2021 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 2021 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
- Electrical2632.1%
- Driver assistance1417.3%
- Engine1012.3%
- Airbags78.6%
- Powertrain (other)67.4%
- Steering44.9%
- Brakes33.7%
- Seat belts33.7%
- Visibility22.5%
- Fuel system22.5%
- Other / unspecified11.2%
- Exterior lighting11.2%
- Tires & wheels11.2%
- Body & structure11.2%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The infotainment/radio system in this 2021 Jeep Renegade has been malfunctioning for nearly two years. The dealership repeatedly states that no replacement parts are available and no repair can currently be performed. The system intermittently fails, freezes, reboots, or goes blank. When this occurs, the rear backup camera becomes unavailable or nonfunctional, creating a significant safety concern while reversing. The failure also makes it impossible to use the vehicle’s navigation system and disrupts the vehicle’s communication features, including hands-free cellular/Bluetooth functions. This ongoing unresolved recall affects safe operation of the vehicle, driver visibility while backing up, and the usability and value of the vehicle. Despite repeated attempts to obtain repair service, the manufacturer/dealership has not provided a remedy due to lack of available parts for over two years.
The car will all of a sudden have light started flashing and then it will stop going.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The component that failed, or I think is failing is the forward collision warning thing on my car. If the component actually went off, I could have cause a multiple car crash depended on who was behind me while I was driving. It has been reproduced by multiple drivers based on my research. The vehicle component has been inspected by police, lemon law firms and manufacturers and confirmed that it is an issue. No warning lamps or messages appeared, it came up multiple times randomly while I was driving, and has almost triggered every time. When I first opened the car it was fine, but I'd say about a year ago it showed up.
The car will all of a sudden have light started flashing and then it will stop going.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving down the road and the car turns off. Everything turns off, no lights, no nothing and it won't crank again. And then I had to call a wrecker truck and the oil was on top of the motor and back of the tailpipe. I couldn't even get it out of the road. I am so thankful my granddaughter was not in there And I'm glad I wasn't on the interstate cuz if I was that would have been bad
The automatic engine stop/start feature failed and engine would not stop running. Had to remove fuse to the electric fuel pump, after about 1 minute engine shutdown. My concern is what if while driving and system fails and engine does shut down , that is a dangerous situation. I know I am reporting that engine would not shut down but if a failure occurs and engine shuts down. System should be anylized. For possible failures.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I’m reporting Suspicious activity: Inaccurate Vehicle Service Records Reported by Flagship Chrysler Bayamón. Every time my Jeep Renegade, VIN [XXX] , has been serviced by Flagship Chrysler Bayamón—four times in total—the information reported to Carfax has been inaccurate : 1. 12/02/2023 - 12/05/2023: Right front seat buckle replaced under warranty. Invoice [XXX]. Per carfax report dated 07/02/2025 vehicle serviced “tire condition and pressure checked”. 2. 12/21/2024: Oil and filter changed, maintenance inspection performed, and motor care product applied. Invoice [XXX]. Per carfax report dated 07/02/2025 vehicle serviced “Oil and filter changed” and “tire condition and pressure checked”. 3. 06/30/2025: Oil and filter changed, maintenance inspection performed. RO number [XXX]. Per carfax report dated 07/02/2025 vehicle serviced “Oil and filter changed” and “tire condition and pressure checked”. 4. 07/01/2025: Safety recall; seat belt buckle switch connector repaired. Not available in carfax report dated 07/02/2025. This ongoing lack of accuracy and transparency is not only suspicious, but it also directly impacts my vehicle’s value and reliability. As the owner, I have always gone above and beyond to keep my Jeep properly maintained, and I expect that commitment to be reflected in official service records. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 25 MPH when another vehicle crashed into the rear at an unknown high rate of speed. The passenger side bumper edge was damaged as well as the rear passenger side door. The contact vehicle was propelled 6 meters forward as a result of the crash. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the vehicle was a total loss. No warning lights had illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact was the only individual present and injured in the vehicle, she was seated in the driver's seat. There were no other injuries reported. The contact received injuries to her back, neck, and foot that required medical attention. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V510000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELT). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 21,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the transmission erroneously shifted into the neutral, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, but no service was performed, and the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100.
We experienced an electrical failure while driving the Jeep Renegade. We had no power or brakes and multiple warning lights were flashing on the dashboard. Fortunately, we were able to pull into a business parking lot and stopped by running into a snow berm. We could not stop the engine and tried many times to turn the engine off during the 3 hours we waited for a tow truck. We were finally able to turn off the engine and drove it to the local Ford dealership with the tow truck following us. We went to the dealer the following morning and the customer service rep started the engine and experienced the same problem. He was unable to stop the engine. He said it could take up to a month for repairs since they only have one Jeep mechanic. I drove it the previous day on a 120 mile trip and traveled on I-75. It could have been deadly if the car failed on that busy Interstate.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car will all of a sudden have light started flashing and then it will stop going.
Driving my jeep to work and a bunch of warning lights come on - air bag, power steering, camera, front collision detection, abs system, parking brake, etc. I also lose power steering. Mechanic cannot find cause and all modules appear to be working - codes clear and return after about 30 miles of driving. Car isn't safe to drive and has been in the shop for 11 weeks with no answers. It is about to come back to sit in my driveway - and I will have to continue to make payments on a car that isn't drivable and may never be again. Since electrical issues seem to be prevalent with the vehicle - there should be a recall to protect driver safety.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Renegade, which has been experiencing sudden, unprovoked automatic braking for almost a year. The issue began in Spring [Year], and over the past two months, it has become significantly more frequent. The vehicle brakes sharply on its own even when there are no obstacles, cars, or objects in front of us. This happens at normal driving speeds and creates a serious risk of rear-end collisions—especially dangerous on highways. We have a baby, and this malfunction has put our family in frightening situations multiple times. We’ve brought the vehicle to the dealer and service center several times, but they claim no error code shows up, so no repair is made. The car is currently at the service center again, and still no resolution. We’ve also requested assistance from our Jeep case manager, but no effective action has been taken. There are additional issues such as: •The door locks stop working after it rains, requiring us to use the physical key in the door. •The sunroof stopped working, even though it was replaced two years ago (this is currently being addressed, but remains part of the larger reliability concern). This automatic braking issue is the most urgent concern. The car is not safe to drive, and the lack of response from Jeep is deeply troubling. Please let me know if further information, service records, or documentation is needed.
September 1, 2021 Re: [XXX] I purchased this vehicle on or about August 17, 2021 Upon delivery but after completion of paperwork, the transport agent conveyed that the vehicle had 'quick steer". He tried to explain that the car just steers or drives on its own. Very bad weather, I didn't risk driving it. I had the opportunity to drive it and the steering wheel becomes self operating, the brakes respond and during driving the vehicle literally stops responding to manual driving. Both the steering wheel and brakes are automatically generated. In upper left corner of dash a directional turns red to green. There is no indication of why or how. It's dangerous and can lead to death by car accident. I presented the dealership with concerns, too INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The right side seat belt connector failed and I was unable to take the seat belt off, which is a safety hazard. I went to a local independent repair garage where 3 mechanics were unable to disconnect the belt from the buckle. In 4/4/2025 I took the car to Sullivan Nissan, Plymouth, MA where I bought the car. I was told that I needed a new seat belt buckle and it is not covered under the Jeep warranty. The car has 20, 120 miles on it.
I have an active recall on my 2021 Jeep Renegade. I have made numerous attempts to get this vehicle in since recall was made public. Every excuse under the sun from dealerships in the St. Louis area. From we don't do recall work on weekends, to we are only allowed to order so many parts, we have to put you on a waiting list. Or I am out of a car for hours possibly days? I called the corporate number to Stellantis and they actually hung up on me. I work lots of hours, I as a paying customer should be catered to. I need this repair done when its convenient for me as I have a job and work a crazy schedule
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 infotainment/radio system in this 2021 Jeep Renegade has been malfunctioning for nearly two years. The dealership repeatedly states that no replacement parts are available and no repair can currently be performed. The system intermittently fails, freezes, reboots, or goes blank. When this occurs, the rear backup camera becomes unavailable or nonfunctional, creating a significant safety concern while reversing. The failure also makes it impossible to use the vehicle’s navigation system and disrupts the vehicle’s communication features, including hands-free cellular/Bluetooth functions. This ongoing unresolved recall affects safe operation of the vehicle, driver visibility while backing up, and the usability and value of the vehicle. Despite repeated attempts to obtain repair service, the manufacturer/dealership has not provided a remedy due to lack of available parts for over two years.
Uconnect system/radio screen visually not working appropriately. Gets glitchy lines and will go black. Flip upside down. And blurr together. Screen will respond to touch even when not visually able to see anything. This will happen at random even when using back up cameras which is dangerous will go completely black when trying to use screen in any way. No damage to screen. Car is 2021 should not be having issues with screen already this is a safety hazard especially because using backup camera screen goes completely black.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The fuel line was rubbing against another pipe between the engine and firewall, causing it to leak, spraying gas all over the engine including the exhaust. In my opinion if this hadn’t happened in traffic where you could smell it but on the interstate I hate to think what may have happened. I’ve looked on the jeep renegade forums and there seems to be other people who have experienced the same problem. The fuel line was replaced at 47000 and I’m wondering if I should expect the same thing to happen at around 94000 miles.
Fuel line bundle - dealership said its corroded it’s only a 2021 with no prior damage.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a tire replacement appointment, the contact was informed that twenty of the lug bolts had become swollen. The contact was informed that the lug bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 36,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rear driver side brake light, turn signal, and parking brake light, come and go as they please. Some days will work correctly and some days will not. I did read of a recall and my vin number is not on that list. But it has been acting like short in the wiring for over 6 months now.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
215/60R17 DGAS.ALL 4 OF MY TIRES GO LOW EVERY OTHER WEEK.I BOUGHT THE JEEP IN 2021.I HAVE BEEN PUTTING IN AIR IN ALL 4 TIRES EVERY SINCE.I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR 4 NEW TIRES.I HAVE NOT HAD THE JEEP A YEAR,MY NAME IS [XXX]/[XXX]//THANKS INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Renegade, which has been experiencing sudden, unprovoked automatic braking for almost a year. The issue began in Spring [Year], and over the past two months, it has become significantly more frequent. The vehicle brakes sharply on its own even when there are no obstacles, cars, or objects in front of us. This happens at normal driving speeds and creates a serious risk of rear-end collisions—especially dangerous on highways. We have a baby, and this malfunction has put our family in frightening situations multiple times. We’ve brought the vehicle to the dealer and service center several times, but they claim no error code shows up, so no repair is made. The car is currently at the service center again, and still no resolution. We’ve also requested assistance from our Jeep case manager, but no effective action has been taken. There are additional issues such as: •The door locks stop working after it rains, requiring us to use the physical key in the door. •The sunroof stopped working, even though it was replaced two years ago (this is currently being addressed, but remains part of the larger reliability concern). This automatic braking issue is the most urgent concern. The car is not safe to drive, and the lack of response from Jeep is deeply troubling. Please let me know if further information, service records, or documentation is needed.
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 .