Problems › Jeep › 2016 Renegade
2016 Jeep Renegade Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~39.0 complaints per year on the road — ranking 4 of 9 Jeep Renegade years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2016 Jeep Renegade, cited in 172 of 429 filed complaints (40%).
Electrical System is next (119 complaints, 28%), followed by Power Train (73), Vehicle Speed Control (29), Exterior Lighting (27).
Across all complaints, 9 report a crash, 10 report a fire, 15 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Power Train: 3 crash, 7 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2016 Jeep Renegade, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 429.
Engine 172 3 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP RENEGADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THERE WAS GRAY SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE FROM THE VENTS WHILE THE TEMPERATURE GAGE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SMOKE EXTINGUISHED INDEPENDENTLY. IN ADDITION, AFTER COOLANT WAS POURED INTO THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CROSS CHRYSLER JEEP FIAT (1501 GARDINER LN, LOUISVILLE, KY 40218) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11318201, 2020 · fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP RENEGADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER FOUR HOURS. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING SMELL EMERGING FROM THE VENTS. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. THE CONTACT MENTIONED REPLACED THE COOLANT FAN AND FUSE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11217596, 2019 · fire
“ELECTRIC FAN ASSEMBLY FOR THE COOLING SYSTEM FAILED. BURNED UP THE ELECTRIC FAN, SMOKE POURING OUT OF THE ENGINE BAY. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET.”
NHTSA complaint #11210092, 2019 · fire
Electrical System 119 1 crash 2 fire 3 injury
“MY COMPUTER HAD STARTED TO GLITCH WITHIN LESS THAN 100 MILES OF ME BUYING THE CAR I WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE THE OIL WAS LOW NOW I HAVE A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND WITHIN A DAY MY CAR HAS LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE WITH EVERY LIGHT POWER STEERING HAS GONE AND I'VE ALREADY GOTTEN AN ACCIDENT WORTH ALMOST THE WHOLE CAR -1 GRAND SO IT WAS NOT TOTALED NOR CAN ANYBODY EXPLAIN WHY MY CAR DID THIS AND I GOT THE BLAME FOR IT WHEN I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THIS CAR THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED THIS HAPPENED TO ME ON THE HIGHWAY AND SIDE ROADS I HAVE NO E BREAK AND I CANNOT STEER MY WHEEL NOR DO I KNOW IF THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11341462, 2020 · crash · 3 injury(ies)
“ELECTRIC FAN ASSEMBLY FOR THE COOLING SYSTEM FAILED. BURNED UP THE ELECTRIC FAN, SMOKE POURING OUT OF THE ENGINE BAY. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET.”
NHTSA complaint #11210092, 2019 · fire
“I'VE BEEN COMPLAINING SINCE I'VE OWNED THE CAR ABOUT ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE RADIO LIGHT PANEL INCLUDING THE SERVICE PANEL ON THE VEHICLE THAT TELLS ABOUT THE AIR IN THE TIRES AND ALL THE MAINTENANCE , AS WELL IS STATING THAT IT SEEMS LIKE HE HAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT INSIDE THE DASH SOMEWHERE NOW THE FAN ON THE RADIATOR HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE AND HAS LEFT ME WITHOUT A VEHICLE THIS ISSUE STARTED 10 DAYS AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE IT ONLY HAD 7000 MILES ON IT THEN AND WAS HAVING NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES CAUSING THE RADIO TO MALFUNCTION AND THE PANELING THAT CONTROLS THE SERVICE AND THE MILEAGE A…”
NHTSA complaint #11034115, 2017 · fire
Unknown Or Other 75 4 fire 1 injury
“THE MYSKY MOON ROOF HAS NO SAFETY STOP WHEN RETRACTING OR CLOSING THE WINDOW! MY WIFE WAS CLOSING THE PASSAGER SEAT MY SKY AND HER FINGER GOT SMASHED IN THE ROOF.I SAW IT HAPPENING AND THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP IT FROM GOING AFTER HITTING THE BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES.THE DESIGN REQUIRED IT TO COMPLETELY CLOSE BEFORE IT WILL OPEN. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN IN THE EVENT A CHILD IS PLAYING THERE WAS NO SAFETY STOP OR A RETRACTABLE SAFETY SENSOR.MY WIFE'S FINGERS MAY BE BROKEN I WILL BE TAKING HER TO THE DOCTOR TODAY.”
NHTSA complaint #10927794, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)
“my car suddenly caught fire while driving on the freeway. i heard a boom, felt my car shake and saw flames out my back window, i pulled over immediately and got out of the car. going around the passenger side to inspect my tires and car. as in doing this i noticed that the entire car by then underneath was completely consumed in flames. i ran from the car in fear of my safety. my car burned to the ground in front of my eyes. there were no warning lights on my dash, no flashing, no indication of anything wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #11732056, 2026 · fire
“CAR RUNNING IN PARK WAITING AT BUS STOP , HEARD A POP, THEN SMELLED SMOKE, THEN GOT OUT AND FIRE UNDER FRONT PASSENGER SIDE , CALLED 911 AND FIRE WENT UP IN FLAMES AND COMPLETELY DESTROYED WHOLE FRONT OF MY CAR EVERYTHING LOST . GOT ME AND SON OUT AND THAT WAS IT. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK!!”
NHTSA complaint #11196804, 2019 · fire
Power Train 73 3 crash 7 injury
“VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED MAY 16, 2016. ON AUGUST 6, 2016 THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH DOWN THE INTERSTATE. THE ELECTRONIC TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE LIGHTS SHUTOFF COMPLETELY. IT ONLY TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 20-30 FEET BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON AND STAYED ON. AFTER THE STOP, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO REMOVE IT FROM THE INTERSTATE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART, DID NOT TURN OVER; ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENED. SHORTLY AFTER THE COMP…”
NHTSA complaint #10899148, 2016 · crash · 6 injury(ies)
“VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. DRIVER TOOK FOOT OFF THE BRAKE FROM DEAD STOP AND THE RENEGADE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR. THE INSTURMENT PANEL FLASHED AND FLICKERED VARIOUS TROUBLE INDICATIONS AND THEN STOPPED WITH THE MESSAGE TO SERVICE THE ELECTRIC EMERGENCY BRAKE.”
NHTSA complaint #10861448, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“1. TRUNK LID DOES NOT STAY LATCHED. SOME SERIES OF OPENING AND CLOSING DIFFERENT DOORS TYPICALLY RECTIFIES ISSUE. MULTIPLE WITNESSES. INTERMITTENT. NO PATTERN. 2. VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN MAKING TIGHT TURNS INTO TRAFFIC (HEAVY CONSTRUCTION AT MY COMPLEX'S ONLY ENTRANCE/EXIT). VEHICLE ALSO 'TURNS OFF' DESPITE IT BEING IN 'DRIVE' AND MOVING--I RECEIVE A MESSAGE STATING TO PUT FOOT ON BRAKE AND PUSH BUTTON TO START VEHICLE DESPITE IT BEING IN DRIVE AND MOVING. THIS MEANS I HAVE TO STOP THE CAR IN ANGRY TRAFFIC, PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, MOVE SHIFT TO PARK AND THEN RESTART A VEHICLE THA…”
NHTSA complaint #11020187, 2017 · crash
Vehicle Speed Control 29
“Vehicle was returning Diagnostic code P0653 and P2138 it was taken to the dealership for servicing on 04/26/2025. Pedal position sensor was identified as the issue. Part was on national backorder for several weeks. and issue was repaired on 05/22/25. Vehicle was driven less than 100 miles and presented with the same issue on 06/26/2025 and was returned to the dealership for servicing. Service department reset the code and drove the vehicle for less than 100 miles, and indicated they could not reproduce the problem. Car was left at the dealership for a week for additional diagnostic. C…”
NHTSA complaint #11675311, 2025
“After starting up the vehicle several dash lights turned on including check engine and power system indicator. The accelerator pedal would not provide throttle to the engine and vehicle was in limp mode. after reading codes P2138(Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor) and P0653(Sensor Reference Voltage B Circuit High) After Dealer diagnostic it was determined that the accelerator pedal sensor was faulty and is being replaced. The issue appears common as the part is on nationwide backorder and the dealer has been waiting on the part for 4 weeks. The car is still not repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11662147, 2025
“My car has been struggling to speed up and now recently struggling to start. It did show a ADS light when trying to start and also something about a vehicle dynamic system.”
NHTSA complaint #11610624, 2024
Exterior Lighting 27 1 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP RENEGADE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE FOG LIGHT REFLECTOR MELTED, WHICH CAUSED THE LIGHT TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FAILURE MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROADWAY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LARRY H. MILLER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM SANDY LOCATED AT 10905 AUTO MALL DR, SANDY, UT 84070, AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BULB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BULB WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE BULB EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11323582, 2019 · fire
“In the past year, I have already had to replace the bulb for the "daytime running light" on the front passenger side of my Renegade. Now, the light has just popped back onto my dashboard for the 3rd time stating that the light is out again for the 3rd time in a year. I have also noticed several other Renegades in my area driving with the same exact light out on their vehicle as well. The first 2 times I took my vehicle to my mechanic to be repaired, both times they stated all they found was the bulb not working. Being the 3rd time, they have advised me to reach out about a recall to have this…”
NHTSA complaint #11746662, 2026
“While driving around I suddenly got an alert from the car that the driver's side back up light, left turn signal light/rear tail light was no longer functioning. I had to drive around without people driving behind me knowing of any intent to turn left, which was a safety issue. I took it to an independent mechanic who replaced the bulbs and everything was back to normal, but only for 30 minutes. The same thing happened again on my drive home and I had to turn around to take it back to the mechanic. Upon further investigation, the mechanic noted that the connector for the light was burnt out a…”
NHTSA complaint #11621185, 2024
Fuel/Propulsion System 26 1 crash 1 fire 6 injury
“VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED MAY 16, 2016. ON AUGUST 6, 2016 THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH DOWN THE INTERSTATE. THE ELECTRONIC TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE LIGHTS SHUTOFF COMPLETELY. IT ONLY TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 20-30 FEET BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON AND STAYED ON. AFTER THE STOP, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO REMOVE IT FROM THE INTERSTATE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART, DID NOT TURN OVER; ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENED. SHORTLY AFTER THE COMP…”
NHTSA complaint #10899148, 2016 · crash · 6 injury(ies)
“my car suddenly caught fire while driving on the freeway. i heard a boom, felt my car shake and saw flames out my back window, i pulled over immediately and got out of the car. going around the passenger side to inspect my tires and car. as in doing this i noticed that the entire car by then underneath was completely consumed in flames. i ran from the car in fear of my safety. my car burned to the ground in front of my eyes. there were no warning lights on my dash, no flashing, no indication of anything wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #11732056, 2026 · fire
“On 3 occasions, in the past three weeks, the vehicle has lost power while in motion and display states “shift to park”. Restarting vehicle is required. This occurs while in motion and could be dangerous for driver and passenger. Car repair unable to diagnose issue. Reported numerous codes concerning “communication errors””
NHTSA complaint #11638911, 2025
Service Brakes 23 1 crash 3 injury
“MY COMPUTER HAD STARTED TO GLITCH WITHIN LESS THAN 100 MILES OF ME BUYING THE CAR I WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE THE OIL WAS LOW NOW I HAVE A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND WITHIN A DAY MY CAR HAS LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE WITH EVERY LIGHT POWER STEERING HAS GONE AND I'VE ALREADY GOTTEN AN ACCIDENT WORTH ALMOST THE WHOLE CAR -1 GRAND SO IT WAS NOT TOTALED NOR CAN ANYBODY EXPLAIN WHY MY CAR DID THIS AND I GOT THE BLAME FOR IT WHEN I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THIS CAR THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED THIS HAPPENED TO ME ON THE HIGHWAY AND SIDE ROADS I HAVE NO E BREAK AND I CANNOT STEER MY WHEEL NOR DO I KNOW IF THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11341462, 2020 · crash · 3 injury(ies)
“I had a service airbag warning go off days prior which was then followed by my parking brake warning and a constant seatbelt warning chime that happened concurrently. The vehicle had these issues cleared by my mechanic but hasn't been able to be resolved. From what i understand, the seatbelt sensor is faulty and should I have an accident in the near future the airbags will not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11709558, 2026
“I had a service airbag, service parking brake and the seatbelt light starts flashing. It happens every time I drive the vehicle and I had it looked at by a mechanic and they see no issue with the sensors. They told me to check for any recalls and I don’t see any here.”
NHTSA complaint #11729237, 2025
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 21 1 crash
“THE TRACTION CONTROL ON THIS VEHICLE WILL ENGAGE AT RANDOM WHEN TURNS ARE MADE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER AND IT'S MOMENTUM WILL CEASE. I BELIEVE THIS BEHAVIOR CAUSED AN ACCIDENT I WAS IN WHICH RESULTED IN THE TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS MAKING A DOG LEG TURN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, WITH THE LOST OF MOMENTUM I WAS HIT ON THE RIGHT REAR. THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGED THE DAY BEFORE AS WELL. THIS ISSUES IS REPORTED BY OTHER INDIVIDUALS ON VARIOUS WEB BOARDS. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT THERE WAS NO SERIOUS INJURY.*DT*DT*DT*JB*JB CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*JB*DT*JB*D…”
NHTSA complaint #11360135, 2020 · crash
“I WAS AT A RESTAURANT EATING BREAKFAST, AFTER I WAS DONE I CAME OUT TO CRANK MY CAR AND IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT WOULD NOT START UP. THE DASHBOARD WAS STATING THAT I NEEDED ESC SERVICE, THEN IT SAID I NEED AIRBAG SERVICE, STEERING SERVICE. I COULD NOT TURN MY STEERING WHEEL AND MY BRAKES WOULD NOT PUSH ON TO START MY CAR. THEN THE THROTTLE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED.”
NHTSA complaint #11282296, 2019
“FOR THE LAST YEAR ON AND OFF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATE( SERVICE AIR BAGS, PARKING BRAKE, ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CABLE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, POWER STEERING LIGHT), ETC. LAST WEEK WE WERE DRIVING WITH THE KIDS, WENT TO PARK, GOT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE, STARTED IT AND ALL THE LIGHTS STARTED GOING OFF. MY HUSBAND TURNED THE KEY TO OFF, PULLED IT OUT, AND THE CAR KEPT RUNNING. WE BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER ONLY TO HAVE THEM REPLACE THE SEATBELT. WE GOT THE CAR BACK AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY. WE WERE DRIVING, ALL THE LIGHTS KEPT GOING OFF, INCLUDING THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WHICH TURNS OFF THE POWE…”
NHTSA complaint #11235268, 2019
Air Bags 17 3 crash 6 injury
“MY COMPUTER HAD STARTED TO GLITCH WITHIN LESS THAN 100 MILES OF ME BUYING THE CAR I WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE THE OIL WAS LOW NOW I HAVE A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND WITHIN A DAY MY CAR HAS LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE WITH EVERY LIGHT POWER STEERING HAS GONE AND I'VE ALREADY GOTTEN AN ACCIDENT WORTH ALMOST THE WHOLE CAR -1 GRAND SO IT WAS NOT TOTALED NOR CAN ANYBODY EXPLAIN WHY MY CAR DID THIS AND I GOT THE BLAME FOR IT WHEN I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THIS CAR THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED THIS HAPPENED TO ME ON THE HIGHWAY AND SIDE ROADS I HAVE NO E BREAK AND I CANNOT STEER MY WHEEL NOR DO I KNOW IF THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11341462, 2020 · crash · 3 injury(ies)
“MY 2016 JEEP RENEGADE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OCTOBER 4TH, VEHICLE TOTALED BUT NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH THE RENEGADE WAS ON AND THERE WAS A PASSENGER (BUCKLED IN) IN THE VEHICLE. HAD FCA RUN THEIR 'INVESTIGATION' THOUGH THEY WILL NOT SHARE THE RESULTS OF WHICH WITH ME EVEN THOUGH I'VE ASKED. THEIR RESPONSE 'YOUR REQUEST FOR OUR INSPECTION REPORT IS PROPRIETARY, PAID FOR BY US, BELONGS TO US, AND THEREFORE, UNAVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION. IF YOU DISAGREE WITH OUR HANDLING, YOU CERTAINLY HAVE THE RIGHT TO HIRE YOUR OWNER INSPECTOR, AT YOUR EXPENSE, TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE . WE HAVE CLOSE…”
NHTSA complaint #11366756, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP RENEGADE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLES, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SLIGHTLY STRUCK THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. ALL THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS IN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS SLIGHTLY DAMAGED AND WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND IT WAS UNDETERMINED IF IT WAS CONSIDERED TOTALED. THE DEALER AND MANUFAC…”
NHTSA complaint #11130967, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Steering 15 1 crash 6 injury
“VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED MAY 16, 2016. ON AUGUST 6, 2016 THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH DOWN THE INTERSTATE. THE ELECTRONIC TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE LIGHTS SHUTOFF COMPLETELY. IT ONLY TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 20-30 FEET BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON AND STAYED ON. AFTER THE STOP, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TO REMOVE IT FROM THE INTERSTATE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART, DID NOT TURN OVER; ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENED. SHORTLY AFTER THE COMP…”
NHTSA complaint #10899148, 2016 · crash · 6 injury(ies)
“THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INTERMITTENTLY GO ON AND PHYSICAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING IS FELT. THIS HAPPENS BOTH WHILE AT IDLE STATIONARY AND DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ON BOTH HIGHWAY AND CITY.*DT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11327460, 2020
“WENT TO MAVIS TIRES FOR A TIRE ROTATION 1/28/20 AFTER LEAVING THE CHRYSLER/JEEP DEALERSHIP FOR TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE TOLD 9 SPEED SEALED NEVER NEEDS ANYTHING . THE GUYS AT MAVIS SAID THAT MY LUG BOLTS WERE SWOLLEN AND THAT THEY COULD NOT DO THE WORK AND THAT I NEEDED TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM REPLACED BECAUSE ONLY CHRYSLER / JEEP MAKE THE PART. MY JEEP HAS ONLY 49,800 MILES AND THE MAVIS GUYS TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED LUG REPLACEMENTS BACK IN NOVEMBER 2019 , I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS AND TRUCKS IN THE PAST AND NEVER HAD TO REPLACE LUGS BOLTS ON A VEHICLE WITH SUCH LOW MILES ON IT . TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11302508, 2020
Seat Belts 14 1 crash 2 injury
“MY 2016 JEEP RENEGADE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OCTOBER 4TH, VEHICLE TOTALED BUT NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH THE RENEGADE WAS ON AND THERE WAS A PASSENGER (BUCKLED IN) IN THE VEHICLE. HAD FCA RUN THEIR 'INVESTIGATION' THOUGH THEY WILL NOT SHARE THE RESULTS OF WHICH WITH ME EVEN THOUGH I'VE ASKED. THEIR RESPONSE 'YOUR REQUEST FOR OUR INSPECTION REPORT IS PROPRIETARY, PAID FOR BY US, BELONGS TO US, AND THEREFORE, UNAVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION. IF YOU DISAGREE WITH OUR HANDLING, YOU CERTAINLY HAVE THE RIGHT TO HIRE YOUR OWNER INSPECTOR, AT YOUR EXPENSE, TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE . WE HAVE CLOSE…”
NHTSA complaint #11366756, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“I had a service airbag warning go off days prior which was then followed by my parking brake warning and a constant seatbelt warning chime that happened concurrently. The vehicle had these issues cleared by my mechanic but hasn't been able to be resolved. From what i understand, the seatbelt sensor is faulty and should I have an accident in the near future the airbags will not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11709558, 2026
“I had a service airbag, service parking brake and the seatbelt light starts flashing. It happens every time I drive the vehicle and I had it looked at by a mechanic and they see no issue with the sensors. They told me to check for any recalls and I don’t see any here.”
NHTSA complaint #11729237, 2025
Seats 10
“I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MAY OF 2020. IT IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS THAT A BARELY 5 YEAR OLD CAR IS ALREADY SHIFTING HARD. AND HAS TO GO UNDER MAINTENANCE FOR THE TRANSMISSION. IT IS NOT JUST MY CAR, BUT OVER 75% OF JEEP RENEGADE OWNERS IS HAVING THIS ISSUE. IT IS UNSAFE. I NOTICED IT WHEN I WAS ROLLING TO A STOP AT A STOP LIGHT AND MY CAR JERKED FORWARD INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS COMING. IT COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLLLLYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!! FIX THE ISSUE. NOW I HAVE TO STOP FARTHER FROM THE LIGHT OR SIGN BECAUSE I KNOW MY CAR IS GOING TO LUNGE FORWARD. A 5 YEAR OLD CAR I HAVE TO TREAT LIKE I…”
NHTSA complaint #11406074, 2021
“DUE TO UNKNOW REASONS THE DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT POSITIONAL CONTROLS IN MY JEEP RENEGADE HAVE BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE AND UNPREDICTABLE IN THEIR FUNCTIONALITY. THE DRIVER POWER SEAT MALFUNCTION LINGERS DESPITE SEVERAL TIME-CONSUMING VEHICLE EXAMINATIONS BY A FCA LOCAL AUTHORIZED JEEP DEALERSHIP SERVICE AGENT. THIS ISSUE PRESENTS A SAFETY AND HEALTH HAZARD TO ME WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11382802, 2020
“THE 2016 JEEP RENEGADE TRAILHAWK SUV HAS A RECURRING POWER SEAT PROBLEM THAT PREVENTS THE USE OF THE 8-WAY AND LUMBAR FUNCTIONS. THE PROBLEM CAUSES THE DRIVER SEAT TO FREEZE AND LOCK INTO A POSITION ON THE SEAT FLOOR TRACKS. THIS COULD CREATE A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY.”
NHTSA complaint #11255772, 2019
Engine And Engine Cooling 8 1 fire
“The contact's son owned a 2016 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that after his son parked the vehicle in the driveway and turned the vehicle off, the son entered the home and moments later noticed an orange glow coming from outside. The son went outside to investigate and discovered a foot tall flames coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The son attempted to use a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames, but was unsuccessful. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed, and the detached garage was also damaged…”
NHTSA complaint #11721913, 2024 · fire
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound while the cooling fan was in operation. The contact stated that the sound became louder over time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with fan bearing and spindle failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that after leaving the dealer, the engine started to overheat, and the coolant temperature gauge moved into the red zone. No warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11744762, 2026
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that she had received a manufacturer recall notice, Recall Number: V54 - Engine Cooling Fan (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the dealer determined that the cooling fan was working as designed and the fan was not replaced. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH and various speeds, and while stopped at a traffic light, the engine would overheat. The contact stated that the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact had the veh…”
NHTSA complaint #11536320, 2022
Structure 7 1 crash
“1. TRUNK LID DOES NOT STAY LATCHED. SOME SERIES OF OPENING AND CLOSING DIFFERENT DOORS TYPICALLY RECTIFIES ISSUE. MULTIPLE WITNESSES. INTERMITTENT. NO PATTERN. 2. VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN MAKING TIGHT TURNS INTO TRAFFIC (HEAVY CONSTRUCTION AT MY COMPLEX'S ONLY ENTRANCE/EXIT). VEHICLE ALSO 'TURNS OFF' DESPITE IT BEING IN 'DRIVE' AND MOVING--I RECEIVE A MESSAGE STATING TO PUT FOOT ON BRAKE AND PUSH BUTTON TO START VEHICLE DESPITE IT BEING IN DRIVE AND MOVING. THIS MEANS I HAVE TO STOP THE CAR IN ANGRY TRAFFIC, PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, MOVE SHIFT TO PARK AND THEN RESTART A VEHICLE THA…”
NHTSA complaint #11020187, 2017 · crash
“Mechanism for rear window on left side does not stop going up. Pushes rubber seal off the car and window falls out from going up too much.”
NHTSA complaint #11701748, 2024
“The indoor cloth paneling is peeling off due to cheap adhesive materials used by Jeep manufacturers. The filament inside the cloth paneling is falling out and getting in the air I am breathing in the car. I looked online and it seems this is a problem with many 2015-2017 Jeep Renegades and is said to be a design/material defect. This should be a recall. The head lights and right side parking light flicker and sometimes don’t come on. This may be an electrical issue that other 2015-2017 Jeep Renegade owners document having as well. The dealer wants to charge hundreds of dollars for these rep…”
NHTSA complaint #11690392, 2023
Suspension 7
“I purchased a used 2016 Jeep Renegade from a dealership located in Chicago, Illinois, on October 12, 2025. The seller assured me that the vehicle title was available and promised to mail it to me the day after the purchase, since I live in Nebraska and could not return in person to pick it up. It has now been more than three weeks, and the dealership has not delivered the title, now claiming that the auction has not yet provided it. The vehicle is currently in my possession, but I am unable to register or legally use it due to the missing title. The dealership only provided a “bill of sale” a…”
NHTSA complaint #11698798, 2025
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly began to shake and vibrate, and moments later the front driver’s side suspension system failed to render the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front rack and pinion rod had dislodged. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11460783, 2021
“there were no warnings on the vehicle to indicate a problem occurring. coming from a complete stop there is a delay in accelerating to speed - feels like a stall and the pedal is not receiving any gas... but the tank is full. dealership never found any issues nor were able to reproduce the same problem. this problem happens multiple times a year. this is dangerous for driving as i'm unable to get to full speed in traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #11432716, 2021
Wheels 7
“Understanding the vehicle is not under wheel stud recall but it needs to be. The exact same thing happened to my Renegade as the recall states. At the Jeep dealer because the wheel came off when my wife was driving. Towed to Jeep dealer and all stud/ nuts are stressed and stretched and causing this life threatening situation. Wrong tourque specs published. Luckily my wife wasn’t hurt or killed. I have attached pictures and video. Talked to Jeep customer care with no help. This is a very serious situation and needs to be addressed.”
NHTSA complaint #11751094, 2026
“I took the vehicle in for Oil Change and tire rotation on May 5th, 2023. Dealer could not remove wheels, as the lug nuts on all 4 wheels were in a swollen state. Dealer mentioned that this is a known design defect in many Chrysler vehicles, and it would cost me $233 to have them replaced. Pls see attached screenshot. At this point, if I had a flat tire, I will not be able to replace it, as I am not able to remove the lug nuts. Ticket 86109919 was opened with Jeep.com on May 8th, 2023. Customer Service has advised that they will not cover the cost of replacing these lug nuts, even if it's not a…”
NHTSA complaint #11521120, 2023
“The lug nut wrench doesn’t fit the lug studs due to the shiny cap on each stud. I had to use a hammer to force the wrench on to the studs in order to remove them. I replaced all studs with aftermarket studs without any beauty cover allowing a 17 mm wrench to remove the studs.”
NHTSA complaint #11490164, 2022
Visibility/Wiper 6
“THE GUIDE LINES HAVE DISAPPEARED ON THE REVERSE CAMERA.”
NHTSA complaint #11400292, 2020
“THE WINDSHIELDS ARE MADE WITH POOR QUALITY GLASS.WHEN YOU GET A CHIP IT SPREADS BEYOND REPAIR IN A DAY.I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN NOV.OF 2016,IN JAN 2017 HAD THE WINDSHIELDS REPLACED.GOT ANOTHER ROCK CHIP LAST MONTH AND THE WINDSHIELD HAS TO BE REPLACED.I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR 10 MONTHS AND WILL BE ON MY 3RD WINDSHIELD.I HAVE OWNED VEHICLES 32 YRS AND NEVER HAD TO REPLACE WINDSHIELDS THIS MUCH.ROCK CHIPS DON'T NORMALLY SPREAD QUICKLY LIKE THEY DO ON THE RENEGADES.I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME BUT RENEGADE OWNERS ALL OVER THE U.S.ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM.SOMEONE IS GONNA HAVE TO DIE…”
NHTSA complaint #11021115, 2017
“MY WINDSHIELD CHIPPED & CRACKED. THE STRANGE THING IS THE CRACK IS ON THE INSIDE BEHIND THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, NOT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT WASN'T A ROCK OR STONE THAT HIT THE WIND SHIELD BUT THERE MUST BE A DEFECT IN THE GLASS. I CALLED JEEP & THEY WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE A DEFECT UNLESS YOU ORGANIZATION SAYS SO. I'VE READ ABOUT OTHER RENEGADE OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE ONLINE AND JEEP WON'T DO ANYTHING. CAN YOU HELP?”
NHTSA complaint #10908544, 2016
Forward Collision Avoidance 2 1 crash
“UNKNOWN. System failed to warn me that a car was approaching on my blind spot and if I had the warning it could have prevented an accident. Had a warning been given allowing me to know not to cross the lane I would have been more aware of the car approaching my lane and then the automatic emergency braking system could’ve kicked in to prevent this accident from happening in the first place.”
NHTSA complaint #11420638, 2021 · crash
“Parking brake shows need service as is stuck on. I haven't used the parking brake. This is the 2nd time this has happened. Had it in and repaired once. Always sticks while driving on a trip.Smells like something is burning and I believe this to be a safety issue especially since its the 2nd time it has happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11516481, 2023
Fuel System 2 1 injury
“VEHICLE IN MOTION ON THE I-90S IN BUFFALO, NY. SUDDEN LOSS OF MECHANICAL POWER TO MY FRONT WHEEL DRIVE 2016 JEEP RENEGADE SPORT (STANDARD TRANSMISSION). THIS OCCURRED ON 6/23 AT 1:30AM FOLLOWING A CONCERT. DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE IN DANGER DUE TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF MECHANICAL POWER TO THE CAR AND WERE FORCED TO PULL OVER ON A RESTRICTED HIGHWAY OVERPASS. DEALER, WEST HERR (ORCHARD PARK) QUOTED FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY - MOPAR (68312374AA) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AFTER A VEHICLE ENGINE STALL AT 52092/60,000 (POWER-TRAIN WARRANTY). REPLACEMENT OF PART NOT COVERED VIA POWER-TRAIN AS THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBL…”
NHTSA complaint #11222683, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11644601, 2025
Traction Control System 2
“THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THE ENGINE WILL LOSE POWER WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MAKING A TURN AT LOWER SPEEDS, SUCH AS AT 25 TO 35 MILES PER HOUR. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC MULTIPLE TIMES. THIS HAPPENS PRETTY MUCH ON A DAILY BASIS WHEN DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK. I HAVE ALSO SPOKEN WITH MANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10934151, 2016
“TWICE NOW WITH LESS THAT 950 MILES ON MY VEHICLE THE VEHICLE THE TRACTION CONTROL HAS ENGAGED ON CLEAN DRY PAVEMENT, STOPPED AT A STOP SIGNED AND TURNED RIGHT EACH TIME AND AT ABOUT 5 MPH THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGED AND ENGAGED WHAT SEEMED LIKE A ENGINE BRAKE TO DECELERATE THE ENGINE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND MANY PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THE ISSUE ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES AND FORUMS FOR THIS VEHICLE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10888677, 2016
Back Over Prevention 1
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was intermittently blue or blank while reversing. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the infotainment system and the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a claim was filed; however, the claim was later denied. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11632745, 2021
Equipment 1
“2016 JEEP RENEGADE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO THE ABSENCE OF A STEERING DAMPER/STABILIZER, AND ALSO THE ABSENCE OF A SPARE TIRE WITH A JACKING DEVICE. *AS *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11319494, 2019
Lane Departure 1 1 crash
“UNKNOWN. System failed to warn me that a car was approaching on my blind spot and if I had the warning it could have prevented an accident. Had a warning been given allowing me to know not to cross the lane I would have been more aware of the car approaching my lane and then the automatic emergency braking system could’ve kicked in to prevent this accident from happening in the first place.”
NHTSA complaint #11420638, 2021 · crash
Parking Brake 1 1 crash
“PARKING BRAKE FAILED TO SET WHEN PRESSED. THE LIGHT FOR THE BRAKE TURNED ON, HOWEVER THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY FROM ITS PARKED LOCATION.”
NHTSA complaint #10937431, 2016 · crash
Tether 1
“You cannot correctly install this car seat with the provided tethers. The loosen/tighten latch that holds the belt stops functioning the second there is any tension. You can not pull the strap through to get it tight enough to hold the seat in place with the base tether or the anchor tether that goes over the seat back. There is always at least 6 inches of slack and you cannot tighten any tighter to get the seat positioned with no movement. Even the firemen at the fire dept could not install this seat safely or get it tightened past a specific point. They advised me to make this report.”
NHTSA complaint #11495887, 2022
Visibility 1
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the sunroof failed to close. The contact mentioned that the vehicle needed to be restarted a couple of times for the sunroof to close as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rails were fractured, and the sunroof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11442868, 2021
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2016 Jeep Renegade draws about 39.0 complaints per year on the road, ranking 4 of 9 among the Jeep Renegade model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.