The Jeep Renegade is a medium-sized, compact SUV produced by Stellantis under the Jeep brand. It started production in 2014, hit the market in the first quarter of 2015, and remains the smallest vehicle marketed by Jeep as of 2022. Because it was modeled after the Wrangler, SUV enthusiasts anticipated its entry into the market, with the manufacturer selling over 60,000 units in the U.S. in its maiden year.
But like many other vehicles, some owners encountered problems with the Renegade originating from factory defaults. Thus, while some people loved it, others showed mixed reactions. This article describes the most common problems many Jeep Renegade owners encounter and report. Do take note that these defects and issues have been reported just for specific years.
4 Common Jeep Renegade Problems
1. Transmission Issues
Problems with transmission are one of the most reported complaints of owners of Jeep Renegade, affecting model years 2015 to 2018. Many owners say the issues occur shortly after their purchase, affecting vehicles with manual or automatic transmissions. The first signs are sudden jerking when shifting gears and grinding noises. Some people reported that the transmission slipped out of gear, causing the vehicle to stall. In some instances, the Jeep hesitates when the driver tries to accelerate. Other owners experienced lurching and stopping in the middle of the road. They also experienced rough upshifting, downshifting, and higher gears slipping or shifting into lower gears.
Causes of the transmission issues include problems with the wiring harness, resulting in the gearbox shifting into neutral or park mode on its own. Technicians who investigated the issue found that the transmission problems came from a loose connection.
How to Fix
Have a professional mechanic fix your transmission issues. A certified technician can reprogram your Jeep’s powertrain control module (PCM). More importantly, you must have your vehicle checked and maintained regularly, and this includes checking your SUV’s transmission fluid, and replacing it when necessary with the manufacturer-recommended fluid.
2. Engine Trouble
Another major issue that plagued the Jeep Renegade model years 2015 to 2018 concerns the engine, particularly the vehicles produced in 2017. Problems include oil leaks, mechanical issues, stalling, excessive oil consumption, and overheating. Some models’ fuel economy decreased. Others have increased smoke from the exhaust, while others hear strange noises from the engine.
Several issues caused the engine problem; there could be leaks, cracked oil pump housing, loose connections, faults in the piston rings, valve stem seals, or the balance shaft module. Signs of wear and tear on the engine itself may also cause the issues.
How to Fix
Once you experience your Jeep Renegade engine stalling, you should quickly bring your truck to your mechanic. If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will stall, which means the vehicle needs an engine overhaul. Hopefully, you don’t need to replace the engine.
Bring your truck to the mechanic for its regular checkup and maintenance. There could be issues with the coolant fan, or you probably need to replace the fuse if the “check engine” warning light comes on. It’s also vital to keep the engine oil and other fluids at the recommended levels. The mechanic should also inspect and replace the hoses and belts if they show cracks and tears.
3. Suspension Problems
Suspension issues with the Jeep Renegade are particularly prevalent for units built between 2014 and 2017. Owners experienced excessive vibration and bouncing because of the misaligned or worn suspension component. This issue poses a critical threat, as it could lead to dangerous driving conditions at the most unexpected times.
Aside from excessive bouncing, suspension problems can cause the Jeep to drift to one side or break the tie rod. Moreover, the SUV may produce a weird sound when turning or driving over a speed bump.
How to Fix
When taking your truck to the mechanic for regular maintenance, you should also discuss the problems you experienced with the suspension and steering systems. The mechanic can align it and replace damaged and worn parts. Lubricating all the suspension system’s moving parts is also vital, and the struts and shocks may also need replacement. Some mechanics and Renegade owners replace factory-installed suspension parts with higher-quality aftermarket components.
4. Electrical Issues
Issues with the Jeep Renegade’s electrical system affect several model years but are more prevalent in the 2016 to 2018 models. The problems range from minor problems like a faulty starter switch to failed power windows or reduced battery life. Further, you might experience a non-rotating engine or blank infotainment screen.
Most of the issues are due to problems with the UConnect firmware of the Jeep Renegade. Only a certified technician can fix this glitch. There could be a parasitic power loss (slow draining of the battery even if everything is turned off), often due to an electrical component drawing power from the battery even when not in use.
How to Fix
When you experience electrical issues with your Jeep Renegade, you can try fixing the problem by checking all the fuses, as some might have blown out. Check if the battery is adequately charged. Likewise, ensure that every connection is secure and all relays function correctly. Finally, ensure that there is no frayed or damaged wiring. Bring your vehicle to a certified mechanic for a thorough checkup and maintenance to ensure you have not missed anything when troubleshooting the electrical connections.
Overcome These Common Jeep Renegade Issues
If you own a Jeep Renegade produced from 2015 to 2018 and are experiencing these common problems, from the transmission to suspension to electrical and engine troubles, it’s in your best interest to learn some troubleshooting techniques. Also, make it a point to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines and make sure that you always bring your SUV to your trusted mechanic whenever something out of the ordinary happens to prevent these problems from growing bigger.
Also read:
