Jeep Renegade Best and Worst Years (2015–2023)
Avoid the 2016-2018 Jeep Renegade: 2017 has the highest complaint index (100) with 564 complaints and 23 crashes, while 2018 and 2016 also show high engine and electrical failure rates. The 2022 and 2023 model years are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 13 and 0.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 9
- 2015–2023
- NHTSA complaints
- 2,201
- Recall campaigns
- 13
- Crashes reported
- 79
- Fires reported
- 34
- Top problem area
- Engine
Renegade Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Jeep Renegade problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Caution | 63 | 511 | 8 | 8 | 3 | Engine | 25.5 | — |
| 2016 | Avoid | 75 | 430 | 9 | 10 | 1 | Engine | 25.5 | 4★ |
| 2017 | Avoid | 100 | 564 | 23 | 5 | 3 | Engine | 25.5 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Avoid | 88 | 442 | 16 | 8 | 2 | Engine | 25 | 4★ |
| 2019 | Good | 38 | 79 | 9 | 1 | 4 | Electrical System | 25 | — |
| 2020 | Caution | 50 | 62 | 10 | 1 | 3 | Engine | 25 | 4★ |
| 2021 | Good | 25 | 67 | 3 | 1 | 2 | Electrical System | 25 | 4★ |
| 2022 | Best | 13 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 26 | 4★ |
| 2023 | Best | 0 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 25 | 4★ |
Renegade years to avoid: what went wrong
2017 Jeep Renegade Index 100 · 564 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2017 Renegade has the worst complaint index of any year, 100, from 564 complaints. Engine issues account for 51% of complaints (median failure mileage 30,000), including reports of engine fires and smoke from under the hood. Electrical system problems (29%) and fuel system problems (23%) were also common. Owners described unintended acceleration and brake pedal issues leading to crashes. NHTSA recorded 23 crashes, 5 fires, and 16 injuries. Three recalls apply, covering the fuel pump, a cracked oil pump/balance shaft module, and an instrument panel software issue.
2017 engine problems →2017 electrical system problems →2017 fuel system problems →
2018 Jeep Renegade Index 88 · 442 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2018 Renegade shows a complaint index of 88 across 442 complaints. Engine problems represent 45% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 19,000, and electrical system issues follow at 31% with a median of 15,000 miles. Owners reported engine fires, brake failures during low-speed stops, and airbags that failed to deploy in collisions. NHTSA logged 16 crashes, 8 fires, and 13 injuries for this model year. Two recalls apply, covering the fuel pump and powertrain control module replacement.
2018 engine problems →2018 electrical system problems →2018 fuel system problems →
2016 Jeep Renegade Index 75 · 430 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2016 Renegade logged 430 complaints and carries a complaint index of 75. Engine problems made up 46% of complaints, with a median failure mileage around 38,000, followed by electrical system issues at 30% (median 40,000 miles). Owners also reported parking brake failures that let vehicles roll unexpectedly and sudden shutdowns at highway speed. NHTSA recorded 9 crashes, 10 fires, and 15 injuries for this year. One recall addressed a trailer hitch fastener issue. Airbag deployment during low-speed impacts was also reported.
2016 engine problems →2016 electrical system problems →2016 transmission & powertrain problems →
Most common Jeep Renegade problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Engine940 (43%)
- Electrical System657 (30%)
- Other423 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain423 (19%)
- Fuel System306 (14%)
- Brakes189 (9%)
- Airbags84 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires75 (3%)
- Seat Belts65 (3%)
- Steering65 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What year Jeep Renegade should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2016, 2017, and 2018 are rated Avoid. The 2017 model year has the highest complaint index (100) among all Renegade years, driven largely by engine and electrical system complaints.
- Which Jeep Renegade years are best?
- The 2022 and 2023 model years are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 13 and 0 and only 26 and 20 total complaints respectively.
- Is the 2017 Jeep Renegade reliable?
- The 2017 Renegade has the highest complaint index (100) of any Renegade year, with 564 complaints, 23 crashes, and three recalls covering the fuel system, engine, and electrical software.
- What is the most common problem with the Jeep Renegade?
- Across all model years, the engine is the top problem area, accounting for 940 complaints (43% of total), followed by the electrical system at 657 complaints (30%).
- Are there recalls on the 2016-2018 Jeep Renegade?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recalls for all three years: 2016 had a trailer hitch fastener recall, 2017 had fuel pump, oil pump/balance shaft, and instrument panel software recalls, and 2018 had fuel pump and powertrain control module recalls.