If you’re searching for a used vehicle in the compact SUV class, you may come across the 2015 Jeep Cherokee. It’s affordable, comfortable, and even comes with some decent off-road capability. Now that it’s been on the road for over five years, owners have gotten plenty of experience with the 2015 Cherokee. There’s one glaring issue that keeps popping up all over the place. So much so, that this issue has 415 reports on CarComplaints compared to its next highest complaint with only 74. There are some good reasons to buy a used Jeep Cherokee, but you should avoid the 2015 model year for this one major reason.

2015 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems

The most complained about issues with this model year of Jeep Cherokee are by far mostly related to the transmission. Though it hasn’t been nailed down to a single repair or solution, it seems a number of different problems are common. 133 owners have reported an issue with delayed shifting during acceleration or rough shifting. An additional 119 users have also reported transmission failure or a service transmission warning light coming on. There aren’t just one-off weird situations or easy fixes. These reports are indicators of major transmission issues that could quickly become very costly. If it does get far enough, a completely new transmission can be upwards of $3,000. That’s not including installation, and self-installation is much less doable for a part like this. If you’ve ever seen a transmission replacement, you know you’ll want to have the right tools for the job.

These are just the most reported transmission problems with the 2015 Jeep Cherokee and don’t include the other very similar reports. Jerks and hesitations, clunky or slipping transmission, will not downshift, and more are also reported frequently. All of these reports could be tied to the same general issue or a bunch of different ones. Either way, we’d recommend always avoiding a vehicle with major transmission issues. Not all mechanical problems should be a purchasing deal breaker, but when it comes to transmissions, motors, or even frame damage, avoid the vehicle at all costs. Those types of problems usually stack, leading to one after another. These vehicles just aren’t worth the headache and price tag.

Alternative model years

If you’re dead set on the Jeep Cherokee and want to buy a used one, other model years are better. We do not recommend the 2014 model year, as it actually has more reported transmission problems than 2015. Though the 2015 model year has more problems reported at lower mileage as well as more costly repairs. However, newer model years, especially 2017 and 2018, are much less problematic. The 2017 and 2018 Jeep Cherokee model years are still affordable, though not as much as the older vehicles for obvious reasons. The 2017 Cherokee has very few reported major issues, and some great off-road capability. It has a respectable safety rating of 8.7/10 from U.S. News & World Report. 2018 is virtually the same vehicle, with few changes being made for the new model year. Even the safety rating is exactly the same.

A used Jeep Cherokee can be a nice option for anyone looking for a compact SUV with some extra capability. Fuel economy is not the strongest attribute of these vehicles, but the Cherokee has plenty to like. Though, we recommend avoiding the 2014 and 2015 model years due to major transmission issues. Commonplace transmission problems are not something any owner should want to put up with. That’s why you should avoid buying a 2015 Jeep Cherokee.