Jeep Renegade Problems & Complaints: Are The Issues Worth Buying?

‍Safety Issues

When it comes to safety, the Jeep Renegade has had some reported issues. In this section, I will discuss two major safety concerns: airbag problems and brake problems.

Airbag Problems

One safety issue that has been reported with the Jeep Renegade is related to the airbags. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some 2021 Jeep Renegades have been recalled due to a potential problem with the side airbags. The recall states that the side airbags may not deploy properly in the event of a crash which dramatically increases the risk of injury to passengers.

Not all Jeep Renegades are affected by this recall. Owners of a 2021 Jeep Renegade should check with their local dealership to see if their vehicle is part of the recall. The dealership will replace the faulty airbag module free of charge.

Brake Problems

Renegade owners have also complained about the Jeep’s brakes. According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 Jeep Renegade has a worse than normal reliability rating for its brakes. Symptoms include a squishy feel to brakes and either squeaking or grinding.

If you're experiencing anything wrong with your Jeep Renegade brakes, it's critical for a qualified mechanic to inspect the vehicle right away. Faulty brakes can increase the risk of an accident and put you and your passengers in danger.

One potential cause of brake problems in the Jeep Renegade is the brake pads. Some owners have claimed that the brake pads wear down quickly which causes the brakes to make noise and reduces tjeir effectiveness. If this is the case, replacing the brake pads with high-quality aftermarket pads may help resolve the issue.

Safety systems

Problems have been reported with the forward collision avoidance system installed on some recent model years of the Jeep Renegade. The radar based system can provide false alarms and annoy the driver.

While the Jeep Renegade is generally a safe vehicle, you should be aware of these reported safety issues. If you own a Jeep Renegade, you should be sure to stay up-to-date on any recalls or safety concerns related to your vehicle. And if you experience any problems with your Jeep Renegade's airbags or brakes don't hesitate to have them looked at by someone knowledgeable.

Transmission Issues on the Jeep Renegade

Transmission Failure

I have heard from many Jeep Renegade owners that they have experienced transmission failure. This can be a costly and frustrating issue to deal with. The transmission is an essential piece of a vehicle and failure makes it undrivable and no longer a sellable asset. According to VehicleHistory, Among the most frequently reported problems with the Jeep Renegade is the 9 speed transmission made by ZF. Jeep decided to use this transmission as the first attempt from the company to make a consumer grade transmission and it didn’t end really well.

If you are Jeep’s transmission is failing, it is important to take your Jeep Renegade to a trusted transmission specialist. They will be able to diagnose the issue and provide you with a solution. Depending on the severity of the issue, the transmission may be in for an expensive replacement.

Transmission Shifting Problems

Another common issue that Jeep Renegade owners face is transmission shifting problems. This can include mechanical challenges from slipping to downright failure. According to YOUCANIC, these issues are often caused by low transmission fluid levels. However, the same symptoms can also indicate a severe transmission problem including a  faulty valve body or torque converter. If you are encountering shifting problems in your transmission, take your your Jeep Renegade a mechanic ASAP. Ignoring these issues can grow into more severe problems down the line and can even cause the transmission to fail completely.

In conclusion, transmission issues are a common problem for Jeep Renegade owners. If you have shifting problems in your Jeep Renegade you should check your vehicle out with a technician soon before a small problem turns into a big one.

Electrical Issues

As a Jeep Renegade owner, I have experienced my fair share of electrical problems. Battery Problems

One common issue with the Renegade is battery problems. Owners have reported that their batteries have died unexpectedly or that the vehicle won't start. This can be caused by a faulty battery or alternator or even a parasitic drain on the battery. It' good to have your battery and charging system checked regularly to prevent this issue.

Electrical System Failure

Another common electrical issue with the Renegade is an electrical system failure. This can manifest in some unusual ways like dashboard problems and radio failures. Some owners report that their Renegade has shut off while driving due to an electrical issue.

One potential cause of electrical system failure is a bad alternator. The alternator helps with charging the battery and running the electrical system while the vehicle is running. If the alternator fails or falls behind  the battery will not be charged and the electrical system will not function properly. Having your alternator checked is a good start if you are having electrical problems.

Another potential reason for electrical system failure is a worn wiring harness. The wiring harness is tasked with transmitting electrical signals throughout the vehicle. A bad or damaged wiring harness can cause electrical failures in the vehicle.  This can be a difficult problem to diagnose and repair without a professional.

Overall, electrical issues can be a frustrating and costly problem for Jeep Renegade owners. It's important to have your vehicle checked regularly and to address any potential issues quickly. By doing so, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your Renegade running smoothly.

Jeep Renegade Engine problems

One common problem with the Jeep Renegade is engine issues. These problems can be quite serious and may require significant repairs or even a full engine replacement. In this section, I will discuss two of the most complained about engine problems that Jeep Renegade owners have reported: engine failure and engine stalling.

Engine Failure

Among the most serious engine problems that Jeep Renegade owners have reported is engine failure. This occurs when the engine stops working altogether, leaving the vehicle unable to start or move. Engine failure can result from a few issues including problems with oil leaks.

If your Jeep Renegade experiences engine failure, you’ll need have it repaired right away. Continuing to operate a vehicle with a failed engine can cause additional damage and may even be dangerous.

According to Motor and Wheels, the 2017 Jeep Renegade has some engine problems within the 2.4 liter edition. Renegades with the 2.4 liter engine may have issues with the pump for fuel. Once the fuel pump fails, the Renegade will stall because fuel won’t reach the engine.

Engine Stalling

Another common engine problem that Jeep Renegade owners have reported is engine stalling.. Engine stalling is a warning sign for a variety of issues including having a bad fuel pump or a bigger engine problem.

If your Jeep Renegade experiences engine stalling, you’ll want to have a mechanic take a look as soon as possible. Continuing to operate a vehicle with engine stalling issues can be dangerous and may cause additional vehicle damage..

Oil Problems

Oil problems can be a big problem for Jeep Renegade owners. The Renegade is unfortunately known for excessive oil consumption. If the owner doesn’t keep a tight eye on the oil levels in the engine the vehicle can leak excessively until it produces a check engine light. Thankfully this gives the vehicle owners the opportunity to at least refill the engine oil before having potentially catastrophic engine failures that result from excessive oil consumption.

One major challenge with a  Jeep that is burning or leaking oil is that it generally requires the replacement of rings and valves. Defective piston rings can cause big problems with heavy oil consumption. Check your oil frequently once you start to see heavy oil consumption to avoid imminent engine failure.

Overall, engine problems are a serious issue for Jeep Renegade owners. If you experience any issues with your vehicle's engine take it to your local technicians right away. Keep an eye out for that check engine light.

Interior Issues

Uconnect Problems

One of the biggest issues I've experienced with my Jeep Renegade is with the Uconnect system. It's supposed to be a convenient way to control the car's electronic features like the radio and navigation but it's been nothing but trouble for me. Sometimes it freezes up and won't respond to any inputs and other times it just shuts down completely. It's frustrating when I'm trying to listen to music or get directions and the system isn't working properly.

According to CarComplaints.com, I'm not alone in my Uconnect woes. Many other Renegade owners have reported the the system freezes or crashes. Some have even had to replace the entire Uconnect unit to solve the problem.