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2021 Jeep Renegade Problems & Owner Complaints

66 NHTSA owner complaints
3 crash 1 fire 2 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~11.0 complaints per year on the road — ranking 5 of 9 Jeep Renegade years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area on the 2021 Jeep Renegade, cited in 26 of 66 filed complaints (39%).

Engine is next (9 complaints, 14%), followed by Forward Collision Avoidance (9), Air Bags (7), Power Train (6).

Across all complaints, 3 report a crash, 1 report a fire, 2 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 2 crash, 1 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2021 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 66.

Electrical System 26 1 fire

“The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, several messages were displayed. The contact stated that " Warning. Imminent Engine Failure", " Warning. Side and Front Impacts", " Warning. Low Fuel" and other unknown warning messages were displayed. Additionally, the radio became inoperable. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring system had melted due to exposure to the exhaust gases. The dealer informed the contact that the exhaust pipe was malformed as it was routed incorrectly…”
NHTSA complaint #11459112, 2022 · fire

“Radio screen completely back. Including no rear backup camera.”
NHTSA complaint #11723429, 2026

“The car will all of a sudden have light started flashing and then it will stop going.”
NHTSA complaint #11733674, 2025

Unknown Or Other 20

“I am writing to respectfully request goodwill assistance regarding a significant sunroof failure on my 2021 Jeep Renegade 80th Anniversary Edition (VIN: [XXX]). I purchased this vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned Jeep from Ferman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Wesley Chapel on XXX. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had only 6,084 miles. It currently has approximately 17,000 miles, meaning it has been driven only about 11,000 miles since I purchased it. Because I live in Orlando, more than 100 miles from the selling dealership, I relied heavily on the information they provided before making the t…”
NHTSA complaint #11753190, 2026

“I am writing to respectfully request goodwill assistance regarding a significant sunroof failure on my 2021 Jeep Renegade 80th Anniversary Edition (VIN: [XXX]). I purchased this vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned Jeep from Ferman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Wesley Chapel on June 1, 2024. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had only 6,084 miles. It currently has approximately 17,000 miles, meaning it has been driven only about 11,000 miles since I purchased it. Because I live in Orlando, more than 100 miles from the selling dealership, I relied heavily on the information they provided before mak…”
NHTSA complaint #11753191, 2026

“The infotainment system in my 2021 Jeep Renegade has failed and was diagnosed by an authorized Jeep dealership as an infotainment (info center) failure. The display frequently blacks out, shows lines, and becomes distorted, preventing access to essential vehicle controls including navigation, climate control, and radio functions. More critically, the backup camera randomly activates while the vehicle is in drive, causing the screen to unexpectedly switch from the normal driving display to the rear‑view camera. This occurs while driving forward and creates driver distraction and confusion. To c…”
NHTSA complaint #11727829, 2026

Engine 9

“I was driving down the road and the car turns off. Everything turns off, no lights, no nothing and it won't crank again. And then I had to call a wrecker truck and the oil was on top of the motor and back of the tailpipe. I couldn't even get it out of the road. I am so thankful my granddaughter was not in there And I'm glad I wasn't on the interstate cuz if I was that would have been bad”
NHTSA complaint #11751304, 2026

“The automatic engine stop/start feature failed and engine would not stop running. Had to remove fuse to the electric fuel pump, after about 1 minute engine shutdown. My concern is what if while driving and system fails and engine does shut down , that is a dangerous situation. I know I am reporting that engine would not shut down but if a failure occurs and engine shuts down. System should be anylized. For possible failures.”
NHTSA complaint #11710254, 2025

“I started having a problem with my air conditioner. I had to get my car serviced for an oil change and had an AC check. I was told that the reservoir was totally dry and it shouldn't be because it is a sealed system. It should be like the oil & just get dirty. The mechanic said I have to get a ridiculous procedure before they can even tell what the problem is where they add freeone to see what is going on and then take it back out and then I will have additional charges for the actual problem. Just to check is almost 500.00. He told me he has been seeing this lately. I wonder if others have ex…”
NHTSA complaint #11675160, 2025

Forward Collision Avoidance 9

“The component that failed, or I think is failing is the forward collision warning thing on my car. If the component actually went off, I could have cause a multiple car crash depended on who was behind me while I was driving. It has been reproduced by multiple drivers based on my research. The vehicle component has been inspected by police, lemon law firms and manufacturers and confirmed that it is an issue. No warning lamps or messages appeared, it came up multiple times randomly while I was driving, and has almost triggered every time. When I first opened the car it was fine, but I'd say abo…”
NHTSA complaint #11739734, 2026

“The car will all of a sudden have light started flashing and then it will stop going.”
NHTSA complaint #11733674, 2025

“I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Renegade, which has been experiencing sudden, unprovoked automatic braking for almost a year. The issue began in Spring [Year], and over the past two months, it has become significantly more frequent. The vehicle brakes sharply on its own even when there are no obstacles, cars, or objects in front of us. This happens at normal driving speeds and creates a serious risk of rear-end collisions—especially dangerous on highways. We have a baby, and this malfunction has put our family in frightening situations multiple times. We…”
NHTSA complaint #11676531, 2025

Air Bags 7 2 crash 1 injury

“The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 25 MPH when another vehicle crashed into the rear at an unknown high rate of speed. The passenger side bumper edge was damaged as well as the rear passenger side door. The contact vehicle was propelled 6 meters forward as a result of the crash. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the vehicle was a total loss. No warning lights had illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The c…”
NHTSA complaint #11632436, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“On [XXX] my 2021 Jeep Renegade 4x4 VIN [XXX] was struck from the rear by another vehicle. My vehicle was stopped at a traffic light in Columbus, Ohio. My vehicles air bags did not deploy. The other vehicles air bags did deploy. The Sheriff Office did make mention of this during the traffic Report writing process. (REF: Traffic Accident Report #[XXX]: Franklin County Ohio Sheriff Office) . The driver, myself sustained injuries. Medical intervention was sought. Casualty Insurance Claim was filed. Vehicle repairs were performed. No warning lamps. messages or other symptoms occurred relat…”
NHTSA complaint #11613033, 2021 · crash

“I’m reporting Suspicious activity: Inaccurate Vehicle Service Records Reported by Flagship Chrysler Bayamón. Every time my Jeep Renegade, VIN [XXX] , has been serviced by Flagship Chrysler Bayamón—four times in total—the information reported to Carfax has been inaccurate : 1. 12/02/2023 - 12/05/2023: Right front seat buckle replaced under warranty. Invoice [XXX].  Per carfax report dated 07/02/2025 vehicle serviced “tire condition and pressure checked”. 2. 12/21/2024: Oil and filter changed, maintenance inspection performed, and motor care product applied. Invoice [XXX]. Per carfax report da…”
NHTSA complaint #11672087, 2025

Power Train 6

“The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the transmission erroneously shifted into the neutral, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, but no service was performed, and the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100.”
NHTSA complaint #11595477, 2023

“We experienced an electrical failure while driving the Jeep Renegade. We had no power or brakes and multiple warning lights were flashing on the dashboard. Fortunately, we were able to pull into a business parking lot and stopped by running into a snow berm. We could not stop the engine and tried many times to turn the engine off during the 3 hours we waited for a tow truck. We were finally able to turn off the engine and drove it to the local Ford dealership with the tow truck following us. We went to the dealer the following morning and the customer service rep started the engine and exper…”
NHTSA complaint #11558276, 2023

“Transmissions are defective! Will not go into 8th or 9th gear under any circumstances. Jeep says it is what it is. Transmission runs hot (3/4 or hotter) and mileage is awful. Factory rep was to meet with me and backed out telling dealer customers have to deal with it. Transmission will not hold up to driving 75mph for hours. Dealer was informed of issue 50 mi. after delivery and said it would fix itself after it hit 1k. Vehicles do not meet CAFE standards. Mileage is 25 to 33 percent less than rating. I have had 2 Jeep cases and first one ended when rep was told not to meet with me.…”
NHTSA complaint #11472668, 2022

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Lane Departure 4 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph around a curve, the steering wheel went straight, and she attempted to correct it. The lane departure warning with lane keep assist engaged and began to beep and took control of the vehicle. The vehicle fishtailed, crossed the lane,  the driver lost control, and crashed into a ditch. The vehicle flipped on its side. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags were deployed. The driver was wearing a seat belt, but her head smashed through the passenger side window. The driver sustained a concussio…”
NHTSA complaint #11560913, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON FEB. 6.2022 THERE WAS ANOTHER CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING WENT OFF AND WARNED OF SOMEONE IMMEDIATLY STOPPING IN FRONT OF ME AS THE RED STOP WARNING CAME ACROSS THE DASH LIKE IT HAS IN THE PAST IN THEN FAILED AND THEN THE SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH 4X4 FAILURE NOTICE AND EVERYTHING ELSE I TOOK IT TO MAZDA INSTEAD OF JEEP BECAUSE THEY ADVISED THEY HAVE A 2 WEEK BACKLOG OF ISSUES AND CANNOT GET A RENTAL CARE NOR A VALID ETA ON FIXING VEHICLE. MAZDA FOUND OUT THERE WAS A BENT TIE ROD WHICH RESULTED IN ME SPENDING $4,000 TO GET FIXED AND THEY STILL HAD TO REFER ME…”
NHTSA complaint #11455069, 2022

“ON SUNDAY 1/17/21, I LEASED A CAR FROM THE DEALER LISTED ABOVE. I LEASED A 2021 FULLY LOADED JEEP RENEGADE EVEN AFTER THE HORRIBLE TREATMENT FROM THE RUDE IMPERSONAL SALESPERSON - AFTER ONLY TWO DAYS OF HAVING THE CAR, WE GOT BEGIN HAVING ISSUE WITH IT, THE WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH THAT SAID, "STEREO SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE". THIS MALFUNCTION CAUSED ALL SAFETY FEATURES TO TURN OFF AS WELL AS THE SPECIAL KENWOOD SOUND SYSTEM THAT WE PAID EXTRA FOR AS A PART OF THE LUXURY GROUP ADD ON. I LOOKED INTO THE ISSUE MYSELF AND IT STATED THAT IT HAD BEEN GOING ON IN THIS CAR SINCE THE 2018 MODEL. SINCE THEN…”
NHTSA complaint #11396184, 2021

Steering 4 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph around a curve, the steering wheel went straight, and she attempted to correct it. The lane departure warning with lane keep assist engaged and began to beep and took control of the vehicle. The vehicle fishtailed, crossed the lane,  the driver lost control, and crashed into a ditch. The vehicle flipped on its side. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags were deployed. The driver was wearing a seat belt, but her head smashed through the passenger side window. The driver sustained a concussio…”
NHTSA complaint #11560913, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The car will all of a sudden have light started flashing and then it will stop going.”
NHTSA complaint #11733674, 2025

“Driving my jeep to work and a bunch of warning lights come on - air bag, power steering, camera, front collision detection, abs system, parking brake, etc. I also lose power steering. Mechanic cannot find cause and all modules appear to be working - codes clear and return after about 30 miles of driving. Car isn't safe to drive and has been in the shop for 11 weeks with no answers. It is about to come back to sit in my driveway - and I will have to continue to make payments on a car that isn't drivable and may never be again. Since electrical issues seem to be prevalent with the vehicle -…”
NHTSA complaint #11639173, 2024

Seat Belts 3

“The right side seat belt connector failed and I was unable to take the seat belt off, which is a safety hazard. I went to a local independent repair garage where 3 mechanics were unable to disconnect the belt from the buckle. In 4/4/2025 I took the car to Sullivan Nissan, Plymouth, MA where I bought the car. I was told that I needed a new seat belt buckle and it is not covered under the Jeep warranty. The car has 20, 120 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11652749, 2025

“I have an active recall on my 2021 Jeep Renegade. I have made numerous attempts to get this vehicle in since recall was made public. Every excuse under the sun from dealerships in the St. Louis area. From we don't do recall work on weekends, to we are only allowed to order so many parts, we have to put you on a waiting list. Or I am out of a car for hours possibly days? I called the corporate number to Stellantis and they actually hung up on me. I work lots of hours, I as a paying customer should be catered to. I need this repair done when its convenient for me as I have a job and work a crazy…”
NHTSA complaint #11612495, 2024

“Dashboard lights suddenly start blinking, from seatbelt, airbag, check engine… then the D starts flashing and the car loses power (goes like in neutral), forcing me to pull over, when I can. This happens while driving, this happens often. Have visited a dealership twice, “no trouble found”. Danger to self and others.”
NHTSA complaint #11449343, 2022

Service Brakes 3

“I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Renegade, which has been experiencing sudden, unprovoked automatic braking for almost a year. The issue began in Spring [Year], and over the past two months, it has become significantly more frequent. The vehicle brakes sharply on its own even when there are no obstacles, cars, or objects in front of us. This happens at normal driving speeds and creates a serious risk of rear-end collisions—especially dangerous on highways. We have a baby, and this malfunction has put our family in frightening situations multiple times. We…”
NHTSA complaint #11676531, 2025

“September 1, 2021 Re: [XXX] I purchased this vehicle on or about August 17, 2021 Upon delivery but after completion of paperwork, the transport agent conveyed that the vehicle had 'quick steer". He tried to explain that the car just steers or drives on its own. Very bad weather, I didn't risk driving it. I had the opportunity to drive it and the steering wheel becomes self operating, the brakes respond and during driving the vehicle literally stops responding to manual driving. Both the steering wheel and brakes are automatically generated. In upper left corner of dash a directional turns red…”
NHTSA complaint #11431350, 2021

“My car stalled in traffic causing an risk for accidents.I couldn't steer the vehicle.There were numerous things going off in the car that prevented the mobility of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11428390, 2021

Back Over Prevention 2

“I drive a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The android screen that controls all the app AND the backup camera keeps going out. I see replacements on Amazon for around 150-200$ but of course I do not know how to install such things. All the dealers I contact want up to $2,000.00!!! to repair it AND want a $250.00 up front diagnostic fee. Simply robbery if you ask me. This feature on this vehicle is very important to the safety of the car. I have been on Jeep's Forum and see Many, many others are having the same issue. This should be a recall issue and Jeep should fit the bill.”
NHTSA complaint #11683607, 2025

“The rear driver side brake light, turn signal, and parking brake light, come and go as they please. Some days will work correctly and some days will not. I did read of a recall and my vin number is not on that list. But it has been acting like short in the wiring for over 6 months now.”
NHTSA complaint #11675873, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“The fuel line was rubbing against another pipe between the engine and firewall, causing it to leak, spraying gas all over the engine including the exhaust. In my opinion if this hadn’t happened in traffic where you could smell it but on the interstate I hate to think what may have happened. I’ve looked on the jeep renegade forums and there seems to be other people who have experienced the same problem. The fuel line was replaced at 47000 and I’m wondering if I should expect the same thing to happen at around 94000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11717976, 2026

“Fuel line bundle - dealership said its corroded it’s only a 2021 with no prior damage.”
NHTSA complaint #11690414, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“Driving my jeep to work and a bunch of warning lights come on - air bag, power steering, camera, front collision detection, abs system, parking brake, etc. I also lose power steering. Mechanic cannot find cause and all modules appear to be working - codes clear and return after about 30 miles of driving. Car isn't safe to drive and has been in the shop for 11 weeks with no answers. It is about to come back to sit in my driveway - and I will have to continue to make payments on a car that isn't drivable and may never be again. Since electrical issues seem to be prevalent with the vehicle -…”
NHTSA complaint #11639173, 2024

“When traveling with the cruise control on, on the expressway, the speeddometer started to flicker on and off then totally went off. It lasted a couple of seconds and when it came back on my speed was at 55 mph. I was traveling at 75 when it started. This happens alot. Also the radio will sometimes blast its volume, change stations on its own or won't shut off. Last week my rear window went down and wouldn't go back up. These things happen occasionally but after shutting off the car and waiting it seems to clear for awhile. I took it into the dealer and was told there was nothing they co…”
NHTSA complaint #11427818, 2021

Visibility/Wiper 2

“Uconnect system/radio screen visually not working appropriately. Gets glitchy lines and will go black. Flip upside down. And blurr together. Screen will respond to touch even when not visually able to see anything. This will happen at random even when using back up cameras which is dangerous will go completely black when trying to use screen in any way. No damage to screen. Car is 2021 should not be having issues with screen already this is a safety hazard especially because using backup camera screen goes completely black.”
NHTSA complaint #11643471, 2025

“The infotainment/radio system in this 2021 Jeep Renegade has been malfunctioning for nearly two years. The dealership repeatedly states that no replacement parts are available and no repair can currently be performed. The system intermittently fails, freezes, reboots, or goes blank. When this occurs, the rear backup camera becomes unavailable or nonfunctional, creating a significant safety concern while reversing. The failure also makes it impossible to use the vehicle’s navigation system and disrupts the vehicle’s communication features, including hands-free cellular/Bluetooth functions. This…”
NHTSA complaint #11739261, 2024

Engine And Engine Cooling 1 1 fire

“The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, several messages were displayed. The contact stated that " Warning. Imminent Engine Failure", " Warning. Side and Front Impacts", " Warning. Low Fuel" and other unknown warning messages were displayed. Additionally, the radio became inoperable. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring system had melted due to exposure to the exhaust gases. The dealer informed the contact that the exhaust pipe was malformed as it was routed incorrectly…”
NHTSA complaint #11459112, 2022 · fire

Exterior Lighting 1

“The rear driver side brake light, turn signal, and parking brake light, come and go as they please. Some days will work correctly and some days will not. I did read of a recall and my vin number is not on that list. But it has been acting like short in the wiring for over 6 months now.”
NHTSA complaint #11675873, 2024

Structure 1

“I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Renegade, which has been experiencing sudden, unprovoked automatic braking for almost a year. The issue began in Spring [Year], and over the past two months, it has become significantly more frequent. The vehicle brakes sharply on its own even when there are no obstacles, cars, or objects in front of us. This happens at normal driving speeds and creates a serious risk of rear-end collisions—especially dangerous on highways. We have a baby, and this malfunction has put our family in frightening situations multiple times. We…”
NHTSA complaint #11676531, 2025

Tires 1

“215/60R17 DGAS.ALL 4 OF MY TIRES GO LOW EVERY OTHER WEEK.I BOUGHT THE JEEP IN 2021.I HAVE BEEN PUTTING IN AIR IN ALL 4 TIRES EVERY SINCE.I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR 4 NEW TIRES.I HAVE NOT HAD THE JEEP A YEAR,MY NAME IS [XXX]/[XXX]//THANKS INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
NHTSA complaint #11480782, 2021

Wheels 1

“The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a tire replacement appointment, the contact was informed that twenty of the lug bolts had become swollen. The contact was informed that the lug bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 36,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11595563, 2024

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 2021 Jeep Renegade draws about 11.0 complaints per year on the road, ranking 5 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.

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