The 2015 Jeep Patriot is a fun, rugged, outdoorsy adventure vehicle, and a poor choice for a family SUV, owing to big repair bills, poor crash test ratings, and an underwhelming assortment of safety tech and equipment. It’s hardly a lemon, but it’s not a great grocery-getter, either.
Key Points
- The 2015 Jeep Patriot‘s sole recall was for an incorrectly positioned power steering hose clamp, leading to stiff steering and even potential fires.
- While the vehicle doesn’t have a ton of engine problems, it does show a pattern of sputtering, stalling, and power loss.
- There are currently two ongoing investigations into the vehicle’s airbags, with a handful of complaints on record.
- Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the vehicle a subpar score for front driver-side impact.
- The safety features on board are underwhelming, even for a vehicle from 2015. Don’t expect a backup camera, lane-keep assist, or collision warning.
2015 Jeep Patriot’s Recall for Incorrectly Positioned Power Steering Hose Clamp May Lead to Stiff Steering and Engine Fires
The 2015 Jeep Patriot’s sole recall concerns an incorrectly positioned power steering hose clamp. In affected models, the incorrectly-installed clamp has a tendency to come loose, resulting in the detachment of the low-pressure return hose.
The obvious problem here is that if something goes wrong with the power steering system, then you might find yourself unable to make a turn or switch lanes in time when out on the highway. Less obvious, but potentially even more dangerous: the leaked fluid is flammable, so it poses a fire hazard.
A number of complaints for power steering fluid leaks have been registered with the NHTSA since the recall went into effect. There is no telling whether the majority of these cases involve vehicles that were not included in the recall, or the driver didn’t get the notification, or they simply neglected the necessary repairs.
Sputter, Stall, and Sudden Power Loss Lead a Host of Engine Troubles
There are 84 engine complaints on file with the NHTSA, and many of them follow a theme of sudden power loss.
In some instances, this may be reported as sputtering, while in others, the rpm drops to zero out of nowhere, often leading to engine stall, but sometimes immediately correcting when the driver hits the gas.
These complaints aren’t numerous enough to be deeply concerning, and they are apparently not numerous enough to have generated an investigation or a recall as yet, but they’re common enough to be worth taking note of.
The 2015 Patriot is Currently Subject to Two Open Airbag Investigations, With a Handful of Worrying Complaints on File
Airbag complaints for the 2015 Patriot are few, tallying just 14 with the NHTSA. But a pair of open investigations into the SUV’s airbags may be worth taking into consideration. The first of these is for potential electrical overstress in the airbag control unit, and the second is for an inflator rupture.
Both of these investigations are still in the early stages, and it could be years before they wrap up. Currently, the Office of Defects Investigation is simply gathering data to determine whether a recall may be necessary.
Some of the airbag complaints for the vehicle are worrying, with one driver reporting that not a single airbag deployed in a major accident, and another stating that the airbag spring in the steering wheel has failed. But, with only fourteen complaints on file, the rate of incidence is pretty low.
Subpar Crash Test Scores May Be Cause for Concern if You’re Looking for a Safe Family SUV
The NHTSA has no overall safety rating on the record for the 2015 Patriot, owing to the vehicle not having been tested for side impact. But they gave the SUV an overall front rating of three stars out of five, and the same for rollover.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety test was a little more flattering, with ratings of “G” for good (essentially a five-star score in the IIHS rating system) in most categories, but a glaring “P” for poor (their one-star rating) in front driver impact.
Missing are many of the safety features we’ve all come to expect as standard equipment in newer vehicles. You won’t find a backup camera onboard the 2015 Patriot unless it’s an aftermarket addition. Likewise, no forward collision or lane departure warning.
To be fair, Jeep fans don’t expect these SUVs to match up to CR-Vs or Explorers in terms of safety ratings. It’s not a deal-breaker if this is going to be your weekend adventure vehicle, but if you’re thinking of buying a used 2015 Patriot as your family car, there are far better vehicles for the job.
2015 Jeep Patriot Still Makes for a Great Adventure Vehicle, but a Less-than-stellar Family SUV
The 2015 Jeep Patriot is nearing its first decade on the road, and while it’s not exactly plagued with major engine and transmission issues, the issues that are present will only be compounded by the vehicle’s advanced age and mileage in the next few years.
Between the vehicle’s advanced age, existing mechanical problems, and poor safety ratings, it’s simply not the most practical used SUV on the road right now. It’s still a lot of fun to drive, it’s still a durable camping-tripper. It’s just not the best choice for busy parents and professionals who simply need to get around town reliably.
Photos: Stellantis
