2015 Jeep Renegade Powertrain (other) Problems

I am writing to report a recurring safety issue with my vehicle’s transmission. When attempting to accelerate into traffic, the engine revs high but fails to deliver power to the wheels, acting as if it is in neutral. This failure to shift into gear has occurred several times and poses a significant safety risk. I have maintained the vehicle regularly, including recent fluid changes. My research indicates that this year and model are subject to Recall 16V529000, which specifically addresses the 9-SPD 948TE automatic transmission found in my vehicle. I have no record of this recall being performed on my car.

NHTSA ID

11727419

Incident

Mar 17, 2026

I am driving down the road and the vehicle goes into neutral and the engine turns off. I then have to stop the vehicle and restart it. When I hit the starter button. It sputters and then starts. This has been happening irregularly 1-3 times a week since it started in December of 2025.With last time happening being on 2/16/2026.

NHTSA ID

11719320

Incident

Feb 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Renegade. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact stated several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's husband attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle eventually started. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed shift solenoid number 5 control circuit range performance. The contact was informed that the shift solenoid number 5 circuit range performance needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,300.

NHTSA ID

11691047

Incident

Sep 30, 2025

Mileage

83,300 mi

When starting the car and letting it warm up for 2 minutes. The vehicle shifts hard or takes it time to shift into next gear, and while idling for less than 5 minutes, the car warms up 32 degrees. Which I do not believe the fan motor is working properly. Also took car to dealership blown trans and engine mounts.

NHTSA ID

11689833

Incident

Sep 23, 2025

After I filled up my tank, I drove and turned onto a busy highway. As I was turning, it felt like my car went into neutral. I had to take my foot off of the gas and looked to see if the shifter switched gears, but it was still in drive. After about 10 seconds it shifted into gear. If I did not wait for the road to be clear I could have gotten into a major accident.

NHTSA ID

11671836

Incident

Jul 7, 2025

Complaint Summary: I brought my 2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk (VIN: [XXX] ) to AutoNation CDJR Roseville on May 17, 2025, for the U90 emissions recall. The catalytic converter was replaced, and the PCM software was updated. However, the U0402 diagnostic trouble code (implausible data received from TCM) remains stored. This code has been persistent and prevents the vehicle from passing California emissions, which is required for my registration as the car was transferred from out-of-state. The service advisor initially stated that the TCM was updated, but later corrected himself and admitted the TCM already had the latest version and was not reprogrammed. I have not been given written confirmation that the TCM software or wiring was verified or addressed. I am concerned the dealership is refusing to properly resolve this under recall and is instead recommending a full transmission replacement without supporting mechanical codes or verifying the emissions system software/communication is compliant. I’m requesting FCA’s assistance, and the BAR in California to enforce the complete and proper execution of the U90 recall and resolution of the U0402 code under recall scope. Please help ensure the vehicle is brought into emissions compliance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11664964

Incident

May 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly shifted into neutral independently. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the shifter assembly tower lever. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 86,000.

NHTSA ID

11654588

Incident

Apr 14, 2025

Mileage

86,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking and hesitating while shifting between gears. The contact stated that the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer where several unknown parts were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle had been inoperable for two months since the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11598395

Incident

May 15, 2024

Mileage

60,000 mi

2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk has a failed PTU being repaired at a cost of $3500. There are only 41,000 miles. In 2022 while still under warranty I had it in for shifting hard problems. I was told it was the thermostat which they replaced. I didn't take it back to Jeep until May,2024 due to it was only shifting hard sometimes and I figured they would not do anything. I took the car in due to hard shift and tire pressure light being on a day after it came on. Jeep fixed, a day later it came back, Jeep fixed. When I got home, TP light on again. Now they tell me the shifting is a different problem because the computer says DTC code went off a month ago saying there was a problem (and claim I have to bring in within a week). No warning lights or messages other than the tire pressure light which is still being fixed. Also see SB#21-025-19

NHTSA ID

11592731

Incident

May 13, 2024

Mileage

41,000 mi

While driving in a snowstorm, with 4 wheel drive engaged, the vehicle started swerving, and fish tailing. I was in town and going slow(20 mph). The dash flashed some messages, and the default kicked in so front wheel drive resumed and stability also. The main message was ESC-Emergency Stability Control, plus two others. I called a mechanic in the morning, who suggested the computer might reset. I turned the vehicle on, but the message stayed. I decided to go to the mechanic’s shop, but after two left turns I heard a “growling” sound and the computer did reset. It has been okay since.

NHTSA ID

11580228

Incident

Mar 23, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while driving and accelerating onto the highway at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to approximately 40 MPH. The contact stated that the cabin of the vehicle smelled of gasoline. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not towed, the contact drove the vehicle to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed, but no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11563769

Incident

Jun 2, 2021

Mileage

75,000 mi

The vehicle on multiple occasions is shifting very hard mostly in between first and second gear, and sometimes third. The vehicle jerks forward like it had been hit from the back. It has also quit moving even though it was still running on a couple of occasions. it feels as if it’s going into neutral and then back into gear.

NHTSA ID

11552206

Incident

Oct 27, 2023

Transmission when driving it sticks in 9 gear. Loss power. Two years ago the value body was replaced, then 2-3 months ago it started the same loss of power dealer checked found nothing said to drive it see if it happens again.Two week ago took it back in to the dealer and they replaced the valve body for a 2nd time. Left the shop a few hours later the same thing happened again. Driving the highway and no power. Took it right back to the dealer on Saturday. Have not heard anything from them yet.The transmission service light goes on and the check engine light.

NHTSA ID

11475819

Incident

Jul 23, 2022

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while her mother was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted to neutral(N) without warning. The contact’s mother was able to shift back into drive(D). The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V529000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11472517

Incident

Jul 6, 2021

While driving highway speed (55mph) I received a “transmission check” notification followed by “check engine” light engaging. Nothing felt different at this time. A few minutes later, I came to a full stop at a light. Upon turning green, I pressed the gas pedal to drive and the car revved, but would not move forward, as if stuck in neutral for about 10 seconds. If finally lurched forward and began to drive normally.

NHTSA ID

11459795

Incident

Apr 3, 2022

The vehicle engine has been shaking moderately since we purchased it. The dealer told us that is just the way the vehicle sounds and feels. Recently it has begun to shake more while stopped in traffic or at a light. The dealer told us the engine mount was broken. The vehicle has only 33,354 miles. This is a safety issue as the engine could become dislodged and cause an accident as well as the fluids would be a hazardous materials exposure endangering potential wildlife. Jeep originally told me it was covered under warranty and then later changed their mind. Either way it is a defective part of the power train and dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11455743

Incident

Mar 4, 2022

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH after having a power train software update performed, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated without warning. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact restarted the vehicle several times while attempting to shift the vehicle into gear before the vehicle started operating as needed. The contact stated that the "Check Engine and Check Transmission" warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The dealer sent out a representative to pick up the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact informed the dealer that the vehicle failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V529000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,699.

NHTSA ID

11452138

Incident

Feb 12, 2022

Mileage

72,699 mi

Outside Temperature Sensor fail in temperature under 31 degrees which causes check engine light to come on and disables four wheel drive to engage while driving in snowy conditions. Took Jeep to dealership repair cost $600 for a vehicle I’ve only owned for 25 days with 51,000 miles, they informed me that later down the road I will have to repeat this process again because this is a very common expensive problem in Jeep forum.

NHTSA ID

11451305

Incident

Feb 5, 2022

I had the factory clutch replaced on my vehicle with genuine dealer parts. After 3,000 miles the clutch failed while I was driving. That clutch was replaced with a new clutch under warranty and it also failed while I was driving after less than 300 miles. Both times the clutch failed without warning. When the clutch fails, the vehicle will not start and cannot go into gear. The first time I was turning onto a extremely busy highway and could not get my vehicle out of traffic. I am concerned that there is a design flaw in the replacement clutch parts that puts the safety of vehicle owners at risk.

NHTSA ID

11431550

Incident

Sep 2, 2021

Shifter won't work (won't move out of park) after battery dies. My vehicle's battery died at the end of April, we assumed it was just an old battery and had it replaced by AAA. Last week, the battery died again (this also co-occurred with the key fobs not working...if that's helpful). After AAA charged it, we turned it on but it wouldn't shift out of park. We followed the manual instructions to manually shift it into Neutral but then we couldn't turn the vehicle off. Eventually it was towed to the dealership while it was still running...and they said that it needs a new shifter (+$1300)?! The vehicle was purchased new and this series of events (battery dying / shifter dying) seems to be a recurring event....in some cases owners have had it happen in really inopportune and even dangerous places. https://www.jeeprenegadeforum.com/threads/transmission-wont-shift-into-gear.98673/ https://www.jeeprenegadeforum.com/threads/stuck-in-park.103031/ https://www.reddit.com/r/JeepRenegade/comments/gkt6ov/will_not_shift_from_park/ https://www.jeeprenegadeforum.com/threads/service-engine-and-service-transmission.73290/ https://www.jeeprenegadeforum.com/threads/battery-died-and-it-all-went-bad.46762/ https://www.jeeprenegadeforum.com/threads/replaced-battery-now-having-issues.98907/ https://www.jeeprenegadeforum.com/threads/battery-died-transmission-won%E2%80%99t-go-into-gear.101187/ My concern is that as the 2015 (the first year) Renegades get older, many more vehicle's will need batteries replaced and this will happen to all affected vehicles. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID

11420653

Incident

May 30, 2021

The transmission bucks when it shifts most of the time when the transmission gets warmed up. it is worrysome and I am worried for my safety.

NHTSA ID

11418431

Incident

Mar 12, 2021

MY CAR WILL NOT STAY IN DRIVE. I WAS LEAVING A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT AND WHEN I PUT IT INTO DRIVE IT MOVED FORWARD AND THEN SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL ON ITS OWN. I SHIFTED BACK TO DRIVE AND IT WENT BACK TO NEUTRAL. IF I HAD BEEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC, SOMEONE COULD HAVE EASILY CRASHED INTO ME BECAUSE WHEN IT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL MY CAR NO LONGER HAD ANY POWER AND IT CAUSES AN UNEXPECTED SLOW DOWN.. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY AT A MECHANIC'S SHOP WAITING TO BE REPAIRED. IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM WITH MY CAR, I HAVE FOUND OTHER JEEP RENEGADES AND CHRYSLER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR SAFETY CONCERNS. IF MY CAR IS DOING THE SAME THING, WHY IS IT NOT A SAFETY CONCERN? MY CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE MECHANIC SHOP IT WAS TOWED TO, WAITING TO BE REPAIRED. AT THIS TIME, I HAVE NO PAPERWORK ON REPAIRS.

NHTSA ID

11414744

Incident

Apr 22, 2021

Mileage

78,000 mi

ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON LIGHTING ON AND OFF. I WENT TO MECHANIC AND IT'S THE COOLANT THERMOSTAT. WHICH MIGHT BE AFFECTING MY INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE. IN COLD WEATHER ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF AND IN HOT WEATHER IT TURNS ON. THIS CAUSES MY JEEP TO STRUGGLE WHEN I WANT TO SPEND UP ON HIGHWAY. THE OTHER ANNOYING PROBLEM IS THAT WHEN I'M IN IDLE AT A STOP LIGHT THE JEEP SHAKES SO MUCH THAT I FEEL IT ALL OVER CAR. IT ALSO HAS A VERY LOUD NOISE TO IT. MY OTHER PROBLEM IS WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MY VOLUME TO MY RADIO GOES DOWN. NEVER FAILS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TELL SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. I HAD MY JEEP DIAGNOSED 3 TIMES AND IT COMES OUT THAT IT'S THE THERMOSTAT. DEALERSHIP WAS TELLING IT WAS THE FUEL INJECTOR WHICH HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH COOLANT ISSUES. I ALSO HEAR MY TRANSMISSION CLICK HARD WHEN CHANGING GEARS FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE. IT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ID

11407405

Incident

Jan 17, 2016

SINCE I BOUGHT THE JEEP, IT WOULD SOMETIMES SHIFT REALLY HARD FROM 1ST GEAR & THAT WAS AT 47K MILES. NOW I AM AT 55K & IT IS DOING IT FROM 1ST, 2ND, & SOMETIMES 3RD. OF COURSE, JEEP HAS MADE IT SO THAT I CANNOT EVEN CHECK MY TRANSMISSION FLUID, MUCH LESS ADD ANY BECAUSE THEY MADE IT A CLOSED UNIT. I'M SHOCKED THAT WITH ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN ABOUT THE "JERKY" "HARD SHIFTING" "SLIPPING" THAT A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN DONE ON THIS, CLEARLY, FLAWED TRANSMISSION SYSTEM.

NHTSA ID

11398741

Incident

Feb 19, 2021

Mileage

54,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 JEEP RENEGADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EMPIRE LAKEWOOD NISSAN (14707 W COLFAX AVE, LAKEWOOD, CO 80401, (303) 232-8881) WHERE THE DEALER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO CHRISTOPHER'S DODGE RAM (16655 W COLFAX AVE, GOLDEN, CO 80401, (303) 238-7311) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BE DIAGNOSED 6 TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THERMOSTAT, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH, AND MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,976.*DT On 2/22 vehicle had faulty transmission. It was the 7th time vehicle had stalling issues.

NHTSA ID

11396608

Incident

Jun 20, 2020

Mileage

69,976 mi