Problems · NHTSA complaints
2016 Jeep Renegade problems
Owners filed 431 complaints about the 2016 Jeep Renegade with NHTSA between Mar 2016 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (174).
Complaints
431
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
9
Reported by owners
Fires
10
Reported by owners
Injuries
15
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine174
- Electrical system119
- Power train74
- Vehicle speed control29
- Exterior lighting27
- Fuel/propulsion system26
- Service brakes23
- Electronic stability control (esc)21
- Air bags17
- Steering15
- Seat belts14
- Seats10
- Engine and engine cooling8
- Wheels7
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
38
55
54
115
54
31
23
11
19
20
11
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 38 |
| 2017 | 55 |
| 2018 | 54 |
| 2019 | 115 |
| 2020 | 54 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
174 reports3 fires
“While driving on the freeway at approximately 65 mph with my family in the vehicle, including my fiancée, my [XXX] son, and my fiancée’s mother, the engine suddenly began making a grinding noise that lasted approximately 10 seconds. The engine then began knocking, and the vehicle abruptly shut off, leaving me unable to continue driving. I was forced to maneuver toward the nearest available safe location, but there was no immediately safe place to pull over. I narrowly avoided being hit by other vehicles while trying to get off the freeway and ultimately had to stop on an offramp. This sudden engine failure created a serious safety hazard for my entire family and other motorists. I had to arrange an Uber to transport my fiancée, my young son, and my fiancée’s mother home while I remained in an unsafe location near the freeway waiting for a tow truck. The incident was frightening and emotionally distressing for everyone involved. I believe the failure may involve internal engine components, but the exact cause has not yet been determined. The vehicle has not been driven since the incident and is currently at a Carvana-owned Jeep dealership awaiting diagnostic…”
Electrical system
119 reports1 crash2 fires
“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 fixed.”
Power train
74 reports3 crashes
“The jerking, delayed take off reported originally that was supposedly corrected with a motor replacement STILL happens. Spoken with multiple other Renegade drivers and tow truck drivers, the transmission appears to be the issue. Each recorded visit to the dealership has reported transmission ok. My safety is my absolute #1 concern. Want transmission checked, rechecked, repaired, replaced or whatever makes my driving life safe as possible.”
Vehicle speed control
29 reports
“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. Car was picked up on 07/12/2025 from the dealership and on 07/15/2025 car was returned for third time to repair the issue with the same codes. A case was opened with Stellantis. At this poin car is still being repaired for the same issue. When issue occurs car goes into limp mode, and runs at 50% throttle, and has on occasion completely lost power sometimes causing some safety concerns. Vehicle was able to drive in limp mode first two times, third time required towing to the dealership”
Exterior lighting
27 reports1 fire
“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 repairs when they are Jeep brand defects.”
Fuel/propulsion system
26 reports1 crash1 fire
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.