Which Jeep Renegade years should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2015, 2017, and 2018 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 75, 100, and 88 respectively, the highest among all 9 model years covered.

What is the best Jeep Renegade year to buy?

The 2022 and 2023 model years are rated best, with complaint indexes of 13 and 0 and only 26 and 20 total complaints reported.

What is the most common problem with the Jeep Renegade?

Engine problems are the top issue overall, accounting for 940 complaints and 43% of all reported problems across 2015-2023 models.

Is the 2017 Jeep Renegade reliable based on complaints?

The 2017 Renegade has the worst complaint index of any year at 100, with 564 complaints, 23 crashes, and 3 recalls, so it ranks as the year to avoid most.

Does the Jeep Renegade have engine recalls?

Yes. The 2017 model has a recall for a cracked oil pump housing, and both 2017 and 2018 models were recalled for a fuel pump issue affecting flex fuel engines.

Jeep Renegade Best and Worst Years (2015–2023)

Avoid the 2015, 2017, and 2018 Jeep Renegade, which carry complaint indexes of 75, 100, and 88 and the highest engine and electrical complaint shares. The 2022 and 2023 model years are best, with complaint indexes of 13 and 0 out of 2,201 total complaints across all years.

Avoid 2015 Avoid 2017 Avoid 2018 Best 2022 Best 2023

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.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Jeep Renegade problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2015	Avoid	75	511	8	8	3	Engine	25.5	—
2016	Caution	63	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 is the worst year on record, with a complaint index of 100 and 564 complaints. Engine complaints account for 51% of issues at a median 30,000 miles, including reports of burning odors and underhood fires. Owners also described unintended forward lunging and braking that failed to slow the vehicle. Electrical and fuel system problems made up 29% and 23% of complaints. NHTSA recorded 23 crashes and 16 injuries for this year, with three recalls addressing fuel pump failure, a cracked oil pump housing, and false dashboard warning lights.

2017 engine problems →2017 electrical system problems →2017 fuel system problems →

2018 Jeep Renegade Index 88 · 442 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2018 Renegade ranks second worst with a complaint index of 88 across 442 complaints. Engine issues represent 45% of complaints at a median mileage of just 19,000, and electrical problems follow at 31% around 15,000 miles. Owners reported vehicle fires, brake pedals that failed to slow the car, and airbags that did not deploy in crashes. NHTSA logged 16 crashes and 13 injuries for this year. Two recalls cover a fuel pump replacement and a powertrain control module swap.

2018 engine problems →2018 electrical system problems →2018 fuel system problems →

2015 Jeep Renegade Index 75 · 511 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2015 Renegade has a complaint index of 75 and ranks third worst, with 511 total complaints. Engine problems make up 36% of its issues at a median 38,000 miles, and transmission problems follow at 33% around 35,000 miles. Owners reported stalling, engine compartment fires, and unexpected gear shift behavior including reverse engagement while trying to select drive. NHTSA logged 8 crashes and 8 fires for this year. Three recalls apply, covering a trailer hitch fastener issue, a 9-speed transmission control module reprogram, and a radio software vulnerability.

2015 engine problems →2015 transmission & powertrain problems →2015 electrical system problems →

Most common Jeep Renegade problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

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%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Jeep Renegade years should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2015, 2017, and 2018 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 75, 100, and 88 respectively, the highest among all 9 model years covered.
What is the best Jeep Renegade year to buy?: The 2022 and 2023 model years are rated best, with complaint indexes of 13 and 0 and only 26 and 20 total complaints reported.
What is the most common problem with the Jeep Renegade?: Engine problems are the top issue overall, accounting for 940 complaints and 43% of all reported problems across 2015-2023 models.
Is the 2017 Jeep Renegade reliable based on complaints?: The 2017 Renegade has the worst complaint index of any year at 100, with 564 complaints, 23 crashes, and 3 recalls, so it ranks as the year to avoid most.
Does the Jeep Renegade have engine recalls?: Yes. The 2017 model has a recall for a cracked oil pump housing, and both 2017 and 2018 models were recalled for a fuel pump issue affecting flex fuel engines.