JEEP Renegade Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used JEEP Renegade options? We analyzed 9 model years (2015–2023) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the JEEP Renegade has 2,202 owner complaints and 24 safety recalls across model years 2015–2023. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2023 drew the fewest.
- Make
- JEEP
- Model
- Renegade
- Model years analyzed
- 2015–2023 (9 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 2,202
- Safety recall campaigns
- 24
- Crash-related complaints
- 79
- Fire-related complaints
- 34
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (565 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2023 (20 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
JEEP Renegade: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe JEEP RENEGADE has 2,202 NHTSA complaints and 24 recalls on record. 79 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 2,202 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 24 federal recall campaigns
- 79 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
24 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SUSPENSION:REAR
TRAILER HITCHES
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2015–2023. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 2,202 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
2,202 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Engine oil leak. My mechanic found an engine oil leak that is very substantial. I have spoken to several other Jeep renegade owners who have stated that theirs is also leaking. These need to be checked out by an authorized deal ASAP due to the danger of fire. I smell burning all the while I am driving it and constantly adding oil. Mine is a 2022 model Jeep renegade and I have owned it since 2024. I need to have this repaired or Ill need to get rid of it. I think the dealership I bought it from knew there was a problem but neglected to inform me as I would not have bought it.
There is something wrong with this jeep. I keep getting collision messages four-wheel-drive pops on and off on its own and randomly states that it needs to be serviced. The Jeep is hard to accelerate randomly on highway speeds going over 45. The Jeep also drives like a boat despite your front end or back in issues, new tires, etc.. The oil light comes on even when all light is changed it goes in limp mode, which is dangerous the vehicle keeps requiring software updates. It’s not a very good model to be driving and it’s unsafe on a highway and it’s very expensive just to even be looked at for diagnostic yet alone repairing it and so far from experience, it’s all electrical issues malfunctioning preventing the vehicle from working properly. I’ve only had it two years, barely and I wish to get rid of it. I keep going to shops and it’s unfair
While having my car serviced my mechanic informed me that I have an oil leak (and told me time to get rid of it). He did some searching and found that there is a safety-related issue and to take it to a dealer for repair. I have only had this jeep barely over two years. I have been smelling the car hot while driving it or after turning it off. Even my daughter has commented on it. There has only been one dash light come on but I don't remember what it was. My mechanic is keeping an eye on it. The car also stalls out seeming to want to quit while driving it and it will surge (kinda jump ahead) while driving it So I need to know how to go about getting it fixed before it catches fire.
I bought this 2022 Jeep Renegade in 2023. Upon changing the oil today (3/13/2026) my mechanic found a rear main seal leak. He stated to check for recalls/safety as this should not be happening; the car only has 54,000 miles on it. I have called a couple friends that have one and they too have leaks. Is this covered for repair under a recall? Also the engine stalls when I try to take off, jerking and stalling. I know this isn't normal for this car to act like this. It will also stall or jerk sometimes while driving it. I will have this car two years this April 2026. I love the car but not with safety issues. Please fix this for all owners.
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the failure started occurring while driving after purchasing and picking up the vehicle from the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the brake vacuum pump and hose were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no failure was found. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 14 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The driver stood on the brake pedal until the vehicle decelerated to 9 MPH. The contact stated that the center gear console started flashing, and the vehicle lost motive power. Another driver T-boned bone the vehicle by the driver's side front wheel. The air bags did not deploy. The driver did not sustain physical injuries but was affected mentally. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was then towed to an autobody repair shop, where it was repaired for axle, bumper,and side bumper damage. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for brake failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,783.
Since May 2024, my 2022 Jeep Renegade Sport has developed serious safety-related issues involving the fuel/propulsion system, power train, and electrical systems. Specific incidents include: Strong fuel vapor odor detected both inside and outside the vehicle, even when parked, raising inhalation and ignition hazard concerns. Initial diagnosis of leaking transmission fluid under the vehicle (later reclassified as engine oil), with ongoing erratic shifting, severe throttle lag, and violent shaking at highway speeds. Electrical system failures including odometer flashing, GPS malfunctions, and false collision warning system alerts. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by an authorized dealership. No lasting repairs were made, and the manufacturer (FCA US LLC / Stellantis) denied multiple repurchase or replacement requests, despite safety concerns. Safety risks include potential inhalation of toxic vapors, engine or transmission failure while driving, and reduced control during expressway driving. These conditions have left the vehicle unsafe and inoperable. I have fully stopped operating the vehicle as of early 2025 due to the serious public and personal safety risks. Warning lights, throttle failure, and other symptoms began appearing around May–June 2024. I have already filed complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau. I am currently including selected service records and manufacturer denial letters as initial supporting documents. If needed, I can also provide additional documentation upon request, including towing receipts, external repair assessments, and Ring camera footage screenshots showing vehicle immobility. If needed for record consistency, I can also provide legal name change documentation upon request.
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway a crack in the front windshield had developed. The contact indicated that the crack was located in the lower section of the passenger side of the front windshield and no objects had made contact with the windshield to cause the crack to occur. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who indicated that the windshield needed to be replaced. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 20,239.
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the engine STOP/START system failed to activate, with the message "STOP/START” not charging displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the intelligent battery sensor. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that he also owns a 2023 Jeep Renegade that had experienced the same failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 7,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing difficulty starting. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered, lurched, and hesitated to respond while the RPMS were significantly high. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving from a complete stop. Additionally, they stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and hesitated to respond, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine was replaced; however, the failure persisted. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that she had noticed oil leaking onto the ground while driving and while parked. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Time Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Portland(633 NE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97232), where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
When attempting to accelerate the vehicle hesitates for several seconds and does not move then lurches forward. It leaves me with no power in the middle of the road or when crossing a highway. It is intermittent but very dangerous. It happens from a stand still and while slowing down and then accelerating. This is a common issue in many Jeep Renegade forums and aftermarket parts are readily available to fix this issue. Why can't Jeep? The aftermarket part was recommended by multiple Jeep Renegade owners as it does adust the tuning and gas pedal response. Why can't Jeep fix this wide spread serious safety issue? How many accidents have happened because of this extreme power turbo lag? The lag is extreme. Far beyond the typical turbo lag. It happens daily.
On January 8, 2024, while increasing my speed from 25mph to 35mph, my parking brake automatically engaged and brought my car to a stop in the middle of the road. I quickly turned the car off and back on, and because there were no warning lights or obvious issues, continued to drive. After I increased my speed above 35mph, 3 warning lights were on the dash: Service airbag system, service auto park brake, and start/stop unavailable. I took my vehicle to a local dealership where they diagnosed the issue as a faulty seatbelt sensor. They replaced the seatbelt buckle on January 9, 2024. On April 16, 2024, these issues began to occur again. However, this time, the car did not register that my seatbelt was fastened and the warning light to put on my seatbelt came on along with the service airbag system, service auto park brake, and start/stop unavailable warning lights. On April 18, 2024, as I was driving up an incline, the traction control warning light came on intermittently, along with the sound system unavailable light. These issues did not contribute to a crash or injury, but the car is under a year old and has had multiple issues that cannot easily be diagnosed. My car is currently at a local dealership being inspected.
My 2022 Jeep Renegade VIN TAG: [XXX] has had another issue pop up, I’m still having the vehicle shutdown and other issues. But recently I lost my headlights on now 3 different occasions starting on [XXX]. Now about a week ago I lost both front Daytime Running Lights both Front Marker Lights and both Front Signal Lights ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I was told by BAY Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Panama City, FL it happens but when I called my dealership back in Connecticut Papa’s Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram they told me I might lose a light or 2 but now ALL 6 at the Same Time and Definitely NOT LED’s with these extremely low hours on it. They thought it might be a voltage surge or something like that, I was told to take it into them and have a diagnostic done and also have the lights changed under warranty because LED lights should last at least 15,000hrs not 500hrs - 1000hrs or around that. If it was lightbulbs and not LEDs, I could understand but LEDs are a minimum 15,000 hours and we’re way under that. I want someone to step in and get this dealt with before I call an attorney. I’m driving around right now with NO Front Daytime Running Lights both Front Marker Lights and both Front Signal Lights out, I was stopped by a police officer today and told I should have it recalled just for the signal lights alone because that’s a safety issue. Oncoming vehicles cannot see which direction I’m turning because I have no signal lights, we need to get this addressed yesterday. Also I would’ve paid for one light but I’m not gonna pay for 6 because this now I know is a serious issue with my vehicle and to have all 6 go out at the same time be serious we know unless you have a surge 6 won’t happen. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The 2022 Jeep Renegade was purchased brand new in April of 2023. Since it was purchased there is a 2-4 second delay when accelerating from a complete stop. I live in a small mountain town in Colorado where I have to pull out into traffic all the time. I have nearly been hit by other vehicles over a dozen times trying to pull into traffic. I have brought this issue to the car dealership and they said there is nothing they can do because the turbo needs those few seconds to charge before accelerating.
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and shut down. The contact called the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 9,040.
I have taken the car in since first oil change with an electrical issue. It still has not been resolved. The abs light, air bag, start stop and seat belt lights and sounds would go off. Potentially causing a whole host of issues. There is still no fix and this will be for fourth time I have taken it the dealer.
When driving at any speed, vehicle (2022 Jeep Renegade Altitude with 10,000 miles); intermittently jerks about 4-5" to the left or right on the road-like someone is jerking the steering wheel . Complained to dealer and they checked it over and said the vehicle is ok- Its NOT ok- HELP! HAPENDS ALL THE TIME!
Sensors randomly come on dash such as seatbelt that beeps even with the seatbelt on. Or the parking break light in which there has been a couple cases where it made the car turn off while rolling and engages parking break all on its on. It is ridiculous something needs to happen to get this issue fixed
First NO WARNINGS Signs of Any Kind were shown at time of 1st & 3rd issues, 1st under hard acceleration or deceleration and sometimes while in turns under acceleration & deceleration you get a Large Bang from underneath the vehicle and it’s not only the sound but feels like the vehicle gets hit but it’s not. 2nd thing I observed dashboard lights suddenly starting to blink and these included warnings for seatbelts, forward collision warning but nothing was there, airbags, 4wheel drive lights and issues, and the engine trouble lights on dashboard along with it turning off and not restarting. 3rd thing that has happened 3 times 2 times on regular roads and once entering the highway while at the top of the Rte-15 South Ramp in CT after driving the vehicle at about 60mph-65mph the vehicle shuts down like when stopped at a light but your now entering a highway. When I told my dealership they couldn’t find the issue so I asked while I was here in Florida and I was told Chrysler Corporation knows of this 2nd & 3rd Issue but isn’t doing a Recall on this issue and I was told it’s happening to quite a few models not just the Jeep Renegade but others. Now I don’t drive it long distances only locally as I don’t want to get killed by this vehicle. All 3 issues scare me greatly, First the loud bang, Second All the WARNING LIGHTS and then the vehicle shutting down for no reasons and Not Restarting also Not allowing you to Bypass the Auto Start/Stop function like it’s Designed. Last thing I had a Warning Light on took it to Bay Jeep in Panama City, FL showed the lady in the Service Lane and she Plugged it in and NO TROUBLE CODES WERE STORED so she said to come here file with you but to Also call Chrysler to ask for a VEHICLE BUY BACK because of the SERIOUS NATURE and also that it’s under 10k miles. 4/28/2023 at 2:05PM CDT
When traveling down the road immediately after starting the Jeep the engine coolant hot indicator light comes on and the car engine shuts down and the steering wheel locks. The engine coolant is not hot since the car was just started. To fix issue at that moment I had to bring car to a complete stop in the middle of the road ( very dangerous ) and wait a few seconds and then try to restart the car. This problem has happened several times over the past two years. The dealership has examined the car and can not find any answers on how to fix the problem. I found there are thousands of other owner complaints on line about this issue with the Jeep Compass model. I want to add my complaint to the pile of complaints already registered with Chrysler Jeep. This issue could get someone killed on a highway?
Jeep Renegade Issues: First NO WARNINGS Signs of Any Kind were shown at time of both issues, 1st under hard acceleration or deceleration and sometimes while in turns under acceleration & deceleration you get a Large Bang from underneath the vehicle and it’s not only the sound but feels like the vehicle gets hit but it’s not. 2nd thing that has happened 3 times 2 times on regular roads and once entering the highway while at the top of the Rte-15 South Ramp after driving the vehicle at about 60mph-65mph the vehicle shuts down like when stopped at a light but your now entering a highway. When I told my dealership they couldn’t find either issue so I asked while I was here in Florida and I was told Chrysler Corporation know of this 2nd Issue but isn’t doing a Recall on this issue and I was told it’s happening to quite a few models not just the Jeep Renegade but others. Now I don’t drive it only locally as I don’t want to get killed by this vehicle. Both issues scare me greatly, First the loud bang and Second the vehicle shutting down for no reason.
Showing 20 of 2,202 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact JEEP Renegade
These pages show model-year patterns across 9 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used JEEP Renegade, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The JEEP Renegade has 2,202 complaints on record across 9 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The JEEP Renegade has 24 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 79 of the JEEP Renegade's 2,202 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all JEEP Renegade vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two JEEP Renegade vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The JEEP Renegade has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a JEEP Renegade by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used JEEP Renegade.
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JEEP Renegade reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the JEEP Renegade reliable?
Poor. The JEEP Renegade has 2,202 NHTSA owner complaints and 24 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which JEEP Renegade years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (565 complaints), 2018 (442 complaints), 2019 (79 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common JEEP Renegade problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (850 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (616 complaints); POWER TRAIN (424 complaints).
Does the JEEP Renegade have recalls?
Yes — 24 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the JEEP Renegade. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.