Jeep Renegade Problems? You’re Not Alone

Mark R
Jan 26, 2021

When you want a compact SUV that still offers rugged capability but in a more manageable size, the Jeep Renegade is the one to consider. You’ll get all of the classic Jeep styling cues in a hip design, not to mention the impressive off-road performance that the Jeep brand is well-known for.

Right about now, you’re wondering “what are the most common problems with the Jeep Renegade?” 

Common problems that have been documented in formal complaints by Jeep Renegade owners include:   

  • Heavy oil consumption 
  • Excessive exhaust emissions 
  • Intermittent vehicle shut-offs 
  • Transmission shift quality problems 
  • Electrical problems  

Blue 2021 Jeep Renegade From Front-Driver Side

The following piece sheds some light on problems with Jeep Renegade, along with any potential fixes that were performed or offered. With this information, you’ll be better informed about your next vehicle purchase.

An Overview of the Jeep Renegade

Introduced in early 2014 for the 2015 model year, the Jeep Renegade’s appearance killed two birds with one stone. Not only did it replace the aging Jeep Patriot, but it also served as a smaller alternative to the Jeep Compass.

The Jeep Renegade makes the most of its boxy, upright body with a decent amount of room and cargo space for a vehicle its size. Engine choices included a 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a larger 2.4L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, also known as the “Tigershark” motor.

Five trim levels were made available at launch. The top-tier Limited trim added the most luxury features, including removable or power-retractable dual sunroof panels and leather seating.

The Trailhawk trim added various off-road equipment, including underbody skid plates, off-road suspension and the Jeep Active Drive Low 4×4 system.

Top 5 Problems with Jeep Renegade

Any vehicle can have unexpected problems, but the Jeep Renegade was more prone than most, especially as time went on. Here’s a quick look at a few common issues you might run into while owning one.

Heavy Oil Consumption

Source: Jeep Problems 

The Jeep Renegade’s 2.4L Tigershark 4-cylinder engine is well-known for a design flaw that causes it to consume an excessive amount of engine oil. Specifically, defective piston rings allow oil to seep past the rings and burn off during the combustion process.

The 2.4L engine, which holds 5.5 quarts of oil, could consume up to a quart of oil every 1,000 miles as a result. To make matters worse, the engine could stall if the oil level falls below 3.5 quarts. Oil levels can fall without the low oil indicator light appearing.

There’s yet to be a fix from the manufacturer for this issue, but upset consumers have already filed a class action lawsuit seeking damages and restitution.

Excessive Exhaust Emissions

Source: Jeep Problems 

Many regions of the U.S. regularly conduct emissions testing on legally registered vehicles. In some instances, the 2.4L Tigershark 4-cylinder engine can also produce vehicle emissions that are in excess of allowable levels.

Excessive emissions could cause your vehicle to fail its next emissions test, resulting in extra time and money spent on repairs. No fixes were available for this issue as of September 2020.

Intermittent Vehicle Shut-Offs

NHTSA Complaint ID: 11351052 

A recent complaint from a 2015 Jeep Renegade owner notes that his or her vehicle constantly shuts off without warning. The owner had this happen three times before driving the vehicle to a repair shop for service. However, the service advisor found nothing wrong with the vehicle.

Four months after the service visit, however, the vehicle shut off on its own yet again. Approximately eight hours passed before the vehicle was jumped and taken in for service. Again, technicians could not find a cause for the sudden shut-off.

The complaint does not state whether any further diagnosis or repairs were attempted.

Transmission Shift Quality Problems

Source: Jeep Problems 

Car Transmission Closeup

Another pain point of the Jeep Renegade is the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission — one of the first ever used for a consumer vehicle. Unfortunately, being first with cutting-edge technology also came with its own set of issues.

Many owners have reported exceptionally harsh shifts through the first three gears, as well as delayed transmission engagement when attempting to accelerate from a complete stop. Others noted the transmission remains in 2nd gear for too long and very harsh shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear.

The 9-speed transmission was also plagued with improperly installed sensors that could cause the vehicle to suddenly shift into neutral.

A class action lawsuit was also filed and eventually settled over various ZF 9-speed transmission defects. You can find more settlement details here.

Electrical Problems

NHTSA Complaint ID: 11315895 

In a complaint filed in March of 2020, a 2015 Jeep Renegade owner reported a complete loss of electrical power, which subsequently caused the vehicle to stall. The owner notes that the problem occurs frequently, but it’s not caused by moisture, extreme temperatures or bumps and excessive vibration.

The owner had the battery tested and replaced. The vehicle was also taken to the dealer, where the owner was told the vehicle needed a software update. Despite this, the vehicle still loses electrical power randomly.

The owner was also informed that his or her vehicle was not covered under a recall for similar issues affecting newer Jeep Renegade models.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Georget Novak on January 25, 2022
Ms
I have a 2016 jeep renegade with only 28,000 miles on it. It looks brand new. When I got this renegade I loved everything about it except it decided to not start. I've had it towed 6 tmes already. No one can find the problem. It's at a dealership now for the last 3 days and I had to lease a car from enterprise so I have transportation. I have end stage renal failure and need a working vehicle. It is both frustrating and emotionally stressful. I'm just writing this to warn people stay away from this type of vehicle. Thank you for your time
accountCircle Chara J on September 10, 2022
2nd owner problems
I bought a 2018 renegade in Oct 2021 it is now Aug 2022. At first I loved my Jeep but now things are starti g to act up. So far I have had problems with acceleration from stop and shifting gears the transmission light comes on check engine light comes on when I drive long distances. And now, the radio is switching stations and the Bluetooth is making random calls. So,now I don't really feel safe driving it's to work and home for me until the issues are resolved.
accountCircle Mike on October 10, 2022
STAY AWAY FROM RENEGADES
Bought a 2016 jeep renegade, looked brand new not a scratch on it. I paid alot down for this car and have a huge loan, but now the car dosnt run reliability constantly breaking down and leaving us stranded, has been towed twice, been in the shop 4 times, and seems to just be a piece of c**p. Would really like to get out of this car but cant afford it. Please stay away from these models even if they look cool. They really arent good cars and arent reliable.
accountCircle Alicia on July 19, 2022
2021 Jeep renegade
1st owner of this car, I have issues with my lights working. Touch screen decides when it wants to work, security button on door handle works when it wants to and my car wouldn’t turn off. They replaced the push start button and said they did a software update hoping that would help still having issues don’t buy one of these over priced peices of c**p there not worth it!
accountCircle Concerned older bro on June 5, 2022
Wort car out there
Im writing this review on behalf of my little brother for the simple fact that I know he will never write a single review. So many issues with this car for example, his brand new motor w/ 5k running out of oil an seizing up. I just had to tow him home for what I’m sure is a bad alternator. Car is unreliable, plz stay away.
accountCircle Tina on June 8, 2022
2016 Jeep Renegade Sunroof
I adore my lil Jeep but its 5 yrs old, paid off, and the sunroof needs to be replaced again?!!!!!! B.S. JEEP NEEDS TO REPLACE THIS FOR FREE FOR DEFECTIVE ISSUES!!!!!THIS WILL BE THE 3RD ROOF!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;-( How will I sell a jeep with low miles with a broke sunroof!?
accountCircle Nancy lee on July 10, 2022
Pistons air valves failed
Car has been in shop for one month. Dealer won’t give loaner. Pistons failed 2200 to repair. Just had in shop beaches mirror failed with electronics 700 it’s got 40000 and never missed a service. Hate this car will never buy it or another Jeep again
avatar Mark R
When it comes to cars, Mark’s been around the block in a wide variety of them, from vintage muscle cars to the latest sedans. In addition to writing about cars, he loves to sketch and photograph them as hobbies.
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