The 2016 Jeep Renegade only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious engine and transmission issues showing up. At $13,125 to $16,825, it’s cheap, but not worth the money when frequent repairs will cost you thousands of dollars.
Is the 2016 Jeep Renegade a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 5/10 – 2016 is a bad year for the Jeep Renegade since there are still a lot of mechanical problems which are expensive to fix, giving it a low overall rating. Owner reviews complain about it being weak, the engine overheats, along with stereo problems.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for an affordable small SUV, the front seats are comfortable, cargo space is also better than average.
- Reliability 4/10 – There are a lot of engine and electrical problems on the 2016 Renegade. Buyers should avoid models from 2015–2018. Renegade models from 2019–2022 are much more reliable.
- Performance 4/10 – Performance is worse than average from both of the available 4-cylinder engines.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2016 Renegade gets an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. Optional safety features include a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assistance, as well as frontal collision warning with braking.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 27 MPG, giving 342 miles of range from the 12.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $6 cheaper than average at $227 per month.
- Value 6/10 – The 2016 Renegade is cheaper than other small SUVs, although the high repair costs make it a bad value as it ages.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Renegade?
- Consumer Reports says the Renegade lags behind a lot of other compact SUVs with very low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Renegade at 3.3/5, praising the responsive handling, although they don’t like the clunky transmission.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Renegade a 4/5 enjoying the passenger room for its size, but owners don’t like the weak engines.
What Common Problems Does the 2016 Jeep Renegade Have?
Common problems found on the 2016 Jeep Renegade include the engine failing to start, shifting hard between gears, as well as numerous check engine lights. Overall, these problems are more severe than in other compact SUVs, leading to higher repair costs as well.
Failing to start is a widespread complaint from owners in the first 15,000 miles. There are problems with the totally integrated power module (TIPM) which are common on many Jeep models. Replacing the TIPM fixes the issue, however, prices are high at around $1,200.
Shifting hard between gears is another serious problem which shows up in the first 50,000 miles. Some owners have reported updating the transmission software fixes the issue. Others have had to replace the transmission if there was internal damage. Replacing the entire transmission costs around $3,500.
Numerous check engine lights are also common on the 2016 Jeep Renegade. Some common reasons the light turns on include a worn-out fan assembly which costs $600, a damaged turbo which is around $2,200, as well as throttle body issues which are around $600 to replace.
There are 2 recalls on the 2016 Jeep Renegade, which is better than average. The most serious recall covers the rear control arm bracket weld, which can fail, increasing the risk of an accident. Jeep will replace the bracket on affected models for free. The other recall is for the trailer hitch assembly, which Jeep will secure with new fasteners.
How Long Will the 2016 Jeep Renegade Last?
A well-maintained 2016 Jeep Renegade should last around 150,000 miles, which is half as long as top-rated competitors like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than average, according to data from Repair Pal, at $497 per year.
Since nearly all 2016 Jeep Renegade models for sale will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the brake master cylinder for $575, timing belt tensioner costing $500, as well as the purge valve which costs $200.
The jeep renegade is very reliable. I have had no problems with mine. It stops on ice. The 4wd works great. Some reviews say the transitions are not the strongest in these SUVs but I have had no problems. Amazing and reliable SUV.
I believe it is very reliable. I have not once had an issue with it leaving me stranded somewhere or not running.
I have had my jeep for almost 2 years and I haven't had any problems or mechanical issues at all the jeep has been very reliable.
Yes it is very much reliable, the one thing that can use the improvement regarding this car is the electronic system in the car.
Since I buy it I never have any problems I do take it for the regular service but so far nothing else.
Besides the automatic seat control buttons on the drivers side I have not had any problems. The car I find also skids easily on wet surfaces.
None that I've noticed. I had an issue with the engines intake fan in 2018 but that was quickly resolved and I haven't had any trouble since.
I have not experienced any problems with the Jeep renegade. If has been a very reliable vehicle even after 3 years.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2016 Jeep Renegade is basic on the entry-level model, while the upgraded models have an excellent touchscreen stereo system. Safety technology is better than average with an optional rearview camera, lane keep assistance, as well as forward collision warning with automatic braking.
Is the 2016 Jeep Renegade a Good Value?
No, the 2016 Jeep Renegade is not a good value since there are so many expensive problems. Blue book prices range from $13,125 to $16,825, making it cheaper than a Subaru Crosstrek or Honda CR-V. When new, the price range was $17,995 to $26,995. Depreciation is worse than average, losing 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Renegade?
There are four models of the Jeep Renegade available in 2016, from the base Sport all the way up to the off-road oriented Trailhawk.
Sport is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Power Windows & Locks
- 4-Speaker Stereo System With 3.5mm AUX & USB
Latitude is a step up, adding:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Fog Lights
- Cruise Control
- Leather Steering Wheel
- 5-Inch Touch Screen Stereo System
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 6-Speaker Stereo
Limited is next in the lineup with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Power Driver’s Seat
- Remote Start
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- 115v Power Outlet
- Optional 6.5-Inch Uconnect Stereo
Trailhawk is the flagship model which has:
- Standard 4-Wheel Drive
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Underbody Skid Plates
- Off-Road Suspension
- Hill Descent Control System
What Engines Come In the Jeep Renegade?
- The base engine is a weak 1.4L 4-cylinder turbo which makes 160 horsepower while getting up to 27 MPG.
- An available upgrade is the slightly stronger 2.4L 4-cylinder making 180 horsepower at up to 25 MPG. Performance is worse than average, taking 9.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Jeep Renegade Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Renegade?
The 2016 Jeep Renegade is not the most comfortable compact SUV, offering seating for up to 5 people. Seating in the front is nice, while the back seats are extremely basic. Interior materials are more luxurious than average.
Passenger room is limited in the back seats as well, with limited legroom for taller adults.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Renegade Have?
Cargo space is better than average with enough room for 4-6 suitcases behind the seats, and around 10 with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Jeep Renegade was introduced in 2015, and is still being made as of 2022.
2015: All-new compact SUV introduced for the first generation.
2016: Optional 9-speaker Beats stereo system added.
2017: Xenon headlights added, keyless ignition available as well.
2018: Updated stereo system with Apple CarPlay added, standard rearview camera.
2019: Minor exterior styling changes, upgraded interior components as well.
2020: 1.3L engine is more powerful, remote smartphone app control added.
2021: Standard blind spot monitoring, Limited model comes with 4WD only.
How Does the Jeep Renegade Compare to the Competition?
The Jeep Renegade ranks as one of the worst compact SUVs of 2016 since there are a lot of expensive mechanical problems, making it one buyers should avoid.
The Subaru Outback is a competitor which costs around $3,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Subaru Outback, while the Jeep Renegade offers more efficient engine choices. We recommend the Subaru Outback since there are fewer serious problems mentioned by owners.
The Ford Escape is another compact SUV which is about $1,000 more. Where the Ford Edge stands out is with better standard features, while the Jeep Renegade handles better off-road. We recommend avoiding both models for 2016 since they each suffer from engine and transmission problems.
Do Owners Recommend the Jeep Renegade?
Yes, the best vehicle in my opinion. If I was given a chance to get any type of vehicle for free if I got rid of my renegade. I'd refuse. This is the car I am going to drive until it dies and then I am going to buy another one just like it.
Yes, it is a very good vehicle. It gets great gas mileage and runs extremely well. It drives smoothly and is roomy enough to travel with kids and pets.
Yes, it is a great vehicle. I live on the beach but often go up to the mountains and this car is amazing. It fits everything I need from my food cooler to my tent to everything in between with enough room to still be comfortable. The gas mileage on this car is great also. Overall this car is very good.
Yes very much so, it is really good on gas, pretty dependable, and it is pretty roomy inside for a Smallish car.
Yes very good I really recommend it! Easy for a mother of 2, and extremely easy to control on rainy days or snowy days.
Yes it has generally given me few problems. After about one year of purchasing it however the seat adjuster on the drivers side stopped working and had to be taken into the dealer to be fixed.
I really enjoy it. I've had it for 2 years now and it's never let me down. It's the perfect size for me and it also gets great gas mileage
Yes, the Jeep renegade is a great vehicle. If has a backup camera that helps in times where you can't see the best and it is hands free where you can connect your phone so that you can take calls through you radio system.