and the fewest recalls of any year from 2007 through 2025[5]. Still, the air bag inflator recall carries a serious risk, so make sure it was completed[4]. Owners in the complaint sample describe engine fires, stalling and air bags that did not deploy, and these are small-sample reports, not proof of how common they are[3][8]. Check the recall status by VIN, test the brakes, and have the engine and electrical system inspected before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Jeep Wrangler?
Brakes (135 complaints) and engine (132) are the biggest groups on NHTSA, followed by electrical (81) and air bags (73)[2][3][7][8].
Does the 2015 Jeep Wrangler have recalls?
Yes, 3[5]: a seat belt buckle strap (19V680), a passenger air bag inflator (19V018) and a driver air bag clockspring (16V288). Each has a free dealer remedy[13][4][14].
What is the gas mileage of a 2015 Jeep Wrangler?
EPA rates it at 18 MPG combined, with 16 to 17 city and 20 to 21 highway depending on version[6][15][16][17].
Is the 2015 Jeep Wrangler safe in a rollover?
NHTSA rates it 3 stars for rollover, with a 27.9% rollover risk[18].
Is 2015 a good year for the Jeep Wrangler?
It has 478 complaints and 3 recalls, fewer recalls than any year from 2007 through 2025 and fewer complaints than 2011 through 2014[5].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 478 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Jeep Wrangler (15 mention a crash, 27 a fire, 13 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 135 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 132 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 16 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,570). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 19V018, filed January 15, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  5. Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Wrangler model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Wrangler 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. 81 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 10 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 73 complaints name the air bags component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 11 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,587). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 58 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 11 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,753). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 51 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 32 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,900). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 29 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 19V680, filed September 26, 2019: Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 16V288, filed May 11, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  15. EPA rating for Wrangler 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Wrangler Unlimited 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 20 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Wrangler Unlimited 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 27.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  19. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Jeep Wrangler with 3.6L 4-cylinder: rated 290 hp. www.epa.gov
  20. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Jeep Wrangler with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 290 hp. www.epa.gov
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, WRANGLER 2DR SUV 4WD SPORT/SPORT S: length 153 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 95 in, curb weight 3,878 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, WRANGLER 2DR SUV 4WD SAHARA: length 153 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 95 in, curb weight 4,054 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, WRANGLER 2DR SUV 4WD RUBICON: length 153 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 95 in, curb weight 4,131 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, WRANGLER UNLIMITED 4DR SUV 4WD SPORT S: length 173 in, width 74 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 4,277 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, WRANGLER UNLIMITED 4DR SUV 4WD SAHARA: length 173 in, width 74 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 4,396 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, WRANGLER UNLIMITED 4DR SUV 4WD RUBICON: length 173 in, width 74 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 4,522 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.