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Jeep Renegade Problems

The Jeep Renegade is a subcompact crossover produced since 2015, developed jointly with Fiat and built in Italy. With 6,754 complaints but zero deaths on record, the Renegade has experienced reliability issues while maintaining a strong safety record. The Renegade offers genuine Trailhawk off-road capability unusual for its class but suffers from the same transmission and electrical issues that plagued other Fiat-Chrysler products. It provides Jeep styling in a city-friendly size.

6,754
Total Complaints
24
Total Recalls
9
Model Years
0
Reported Deaths
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

2019 2020 2021

Common Problem Categories

Engine 1,666
Electrical System 1,190
Power Train 836
Unknown Or Other 796
Fuel/propulsion System 552

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2023 68 2 0 0 Good
2022 80 2 2 0 Good
2021 180 2 8 4 Good
2020 174 3 28 4 Good
2019 218 4 28 0 Good
2018 1,334 2 48 24 Below Average
2017 1,822 3 80 22 Below Average
2016 1,310 2 34 18 Below Average
2015 1,568 4 30 26 Below Average

Jeep Renegade Years to Avoid

The 2017 Renegade stands out with the most complaints, centered on the 9-speed automatic transmission's rough shifts, hesitation, and occasional failures. The 2015 first-year model had early-production issues including electrical gremlins and engine stalling. The 2016 models continued transmission problems and added reports of the 2.4L Tigershark engine consuming oil. The 2018-2019 models still showed transmission calibration issues despite multiple software updates. The 9-speed automatic remained problematic across all early model years.

Best Jeep Renegade Years

The 2023+ Renegades benefit from years of transmission calibration improvements and reduced complaint rates. The 2021-2022 models also show significant improvement. The Trailhawk models with the 6-speed manual (when available) avoid automatic transmission issues entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Renegade a real Jeep?

The Renegade Trailhawk earns the trail-rated badge with a low-range transfer case, hill descent control, and off-road suspension. It's genuinely capable on moderate trails despite its small size and Italian origins.

Is the 9-speed transmission fixable?

Software updates have improved the 9-speed's behavior, but it remains fundamentally rough compared to competitors. Some owners report improvement after transmission fluid exchanges. Complete failures require expensive replacement.

Why is the Renegade built in Italy?

The Renegade shares its platform with the Fiat 500X and is built at Fiat's Melfi, Italy plant. This arrangement provided economies of scale but also introduced Italian build quality variations to a Jeep product.

Is the Renegade good in snow?

The Trailhawk with its 4WD system handles snow well for its size. The standard 4x4 system is adequate for winter conditions, making it a reasonable choice for northern climates if you can trust the transmission.

How does the Renegade compare to the Cherokee?

The Cherokee is larger and uses the same problematic 9-speed transmission. The Renegade offers better maneuverability and fuel economy but less cargo space. Both suffer from similar reliability issues.