Jeep Renegade Reliability: Is It Worth Buying? 

From first look, it is almost impossible to not fall in love with the Jeep Renegade. It has a strong stance and bold exterior colors that will guarantee turning heads.

While there is no doubt that it is a thing of beauty, you have to go beyond the appearance. If you are contemplating whether to buy this SUV or not, you should be familiar with Jeep Renegade reliability.

Read on as I share with you some of the things you should know to understand how reliable the Jeep Renegade is. I will not only give you a rundown of the most and least reliable models, but I will also list common problems you might encounter.

The Best Years for Jeep Renegade Reliability 

Need help narrowing down your options for a Jeep Renegade to buy? Here is a quick look at some of the best models that should be on your radar.

2021 Jeep Renegade

One of the newest kids on the block, the 2021 model is a great option for anyone interested in buying a Jeep Renegade. It was only recently introduced, so its price is quite high. Nonetheless, the cost is justifiable because it has some of the most innovative technologies that ensure top-notch performance and comfort.

While it is a compact SUV, it is great for families. It is easy to drive around because of its size. One of its biggest selling points is the powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder base engine. You have the option to upgrade it to a more powerful engine if you want one that is more reliable even in difficult driving conditions.

The interior is also notable, which uses some of the most advanced technologies you will find in the market. It has a seven-inch intuitive touchscreen control panel that lets you stay connected on the road. The driver information digital cluster display is also incredible.

2018 Jeep Renegade

This compact crossover is another great option if you are looking for a reliable Jeep Renegade. Compared to its predecessor, it has an updated styling, which makes it more commanding. Beyond the cosmetic enhancements, it also had several performance upgrades.

One of the best things about the 2018 Jeep Renegade is its exceptional off-roading prowess, especially if you opt for the Trailhawk trim. This four-wheel drive comes with a four-cylinder engine with strut and multi-link suspensions to make it more stable even when you are traversing rough paths.

2015 Jeep Renegade

It might be old, but the 2015 Jeep Renegade is gold. You can choose from four trim options: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk.

If you are on a budget, the most affordable is the Sport trim. Serious off-roaders, on the other hand, should go for the Trailhawk, which has the most advanced features for superior performance.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2015 Jeep Renegade has an Acceptable rating. This is the second-highest rating, which demonstrates how reliable it is. Despite such, it has a couple of problems, but they are not enough to overshadow everything that is good in this SUV.

The Worst Years for Jeep Renegade Reliability 

Spare yourself from headaches and costly repairs. Here are some of the least reliable Jeep Renegades that you should avoid.

2016 Jeep Renegade

If there is one model that you should avoid at all costs, it is the 2016 Jeep Renegade. Looking at the exterior, you might not easily think that a lot of things are wrong with this model. Nonetheless, after reading reviews of other users, it is easy to be convinced that it is the least reliable.

One of the highlighted features of the 2016 Jeep Renegade is the nine-speaker audio system, which even comes with a subwoofer. Unfortunately, many users share that it is underwhelming and does not feel like it is high-end.

Additionally, the traction control system can also be problematic. A lot of users share that it can activate unintentionally. It can come at a sudden stop without you doing anything.

2017 Jeep Renegade

Unfortunately, the Jeep Renegade introduced the next year did not get any better. There are more than 700 complaints, which made it amongst the least reliable. Among others, the most significant of its problems is the engine, which can be prone to stalling. It also did not help that it has a high fuel consumption. 

Many of its users were also unhappy with the electrical problems that they encountered. The radio is spotty and the navigation system is prone to lagging. All these problems can be annoying.

The Most Common Problems in Jeep Renegade 

Overall, the Jeep Renegade is a reliable SUV. Nonetheless, it has several problems, including those that we’ll be briefly talking about below.

• Suspension Issues 

Especially apparent in the 2016 Jeep Renegade, suspension issues can compromise your safety and comfort. The movement of the axle can compromise the position of the rear suspension. Rear control arms were the subject of recalls in 2015 and 2016, noting that there were improper welds.

• Heavy Oil Consumption 

The Jeep Renegade models outfitted with a 2.4-liter Tiger Shark engine are known for their high oil consumption. Even during normal operation, it burns a lot of oil, which may not make it economical in the long run. Frequent topping of oil is necessary to maintain peak performance.

• Emissions 

High emissions are common problems in Jeep Renegades, specifically those with a 2.4-liter Tiger Shark engine. This is a regulatory and environmental concern as you will be contributing to toxic gases from cars. 

Jeep Renegade Recalls Over the Years 

To give you a better idea of the reliability issues that can confront Jeep renegade owners, here is a rundown of its recalls in recent years:

• 2019: Certain models of the Upland Trim package have been recalled because of the incorrect calibration of the Occupant Restraint Controller.
• 2018: A manufacturing error in the Renegade’s fuel pump resulted in high fuel consumption, especially in higher altitudes, causing a recall.
• 2017: Some models experienced software issues, which resulted in the malfunctioning of the warning system.
• 2016: Renegades manufactured from 2014 to 2016 were recalled because of problems in the optional trailer hitch package.

You may also want to know more about Jeep Cherokee reliability and problems.

Conclusion 

The Jeep Renegade is a reliable compact crossover, especially if you choose those from the best years. Nonetheless, there are also not-so-reliable models, especially the Renegade from 2016 and 2017. They are prone to many issues like transmission problems and excessive oil consumption.