2016 Jeep Renegade Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Renegade, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine17830.3%
- Electrical11820.1%
- Powertrain (other)7312.4%
- Driver assistance508.5%
- Fuel system284.8%
- Exterior lighting274.6%
- Brakes244.1%
- Airbags172.9%
- Steering152.6%
- Seat belts142.4%
- Interior & seats111.9%
- Other / unspecified101.7%
- Body & structure81.4%
- Suspension71.2%
- Visibility71.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound while the cooling fan was in operation. The contact stated that the sound became louder over time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with fan bearing and spindle failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that after leaving the dealer, the engine started to overheat, and the coolant temperature gauge moved into the red zone. No warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
The contact's son owned a 2016 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that after his son parked the vehicle in the driveway and turned the vehicle off, the son entered the home and moments later noticed an orange glow coming from outside. The son went outside to investigate and discovered a foot tall flames coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The son attempted to use a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames, but was unsuccessful. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed, and the detached garage was also damaged by the flames. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Electrical warning lights turn off and on on panel. Fob stopped working and car became immobilised blocking traffic. Car towed by AAA to an AAA recommended repair shop, has been there one week, diagnosis leads back to fob and programming/ electrical system. Battery checked and was not an issue. Fob and electrical programming systems is the issue. I will have itemized receipts once fob/programming work is completed.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
No oil change light, no engine light. Excessive Oil consumption engine Metal to metal brakes
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
After starting up the vehicle several dash lights turned on including check engine and power system indicator. The accelerator pedal would not provide throttle to the engine and vehicle was in limp mode. after reading codes P2138(Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor) and P0653(Sensor Reference Voltage B Circuit High) After Dealer diagnostic it was determined that the accelerator pedal sensor was faulty and is being replaced. The issue appears common as the part is on nationwide backorder and the dealer has been waiting on the part for 4 weeks. The car is still not repaired.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Ongoing Recall Issue – 2016 Jeep Renegade (Recall U90) This Recall came out 06/16/2022 when I connect the dealership they keep say its backorder and that they have no ETA on. Sometimes I do receive texts about the part being available but when I call, they say no and that it could be scammed when it clearly gives me the dealership info and phone number.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I had a service airbag, service parking brake and the seatbelt light starts flashing. It happens every time I drive the vehicle and I had it looked at by a mechanic and they see no issue with the sensors. They told me to check for any recalls and I don’t see any here.
I had a service airbag warning go off days prior which was then followed by my parking brake warning and a constant seatbelt warning chime that happened concurrently. The vehicle had these issues cleared by my mechanic but hasn't been able to be resolved. From what i understand, the seatbelt sensor is faulty and should I have an accident in the near future the airbags will not deploy.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I had a service airbag, service parking brake and the seatbelt light starts flashing. It happens every time I drive the vehicle and I had it looked at by a mechanic and they see no issue with the sensors. They told me to check for any recalls and I don’t see any here.
I had a service airbag warning go off days prior which was then followed by my parking brake warning and a constant seatbelt warning chime that happened concurrently. The vehicle had these issues cleared by my mechanic but hasn't been able to be resolved. From what i understand, the seatbelt sensor is faulty and should I have an accident in the near future the airbags will not deploy.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INTERMITTENTLY GO ON AND PHYSICAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING IS FELT. THIS HAPPENS BOTH WHILE AT IDLE STATIONARY AND DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ON BOTH HIGHWAY AND CITY.*DT*JB
I WAS ON A HIGHWAY GOING 65MPH AND MY ENGINE CUT OFF, STEERING LOCKED UP, AND I HAD NO CONTROL OF BREAKS OR ANYTHING. I COULD NOT GET OVER OR EVEN PUT MY HAZARDS ON TO SIGNAL TO OTHER DRIVERS I COULD NOT STOP OR GET TO ANOTHER LANE. WHEN A TOW TRUCK ARRIVED HE TRIED A NEW BATTERY AND EVERYTHING AND COULD NOT EVEN GET THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO BE ABLE TO TOW IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD TO GET SPECIAL TRUCK THERE TO GET THE CAR TO SAFETY AND A SHOP. AFTER GETTING TO THE SHOP THEY SAID IT WAS AN ISSUE WITH MY WATER PUMP THAT CAUSED EVERYTHING TO SHUT DOWN SUDDENLY.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I had a service airbag, service parking brake and the seatbelt light starts flashing. It happens every time I drive the vehicle and I had it looked at by a mechanic and they see no issue with the sensors. They told me to check for any recalls and I don’t see any here.
I had a service airbag warning go off days prior which was then followed by my parking brake warning and a constant seatbelt warning chime that happened concurrently. The vehicle had these issues cleared by my mechanic but hasn't been able to be resolved. From what i understand, the seatbelt sensor is faulty and should I have an accident in the near future the airbags will not deploy.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
You cannot correctly install this car seat with the provided tethers. The loosen/tighten latch that holds the belt stops functioning the second there is any tension. You can not pull the strap through to get it tight enough to hold the seat in place with the base tether or the anchor tether that goes over the seat back. There is always at least 6 inches of slack and you cannot tighten any tighter to get the seat positioned with no movement. Even the firemen at the fire dept could not install this seat safely or get it tightened past a specific point. They advised me to make this report.
I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MAY OF 2020. IT IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS THAT A BARELY 5 YEAR OLD CAR IS ALREADY SHIFTING HARD. AND HAS TO GO UNDER MAINTENANCE FOR THE TRANSMISSION. IT IS NOT JUST MY CAR, BUT OVER 75% OF JEEP RENEGADE OWNERS IS HAVING THIS ISSUE. IT IS UNSAFE. I NOTICED IT WHEN I WAS ROLLING TO A STOP AT A STOP LIGHT AND MY CAR JERKED FORWARD INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS COMING. IT COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLLLLYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!! FIX THE ISSUE. NOW I HAVE TO STOP FARTHER FROM THE LIGHT OR SIGN BECAUSE I KNOW MY CAR IS GOING TO LUNGE FORWARD. A 5 YEAR OLD CAR I HAVE TO TREAT LIKE ITS 20 YEARS OLD, I WILL NEVER BE BUYING ANOTHER JEEP ANYTHING AGAIN. I WAS AN IMPALA OWNER FOR YEARS AND NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES. EVEN WHEN MY IMPALA HIT 19 YEARS OLD AND HAD ALMOST 300,000 MILES. A 5 YEAR OLD CAR SHOULD BY NO MEANS ACT LIKE THIS. NOW AFTER DROPPING 12,000 ON THIS CAR I HAVE TO LEAVE WORK, LOOSE MORE MONEY AND GO TO AN APPOINTMENT ON THE 21ST TO SEE IF WE CAN GET THIS ISSUE FIXED.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Understanding the vehicle is not under wheel stud recall but it needs to be. The exact same thing happened to my Renegade as the recall states. At the Jeep dealer because the wheel came off when my wife was driving. Towed to Jeep dealer and all stud/ nuts are stressed and stretched and causing this life threatening situation. Wrong tourque specs published. Luckily my wife wasn’t hurt or killed. I have attached pictures and video. Talked to Jeep customer care with no help. This is a very serious situation and needs to be addressed.
I took the vehicle in for Oil Change and tire rotation on May 5th, 2023. Dealer could not remove wheels, as the lug nuts on all 4 wheels were in a swollen state. Dealer mentioned that this is a known design defect in many Chrysler vehicles, and it would cost me $233 to have them replaced. Pls see attached screenshot. At this point, if I had a flat tire, I will not be able to replace it, as I am not able to remove the lug nuts. Ticket 86109919 was opened with Jeep.com on May 8th, 2023. Customer Service has advised that they will not cover the cost of replacing these lug nuts, even if it's not a product that falls under the 'wear and tear' category. Please help in making this a product to be recalled and repaired at FCA's expense.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Mechanism for rear window on left side does not stop going up. Pushes rubber seal off the car and window falls out from going up too much.
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.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased a used 2016 Jeep Renegade from a dealership located in Chicago, Illinois, on October 12, 2025. The seller assured me that the vehicle title was available and promised to mail it to me the day after the purchase, since I live in Nebraska and could not return in person to pick it up. It has now been more than three weeks, and the dealership has not delivered the title, now claiming that the auction has not yet provided it. The vehicle is currently in my possession, but I am unable to register or legally use it due to the missing title. The dealership only provided a “bill of sale” as proof of purchase. In addition, the seller offered a 30-day warranty for a transmission issue, which began showing problems again before the warranty expired. However, the dealership refuses to issue any refund, stating that it “does not make returns.” I believe this situation poses a risk to consumer safety, as the vehicle was sold without a valid title and with a significant mechanical issue that could affect its operation. I request that the dealership be investigated for possible violations of vehicle sales laws and consumer fraud.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly began to shake and vibrate, and moments later the front driver’s side suspension system failed to render the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front rack and pinion rod had dislodged. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the sunroof failed to close. The contact mentioned that the vehicle needed to be restarted a couple of times for the sunroof to close as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rails were fractured, and the sunroof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was not available.
THE GUIDE LINES HAVE DISAPPEARED ON THE REVERSE CAMERA.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .