JEEP Renegade Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls — NHTSA Data
Comparing used JEEP Renegade options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact JEEP Renegade you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the JEEP Renegade has 1,235 owner complaints and 18 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2023 drew the fewest.
- Make
- JEEP
- Model
- Renegade
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,235
- Safety recall campaigns
- 18
- Crash-related complaints
- 62
- Fire-related complaints
- 15
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (558 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2023 (20 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
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.
⭐ 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.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Below AverageComplaints for the Jeep Renegade (2017–2026) are heavily concentrated in the 2017 and 2018 model years, with engine and electrical system issues being the most frequently reported components. The data suggests that earlier model years may have more reported problems, while later years show very few complaints.
- Engine complaints account for the highest number of reports at 507.
- Electrical system complaints are the second most common, with 360 reports.
- The 2017 model year has the most complaints (558), followed by 2018 (434).
- No complaints were reported for model years 2024, 2025, and 2026.
- Engine issues are the most frequently reported component.
- Electrical system problems are a recurring theme in complaints.
- Fuel/propulsion system complaints are also notable, with 219 reports.
The 2017 and 2018 model years have the highest complaint volumes, driven primarily by engine and electrical system issues. These years account for the majority of all complaints.
Model years 2024, 2025, and 2026 have zero reported complaints, which may indicate improved reliability or limited data. The 2019 model year also shows a significant drop in complaints compared to 2017 and 2018.
- Inspect the engine and electrical system thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
18 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.
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 1,235 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
1,235 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.
LaneSense Warning / Strength & Blind Spot Alert/Other --- Settings during occurrences - LaneSense Warning - Early, LaneSense Strength - High, Blind Spot Alert - Lights&Chime --- When using double lane outer turn, warning goes off at every turn alert that driver next to me. Blind spot monitor detects car in parallel turn lane, interpreting it as a dangerous situation. System cannot distinguish danger verse normal turning. When hands on wheel, in exact spot shown on dashboard, alert will go off. When no hands are on wheel (done for testing) it does not have any alert. Will go off randomly whether hands are on wheel or not. When centered within the lane, lane assist will alert. When driving in/out of lane (done for testing) no alerts go off. When using turn signals, left/right, sometimes no alert goes off when someone next to me. Sometimes an alert will go off when no one is next to me. In addition, electronic issues with key fob & e-brake. E-brake able to get fixed; key fob on its third shop go with no correction yet. --- Initial appointment, dealership could not detect issues. Car returned; Blind Spot Alert was turned to lights only. Brought back dealership. Had appointment, at check-in stand, told to do road test. Dealership's resolution was to reduce the safety settings from highest to medium strength. Told did not have to sign anything, could just leave. Drive test now undocumented. --- Reached out to Mopar, was told they aren't the right department. Reached out to Stellantis/Jeep customer service, created case number, told to go to another dealership, if they can't find problem, then I could reach back out to Jeep for a more advanced repair. --- Any vehicle that offers various levels of safety features should be able to use any of the settings in order to maintain highest level of safety on the road for others and themselves. Having random alerts go on and off while on a safety setting meant for the highest protection is potentially dangerous for all.
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while shifting from drive(D) to park(P), the vehicle continued to accelerate or reverse unintendedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact to go to settings and choose brakes, and while parking, the parking brake engaged, but the driver needed to manually release the parking brake. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that there was water and moisture in the door. The contact was unable to enter the vehicle due to the doors being locked. Additionally, the vehicle felt like it was about to roll over while driving around a curve. While accelerating or while driving uphill, the vehicle continued to accelerate. The TPMS warning light was illuminated while towing. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the settings needed to be changed to the brakes. The contact needed to engage the parking brake while parking the vehicle. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed the warranty coverage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
When driving we can be a football field distance away from any moving vehicle and then forward collision safety feature activates. This has happened several times and could have ended badly if someone was behind us in traffic.
I have had to have the battery replaced twice in under a year in my 2023. There are common complaints on social media.
When I speed up at times my cars engine will rev weird and when I go to back up the main screen is burned into the screen.
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel was pulling to the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an alignment. Additionally, the contact was informed that the caster or the camber was out of range. The contact was informed that the dealer did not provide the kind of repair. The contact stated that the failure caused the new tires to wear prematurely. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact to a dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 39,208.
Engine continuously leaks oil. Oil is all over under carriage. This has been a recurring problem that the dealer has tried to fix. Oil is all over our garage floor. If we do not monitor the oil level it could run out of oil. This vehicle is one year old and has had one recall and five attempts to fix an oil leak.
I drove for about 45 minutes and when I went to back up into a parking spot, the lettering from the main screen was visible on the screen while backing up
I will be driving and at times the forward collision warning has come on when driving past a vehicle in the turn lane.
My blind spot warning is inaccurate. This vehicle was purchased March 2024 and is constantly in the shop. It was recalls and a faulty electric system.
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Renegade equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Cross Contact, Tire Size: 215/60/R17, DOT Number: HWKTD956. The contact stated while driving approximately 3 MPH, there was a loud booming sound from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear passenger’s side tire had experienced a blowout. The vehicle was slowly driven to a nearby tire shop and the tire was replaced. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,800.
While driving, the auto stop/start light illuminated, the airbag light illuminated and the auto parking brake illuminated. The seat belt sign also lit up and would continuously chime even through the seatbelt was plugged in. All the indications would intermittently come on and off.
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Renegade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V510000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal dinging sound detected. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V510000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that the air bags were inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
I have a 2023 Renegade 4x4. There are several current operating issues and a few which cause an extreme safety hazard: Service forward collision warning light is on Says brake lights out Says left turn signal is out Parking light out Driver seatbelt light Passenger seatbelt light Push to start button - stop/start unavailable Parking brake Airbag light Car turned off when foot idle and parking brake activated Car jolts when foot is taken off of accelerator pedal at 45+mph Car enters into forward collision prevention mode with there is not a vehicle in front. If the vehicle believes the seatbelts are not worn and there are issues with the airbag sensors then there is an extreme safety issue in the event of a collision.
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V510000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The vehicle warning lights are on, for example the brake lights and turn signal, when these are working. The seat belt alarm goes off when seat belts are on. Vehicle has turned off when in an idled state. I have gone in to get these issues fixed and they came back.
The Serv 4wd light came on on June 26th 2024 and I never use my 4wd locking or select modes only durning the winter and last summer and the blind spot sensor on the passenger rear doesn’t work since I got the vehicle which was in august 2023 I’m waiting for the dealership to fix it with the part due to it saying there are cars around me at night when there is nothing around me I’m trying to get my vehicle into the the dealership about the serv 4wd but they didn’t set up a time for me to bring it up so I’ll be calling them until I can get it in and looked at just don’t feel safe with my vehicle and feel like it’s a lemon
Seatbelt airbags braking system auto start lights all come on when I start it and when I’m driving, Also had the front collision camera put me in at a complete stop when going 45 mph and sent me into the steering wheel
Showing 20 of 1,235 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact JEEP Renegade
These pages show model-year patterns across 10years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
📖 Understanding This Data
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 1,235 complaints on record across 10 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 18 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. 62 of the JEEP Renegade's 1,235 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 (Below Average) 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.