2015 Jeep Cherokee Safety Report

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but significant concerns regarding powertrain and electrical system reliability, as evidenced by NHTSA complaint data and numerous recalls. The vehicle received a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, including 4 stars for frontal crash and rollover, and a perfect 5 stars for side crash, indicating good occupant protection in tested collision scenarios. However, the vehicle has accumulated a high number of complaints, totaling 1763, with 45 reported crashes, 28 fires, and 32 injuries, suggesting potential safety risks outside of direct crash performance. The most common complaint patterns revolve heavily around the POWER TRAIN, which accounts for 649 complaints, often related to the 9-speed automatic transmission and the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Issues include unexpected shifts to neutral, loss of drive, and PTU failures leading to vehicles becoming inoperable. Electrical system issues are also prominent, with 65 complaints specifically for 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' and several others combined with 'POWER TRAIN' or 'STRUCTURE', often linked to power liftgate module fires and cruise control malfunctions. The high number of recalls, 11 in total, directly addresses many of these complaint areas, including multiple recalls for power liftgate fire risks, PTU failures, transmission issues, and even seat fastener problems. Specifically, there are two recalls (14V-643 and 15V-524) addressing electrical shorts in the power liftgate module that can lead to vehicle fires, aligning with the 28 reported fires. Another significant recall (20V-343) targets the PTU, which can cause a loss of drive or unintended rollaway, directly correlating with the numerous powertrain complaints and reports of vehicles stopping unexpectedly. The recall for the 9-speed automatic transmission (16V-240) for unexpected shifts to neutral also directly addresses a critical safety concern. While crash test ratings are favorable, the sheer volume of complaints and the nature of the recalls highlight persistent reliability and component failure issues that could compromise safety in real-world driving conditions, particularly concerning loss of propulsion and fire risks.

Our recommendation: Given the high number of powertrain and electrical complaints, coupled with numerous safety recalls, a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is essential, focusing on the transmission, PTU, and electrical system. Verify that all 11 recalls have been completed before purchase.