Renegade (1st)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The 1st-generation Renegade is functionally end-of-life in the U.S. market, with sales effectively ending after the 2023 model year despite the data file extending through 2025. Across 2,101 complaints filed on the 11-year run, owners reported 32 fires, 59 injuries, and zero deaths. The 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder accounts for 1,863 of those complaints, 88.7 percent of the entire generation, at a complaints-per-year figure of 310.5. That number runs roughly ten times the Subcompact SUV segment average of 31.24. The 2.4L also carries 28 of the 32 fires reported on this nameplate. The data argues this is a single-engine problem, and the engine is the one to avoid.
The replacement powertrains read materially cleaner. The 1.3T GSE T4 turbocharged 4-cylinder, available from 2019 through 2023, sits at 14.2 complaints-per-year on 71 complaints with one fire. The earlier 1.4T MultiAir 4-cylinder (2015-2018) sits at 22.2 cpy on 89 complaints, also with one fire. Both rate caution rather than the 2.4L's avoid, and both ship below the segment average for complaint density. The 1.3T was the only powertrain offered from the 2019 mid-cycle refresh until U.S. production ended; that powertrain choice is what makes a later-build Renegade a different vehicle than an early one.
The 14 NHTSA recalls cluster around the 2.4L Tigershark and the 9-speed automatic transmission. Campaign 16V529 covered the 9-speed automatic shifting unexpectedly to neutral on 2014-2015 Cherokee, 2015 Renegade, 200, ProMaster, and 500X production. 18V131 covered cracked oil pump housing and balance shaft modules on 2017 Renegades with the 2.4L, which can cause oil pressure loss and engine stall. 18V524 was the powertrain control module voltage regulator chip failure that hit most of the 2018 FCA lineup; it can cause a stall or no-start condition. 17V485 covered false malfunction-indicator lights from a software defect on 2017 Renegades. The recall stack also includes the 15V508 radio software vulnerability that allowed third-party access to networked vehicle systems on 2015 Renegades, an early Jeep example of the broader 2015 FCA UConnect security incident.
The reliability profile points to one defensible buyer: a 2019-2023 used Renegade with the 1.3T turbo and full recall completion. That window sits after the 2.4L Tigershark was retired from this nameplate and inside the 1.3T's documented complaint envelope. The 2015-2020 2.4L Tigershark cars are the configuration to avoid, particularly given 28 attributed fires and the oil pump housing crack and PCM voltage regulator stall recalls. Cross-shoppers should compare against the Kia Soul, Hyundai Venue, or Toyota Corolla Cross for cleaner subcompact crossover data.
Engine Reliability Ratings
1.4T-I4-Gas
1.4L 4-cyl Turbo / 165 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1.3T-I4-Gas
1.3L 4-cyl Turbo / 180 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Jeep Renegade Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.4-I4-Gas
2.4L 4-cyl / 184 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
1.3-I4-Gas
1.3L 4-cyl / 177 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Jeep Renegade regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
A 2019-2023 used Renegade with the 1.3T turbo and full recall completion is the strongest reliability pick across this generation. That window sits after the 2.4L Tigershark was retired from this nameplate and inside the 1.3T's documented complaint envelope of 14.2 complaints-per-year. The 2015-2020 2.4L cars carry 88.7 percent of the generation's complaint volume and 28 of its 32 fires. There is no version of buying a 2.4L Renegade where the data argues in your favor. Shoppers comfortable with a different subcompact crossover should price the Kia Soul, Hyundai Venue, or Toyota Corolla Cross for cleaner records.
Before buying any 2015-2020 Renegade, run the VIN through recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov and confirm 18V131 (2017 2.4L oil pump housing crack), 18V524 (PCM voltage regulator chip failure on 2018 cars), 17V485 (instrument panel false MIL on 2017 cars), and 16V529 (9-speed automatic neutral shift on 2015 cars) campaigns are completed. The oil pump housing item is the most serious for buyers; an unrepaired failure can mean engine stall and a complete engine replacement. On 2019-2023 1.3T cars, verify 19V287 and 19V438 (Occupant Restraint Controller calibration on 2019 cars) and 20V191 (rearview camera display lag on 2019-2020 cars) are closed. On 2017-2018 2.4L flex-fuel cars, also confirm 18V731 (fuel pump pressure loss) work.
Used pricing on the Renegade has softened compared to most subcompact crossovers, driven partly by the Tigershark recall record and partly by Jeep's retreat from the segment. The lower price reflects the data, not a discount. Buyers attached to the Jeep brand should look at the current Compass or Wrangler 4xe for more current platforms. Buyers attached to subcompact size and crossover utility have stronger data choices outside the Stellantis lineup.
Recalls (14)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Renegade vehicles. The incorrect bumper reverse light assembly may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X vehicles. The right rear brake caliper could have been fractured during the casting process.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Renegade vehicles equipped with the Upland trim package. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may have been incorrectly calibrated.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X vehicles. Incorrect software may cause the occupant restraint controller (ORC) module to disable certain passive safety features.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Renegade vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine. These vehicles may be equipped with a cracked oil pump housing/balance shaft module (BSM), which can cause the oil pump to fail and the engine to stall.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Jeep Renegade 4X2 flex fuel/E85 vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine. In certain operating conditions such as high power demand in conjunction with high altitude and/or high ambient temperatures, a manufacturing error in the fuel pump assembly may result in a loss of fuel pressure.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Renegade vehicles. Due to a software issue, multiple malfunction indicator lamps may illuminate on the instrument panel when no malfunction exists. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured August 25, 2014, to June 25, 2016, equipped with a factory-installed optional trailer hitch package. The trailer hitch assembly may have been attached with only a single fastener per side, not three per side as required.
Daystar Products International, Inc. (Daystar) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement rear control arm brackets included in Daystar's 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade 1.5" spacer kit, part KJ09168BK, shipped from Daystar to distributors between October 27, 2015 and November 5, 2015. The affected spacers may have improper or incomplete welds on the top flange on the rear control arm bracket, that can allow the rear axle to shift while driving.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. On August 29, 2016 Chrysler added the 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles to this recall.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured September 18, 2014, to June 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Alternatives in Subcompact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2015-2025 Jeep Renegade problems?
The 2015-2025 Jeep Renegade has accumulated 2,101 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Jeep Renegade engine is most reliable?
The 2015-2025 Jeep Renegade was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.4L Turbo 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2015-2025 Jeep Renegade a good used car?
The 2015-2025 Jeep Renegade can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,101 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015-2025 Jeep Renegade have?
The 2015-2025 Jeep Renegade has 2,101 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2015-2025 Jeep Renegade?
There are 14 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2015-2025 Jeep Renegade vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Jeep Renegade?
Before buying a used Jeep Renegade, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Renegade?
The 2023 Jeep Renegade received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 4 stars. Rollover: 3 stars (22.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,101 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.