RoadVitals

2016 Jeep Renegade Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
429
Latest Jul 17, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
19

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

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.

178
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11744762 · filed Jun 17, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11721913 · filed Mar 4, 2026
All 178 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

118
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11746662 · filed Jun 26, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11744731 · filed Jun 17, 2026
All 118 reports naming electrical

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

73
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

No oil change light, no engine light. Excessive Oil consumption engine Metal to metal brakes

NHTSA ID 11667163 · filed Jun 16, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11646162 · filed Mar 4, 2025
All 73 reports naming powertrain (other)

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

50
reports

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

NHTSA ID 11675311 · filed Jul 22, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11662147 · filed May 20, 2025
All 50 reports naming driver assistance

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

28
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11732056 · filed Apr 18, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11675324 · filed Jul 22, 2025
All 28 reports naming fuel system

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

27
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11746662 · filed Jun 26, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11690392 · filed Sep 29, 2025
All 27 reports naming exterior lighting

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

24
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11729237 · filed Apr 4, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11709558 · filed Jan 7, 2026
All 24 reports naming brakes

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

17
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11729237 · filed Apr 4, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11709558 · filed Jan 7, 2026
All 17 reports naming airbags

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

15
reports

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

NHTSA ID 11327460 · filed Jun 5, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID 11322011 · filed Apr 23, 2020
All 15 reports naming steering

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

14
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11729237 · filed Apr 4, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11709558 · filed Jan 7, 2026
All 14 reports naming seat belts

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

11
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11495887 · filed Dec 3, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID 11406074 · filed Apr 2, 2021
All 11 reports naming interior & seats

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

10
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11751094 · filed Jul 17, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11521120 · filed May 9, 2023
All 10 reports naming other / unspecified

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

8
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11701748 · filed Nov 26, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11690392 · filed Sep 29, 2025
All 8 reports naming body & structure

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

7
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11698798 · filed Nov 11, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11460783 · filed Apr 14, 2022

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.

7
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11442868 · filed Dec 6, 2021

THE GUIDE LINES HAVE DISAPPEARED ON THE REVERSE CAMERA.

NHTSA ID 11400292 · filed Mar 11, 2021

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

Data on this page last refreshed .