Jeep Renegade Years to Avoid

When it comes to buying a used Jeep Renegade, you might be wondering if all model years are created equal. The truth is, some Jeep Renegade years have been plagued with issues, and it’s important to know which years to avoid before making your purchase. In this detailed guide, we’ll dive deep into the Jeep Renegade years to avoid, covering the common problems and reliability issues that certain models face. Whether you’re in the market for a used vehicle or just curious about Jeep’s subcompact SUV, keep reading to learn which Jeep Renegade models have been less than stellar.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2015 Jeep Renegade has severe transmission, electrical, and oil consumption issues.
  • The 2016 Jeep Renegade suffers from ongoing transmission and electrical faults.
  • The 2017 Jeep Renegade shows some improvement but still has transmission reliability concerns.
  • Models from 2018 and later are generally considered more reliable with fewer complaints.

What is the Jeep Renegade?

The Jeep Renegade is a subcompact SUV introduced in 2015 by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis) under the Jeep brand. Designed to offer off-road capabilities in a smaller, urban-friendly package, the Renegade became popular for its quirky design and Jeep’s reputation for rugged vehicles. However, not all Jeep Renegades have lived up to their off-road heritage, particularly when it comes to reliability.

Given its compact size, the Renegade was aimed at younger drivers and city dwellers who wanted Jeep’s adventurous spirit in a more manageable format. But just like many first-generation vehicles, the initial years saw their share of manufacturing and engineering issues.

Why Some Jeep Renegade Years Are Problematic

While Jeep is known for producing durable and off-road-capable vehicles, the Renegade faced several reliability issues in its early years. These problems ranged from transmission failures to engine stalling and electrical glitches. Much of this stems from manufacturing shifts made when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles took over Jeep, introducing new technologies and components that had not been fully vetted.

Key Problems Seen in These Years Include:

  • 9-speed automatic transmission failures
  • Electrical issues causing dashboard malfunctions
  • Oil consumption problems in the engine leading to serious mechanical failures

Let’s look at which Jeep Renegade years to avoid and why.

2015 Jeep Renegade – First Model Year Issues

The 2015 Jeep Renegade was the first model year of this subcompact SUV, and unfortunately, it was plagued with issues that would set the tone for several following years.

Common Problems in the 2015 Jeep Renegade

  1. Transmission Problems: The biggest complaint about the 2015 Renegade was its 9-speed automatic transmission. Drivers reported jerky gear shifts, transmission slipping, and even complete failure. These problems were more than a mere inconvenience — they posed a safety risk, especially when the transmission would suddenly shift into neutral while driving at high speeds.
  2. Electrical Problems: Electrical issues were rampant, with drivers reporting problems such as dashboard malfunctions, warning lights going off unnecessarily, and infotainment system crashes. These electrical glitches often resulted in frozen displays and power loss, which could make driving difficult or dangerous.
  3. Engine Oil Consumption: Another major issue was the high oil consumption in the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine. Owners reported that the engine burned oil much faster than expected, leading to engine wear, stalling, and even complete failure if the oil wasn’t topped off regularly.

Recalls and Complaints

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) logged numerous complaints regarding the 2015 Renegade, including multiple recalls related to the transmission and electrical system failures. Consumer Reports also gave this model a low reliability rating due to these widespread issues.

2016 Jeep Renegade – Transmission and Electrical Nightmares

The 2016 Jeep Renegade didn’t fare much better than its predecessor. Although some minor improvements were made, many of the transmission and electrical issues carried over, making this another problematic model year.

Transmission and Electrical System Failures

Much like the 2015 model, the 9-speed automatic transmission continued to be a headache for Renegade owners in 2016. The same jerky shifting and transmission slipping were common, leading to poor driving performance and reliability concerns.

On top of that, electrical system problems persisted. Owners reported issues with the infotainment system freezing, dashboard lights flickering, and warning lights flashing without any actual mechanical problems. This was not only frustrating but also led to unnecessary trips to the mechanic.

Customer Satisfaction

The 2016 Jeep Renegade received low scores for reliability on both Kelley Blue Book and J.D. Power due to these recurring issues. Many owners also expressed frustration over the Tigershark engine’s oil consumption, which had not been adequately addressed.

Recalls in the 2016 Renegade

Multiple recalls were issued for the 2016 Renegade, particularly for transmission software updates and electrical wiring problems. These recalls attempted to mitigate the most serious issues, but many drivers still reported ongoing problems even after repair attempts.

2017 Jeep Renegade – Minor Improvements, But Still Risky

While the 2017 Jeep Renegade showed some improvement over previous years, it still had its fair share of problems. Transmission issues were still prominent, though slightly less severe compared to the 2015 and 2016 models.

Transmission Problems Persist

The 9-speed transmission still had trouble shifting smoothly, particularly at lower speeds. Many drivers found the transmission to be unpredictable, leading to hesitations during acceleration or rough shifts between gears.

Electrical Glitches Continue

Although some of the earlier electrical issues were addressed, wiring problems and infotainment glitches continued to crop up. Owners complained about unresponsive touchscreen displays, malfunctioning radio systems, and intermittent dashboard malfunctions.

Fewer Engine Issues

On the positive side, the 2017 Jeep Renegade saw fewer complaints about engine reliability. The oil consumption problem was less prevalent, and fewer reports of engine stalling or failure surfaced compared to the previous years.

Common Jeep Renegade Problems Across All Years

Transmission Problems

One of the most frequently reported issues across all Jeep Renegade models from 2015 to 2017 is the 9-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, manufactured by ZF, was supposed to offer improved fuel efficiency and performance. Instead, it became notorious for rough shifting, slipping gears, and even sudden failures while driving.

Electrical Problems

Another common theme across problematic Renegade years is electrical issues. From flickering dashboard lights to malfunctioning infotainment systems, these glitches caused a lot of frustration for drivers. Electrical problems often meant costly repairs or multiple trips to the dealership for software updates or replacement parts.

Engine Issues

The Tigershark 2.4-liter engine used in many Renegade models had its own set of problems. The most significant issue was high oil consumption, which, if left unchecked, could lead to serious engine damage. Drivers needed to check their oil levels more frequently than usual to prevent engine stalling or complete failure.

Jeep Renegade Recalls – What You Need to Know

The early years of the Jeep Renegade saw a significant number of recalls. Here are the most notable ones:

  1. Transmission Recalls: Both the 2015 and 2016 Renegades were subject to recalls related to the 9-speed automatic transmission, including software updates and hardware replacements to fix rough shifting and transmission slipping.
  2. Electrical System Recalls: Electrical recalls targeted issues such as wiring harness defects that could cause dashboard malfunctions and problems with the infotainment system.
  3. Engine Recalls: While less common, there were a few recalls related to engine performance, particularly around the Tigershark engine and its oil consumption issues.

If you own a Jeep Renegade from one of these years, it’s crucial to check if your vehicle has any outstanding recalls by entering your VIN on the NHTSA website.

Reliable Jeep Renegade Years

If you’re still considering a Jeep Renegade, there is good news: models from 2018 onward tend to have much better reliability ratings. Jeep seems to have addressed many of the major complaints that plagued the earlier years, particularly in terms of the transmission and electrical systems.

Best Years to Buy a Jeep Renegade

  • 2018 Jeep Renegade: This model shows improvement in transmission reliability and fewer electrical complaints.
  • 2019 and 2020 Jeep Renegade: These years have been praised for better engine performance and fewer issues with electrical systems or transmission failures.

Tips for Buying a Used Jeep Renegade

If you’re looking to purchase a used Jeep Renegade, there are a few key things to keep in mind to avoid buying a problematic vehicle.

  1. Check for Recalls: Make sure any outstanding recalls have been addressed before purchasing.
  2. Get a Vehicle History Report: Use services like Carfax to check the car’s maintenance and accident history.
  3. Have a Mechanic Inspect the Vehicle: Always have a professional mechanic check for transmission issues, electrical problems, and engine wear before buying a used Jeep Renegade.

FAQs on Jeep Renegade Years to Avoid

Are Jeep Renegades reliable?

Some Jeep Renegades are reliable, but early model years like 2015 and 2016 have a reputation for being less dependable. Improvements made in 2018 and later models make them a safer choice.

What are the worst Jeep Renegade years?

The worst Jeep Renegade years are 2015, 2016, and to a lesser extent, 2017. These models suffered from major transmission and electrical issues.

What’s the best year for a Jeep Renegade?

The 2018 Jeep Renegade and newer models are considered the best, offering better transmission reliability and fewer reported issues.

What are the most common problems with the Jeep Renegade?

The most common problems include 9-speed automatic transmission failures, electrical glitches, and oil consumption issues in the Tigershark engine.