2021 Jeep Renegade Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Electrical and engine issues are among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Born in the 1940s, the Jeep brand has a loyal following that has continued for decades, even though ownership of the company has changed about 10 times.

With dozens of different vehicles, the company recorded its highest point in 2016, selling 1.41 million units worldwide. At this stage, the company was owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Since 2021, it’s been owned by Stellantis, which is a merger between Fiat Chrysler and the PSA Group that manufactures the Peugeot brand.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018   2019   2020

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Jeep Renegade

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Electrical System
8
Unknown Or Other
5
Engine
4
Power Train
4
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
4
Service Brakes
2
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
2
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
2
Air Bags
1
Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
1

2016 was the year before they launched the Jeep Renegade, the brand’s first small sport utility vehicle (SUV). Sales of the 2015 launch model totaled 60,946 according to GoodCarBadCar, which publishes easy-to-access automotive sales and data statistics for North America. In keeping with the rest of the Jeep brand, sales soared to an all-time high with 106,605 units sold in 2016.

Sales have dropped progressively ever since, to 62,847 in 2020 and only 47,138 in 2021.

The volume of complaints to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also dropped. That said, they have been constant for the 2015 Jeep Renegade which registers 447 complaints to NHTSA, with 26 filed in 2021, and 8 as recently as 2022.

In an article about 2019 Jeep Renegade problems and complaints, Lemberg Law pointed out the electrical, transmission, and engine issues rank high.

But back to the beginning. A total of 153 powertrain problems, 143 engine issues, and 110 electrical system problems are identified in complaints about the 2015 model.

So far, there are a minimal 9 complaints listed by NHTSA, together with 34 manufacturer communications that draw attention to malfunctions and other problems that relate to the 2021 model. We’re going to explore the problems in more detail below.

Most Common Problems with the 2021 Jeep Renegade

While there are only 9 complaints on file, these incorporate a total of 22 problems. There are also many complaints in various online forums and on other websites.

It’s no surprise to find electrical system problems near the top of the list in 4 of the complaints. The engine and powertrain are also featured, but so, too, do forward-collision avoidance and lane departure.

Because there is an overlap in complaints, we are grouping some. For example, 2 of the 5 forward-collision avoidance problems also relate to land departure. Some of these also highlight electrical problems.

2021 Jeep Renegade Forward Avoidance & Lane Departure Problems

Forward-collision avoidance is mentioned 5 times and land departure, 3 times. But there are only 6 complaints in all that relate to these 2 systems.

A major issue is that when these systems malfunction, safety features are disabled. From the complaints, it appears the manufacturer was aiming to update software as well as sort out physical issues. There are also complaints that dealers are unable or unwilling to supply rental or replacement cars while the problems are fixed.

As one complaint says: “The safety features are disabled because of this malfunction! This is dangerous and unprofessional for a company of their caliber, not only for our family but also for everyone buying these vehicles.”

2021 Jeep Renegade Electrical System Problems

There are 4 complaints that highlight electrical system problems. Some relate to the stereo system that warns it is unavailable. This also turns off the safety features, which, according to one of the complaints, is an issue that has recurred since 2018. They researched the problem, and were also told it was “a problem with all Jeep Renegades.”

Another complaint states that the radio sometimes “blasts its volume”, changes station, or won’t shut off. The electrical system fault also affects the operation of a rear window.

“I took it in to the dealer and was told there was nothing they could do. They had to wait for a fix for the software from Chrysler.”

Someone who had owned a Jeep Renegade for less than a month states, “the steering wheel becomes self-operating, the brakes respond, and during driving, the vehicle literally stops responding to manual driving.”

They maintain, “It’s dangerous and can lead to death by car accident.”

2021 Jeep Renegade Engine & Powertrain Problems

A Jeep Renegade owner whose complaint is listed in both the Engine and Powertrain categories says, “Feel like I’m driving a time bomb.”

Another, whose complaint is listed in the categories for Engine, Service Brakes, and Forward-Collision Avoidance says:

“My car stalled in traffic causing a risk for accidents. I couldn’t steer the vehicle. There were numerous things going off in the car that prevented the mobility of the vehicle.”

A complaint listed in Powertrain and Seat Belts says:

“Dashboard lights suddenly start blinking, from the seatbelt airbag, check engine… Then the D starts flashing and the car loses power (goes into neutral) forcing me to pull over when I can.”

The complaint states this happens often, but the dealership cannot find any “trouble.”

What to do if your 2021 Jeep Renegade is a lemon? Your lemon rights

When problems recur and impact the value, use, or safety of your vehicle, you’ve got good reason to believe you may have bought a lemon. If this is the case, Lemberg Law can help you.

Call our Helpline as soon as you can and our team will assess your problems. As a specialist consumer law firm that specializes in lemon law cases, we can negotiate an agreeable settlement. This may be a trade-in or buyback. It may be a replacement vehicle.

Just remember that the law makes Jeep pay when it’s a lemon law case.

Complaint Data

CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateMar 02, 2023
StateCT
Description
Vehicle stalls at random times. Dealership service center unable to duplicate problem. Vehicle was first brought in for repairs before 2 years or 24,000 miles but computer wasn't giving a code. Took vehicle for repairs on february 28 and picked it up on march 2. I received a phone call prior to picking up my vehicle from the service advisor. He informed me that now chrysler is aware of this issue and is trying to come up with a solution to repair it. I called the owner of the dealership and asked if he could get me a replacement vehicle and he said he has nothing to do with the lemon law. It's between chrysler and myself. I am being forced to drive an unsafe vehicle that just stalls at random times. The owner said that my vehicle is the only vehicle sold from his dealership that has this issue but there are other jeep/chryslers sold from different dealerships that have this issue. From the first time I reported this problem, I don't think anyone believed me because they were never able to duplicate the stalling. I work as a part time courier and am afraid to drive my vehicle. I can't wait until they find a solution. I've already had a few close calls with almost being rear ended. This issue started in june of 2022.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateFeb 22, 2023
StateCT
Description
When vehicle is in auto drive it stalls. When foot is taken of the brake pedal, vehicle does not automatically start. All lights and accessories are on and work but vehicle will not start. It takes several attempts to start vehicle. This happens when stopped at a light, a stop sign, sitting in traffic and most recently backing up. Dealer service center unable to find problem. This started after driving the vehicle for 11 months. Most recently it stalled four times in 24 hours.
CategoryElectrical System
DateJan 16, 2023
StateFL
Description
Service passive entry error code. The vehicle will not turn off without manually going into the settings area and even then sometimes does not always work. Sometimes I have to keep playing around with the menu to get it to shut off. Once turned off, sometimes it will crank back up and sometimes it will not. It has 22,000 miles and is under factory warranty I bought an extended warranty but neither the jeep manufacturer nor the warranty company will offer me a solution. I was advised there is a "bulletin" and that will sometimes turn into a recall but as of now, there is no recall for the issue. I've had to reach out to the jeep manufacturer several times, attaching some information regarding my attempts.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateDec 01, 2022
StateWA
Description
Sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving. No apparent cause (e. G. No reason to suspect a rock or other debris hitting the glass)
CategoryAir Bags, Electrical System, Engine
DateOct 22, 2022
StateWA
Description
Took my car in for oil change and dealership said there was an oil leak somewhere. Scheduled that for service. Than during the last week I got a airbag disabled/service , disabled park/service warning lights pop up on my dash. Auto/start/stop was disabled, check engine light came on for 10 seconds. Dealership has scheduled service to look into these
CategoryTires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
DateAug 23, 2022
StateTX
Description
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).
CategoryPower Train
DateJul 07, 2022
StateTX
Description
Transmissions are defective! Will not go into 8th or 9th gear under any circumstances. Jeep says it is what it is. Transmission runs hot (3/4 or hotter) and mileage is awful. Factory rep was to meet with me and backed out telling dealer customers have to deal with it. Transmission will not hold up to driving 75mph for hours. Dealer was informed of issue 50 mi. After delivery and said it would fix itself after it hit 1k. Vehicles do not meet cafe standards. Mileage is 25 to 33 percent less than rating. I have had 2 jeep cases and first one ended when rep was told not to meet with me. I believe it is another case of bosch having one tune for testing and one for the consumer like the eco diesel. I have emailed my congressman to let him know. I will bring my car wherever you wish to be tested. I have 2 of these and both are doing same thing. The blogs have several people who also have this issue. We paid for 9 speeds and not 6 or 7.
CategoryElectrical System
DateJun 11, 2022
StateFL
Description
We were driving down the road and all of a sudden the key symbol appears on the dashboard with a wif bars on top of it on the dashboard said see settings on how to turn vehicle off. We were able to pull into a service center and the only whey we could shut the vehicle off was by pushing the setting button on the steering wheel
CategoryEngine, Power Train
DateMay 15, 2022
StateTX
Description
Picked up jeep in kansas city. Got on highway and transmission (trans) would not shift into high gears. Called dealership and was told to contact local dealer. Got back to texas (560 mi.) and contacted 4 dealers in the dfw area. All said there were issues with 9 sp. Trans. One said put 2500 mi. On and see if it is a computer break in issue. Took to local dealer with 3300 mi and they did a star case. Subsequently, I also went with manager and confirmed issue. Was contacted by ralph at jeep (case #82736087). Was told car was submitted for buyback. Two days later, buyback was off the table, and I was stuck with it. Jeep said that no problem found per dealership. Called dealership and was told flat out that was not the case. They drove one off the lot and it did just fine (2022 model). Meanwhile, I posted on a renegade forum and other people are having same issue. We refer to this as "paid for a 9-speed transmission, but only got 7. This is a safety issue. I drive mostly 75 mph highway roads in northern texas using my adaptive cruise and am causing harm by the rpm being much higher than it should be.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateMay 09, 2022
StateNV
Description
On saturday, april 30th our brand new 2021 jeep renegade's front passenger window spontaneously exploded. The window inexplicably exploded before we even made our first car payment and we have captured the event on our garage's wyze camera. Luckily no one was injured but an event like this could have killed someone. Jim marsh dealership claimed to have never seen this before, despite there being numerous claims online of consumers reporting exploding windows and sunroofs. We are still getting the run around from jim marsh jeep and jeep wave. Both parties have been far more concerned with who has to pay the towing charge rather than show any concern or regard for our safety or the safety of other consumers. There either needs to be a warning label on all tempered glass windows, some sort of protective film needs to be placed over all tempered glass windows, or every consumer should have to sign a waiver stating that they are aware that their tempered glass windows/sunroofs may spontaneously explode.
CategoryElectrical System, Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor
DateMar 31, 2022
StateAZ
Description
The contact owns a 2021 jeep renegade. The contact stated while driving at 65 mph, several messages were displayed. The contact stated that " warning. Imminent engine failure", " warning. Side and front impacts", " warning. Low fuel" and other unknown warning messages were displayed. Additionally, the radio became inoperable. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring system had melted due to exposure to the exhaust gases. The dealer informed the contact that the exhaust pipe was malformed as it was routed incorrectly in a straight outward direction instead of being curved. The dealer advised the contact that it was a manufacturer defect. The vehicle was repaired; however, upon taking the vehicle to her residence, the contact noticed that the rear bumpers had melted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 1,650.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Lane Departure: Warning
DateMar 03, 2022
StateOH
Description
On feb. 6. 2022 there was another car in front of me and the forward collision warning went off and warned of someone immediatly stopping in front of me as the red stop warning came across the dash like it has in the past in then failed and then the service light came on along with 4x4 failure notice and everything else I took it to mazda instead of jeep because they advised they have a 2 week backlog of issues and cannot get a rental care nor a valid eta on fixing vehicle. Mazda found out there was a bent tie rod which resulted in me spending ,000 to get fixed and they still had to refer me to jeep for the forward collision system to be serviced but still they have no rental or replacement car for me to drive it has now been over a month and many complaints with fca stellantis complaint id: [xxx]filed with:bbbdate filed:2/6/2022 still no repsonse for reimbursment and also called jeep case manager and they denied to help me any further since I cannot take it to jeep however I have written notice that mazda is a certified repair center but to date this issue has not been addressed and my forward collision service light is still on and no one is willing to help me unless I take it to jeep and drop off my car and miss work for days or weeks on end since no rental cars are available and jeep wave will not reimburse me either which goes against what I was shown when purchasing this vehilce I do not feel safe but have been unable to get help and was advised to submit a complaint with nhtsa. Please call me so I can email the documents to you [xxx] thank you. This is safety concern that I want them to address but they are unwilling to work with me since this is my only vehicle. No one to date has ever called me. All I want is to be reimbursed for a part I should not have had to buy. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
CategoryPower Train, Seat Belts
DateJan 29, 2022
StatePR
Description
Dashboard lights suddenly start blinking, from seatbelt, airbag, check engine… then the d starts flashing and the car loses power (goes like in neutral), forcing me to pull over, when I can. This happens while driving, this happens often. Have visited a dealership twice, “no trouble found”. Danger to self and others.
CategoryElectrical System, Service Brakes, Steering
DateSep 01, 2021
StateGA
Description
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).
CategoryEngine, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Service Brakes
DateAug 09, 2021
StateFL
Description
My car stalled in traffic causing an risk for accidents. I couldn't steer the vehicle. There were numerous things going off in the car that prevented the mobility of the vehicle.
CategoryElectrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, Vehicle Speed Control
DateAug 05, 2021
StateMI
Description
When traveling with the cruise control on, on the expressway, the speeddometer started to flicker on and off then totally went off. It lasted a couple of seconds and when it came back on my speed was at 55 mph. I was traveling at 75 when it started. This happens alot. Also the radio will sometimes blast its volume, change stations on its own or won't shut off. Last week my rear window went down and wouldn't go back up. These things happen occasionally but after shutting off the car and waiting it seems to clear for awhile. I took it into the dealer and was told there was nothing they could do, they had to wait for a fix for the software from chrysler. I spoke with people from chrysler and they told me the same thing. I leased this car in march and it is now august. How long do I have to wait for a fix? I am getting scared driving this car.
CategoryEngine, Power Train
DateJul 02, 2021
StateDE
Description
1. Checked my oil level at 2,000 miles and it was down by 1/2 quart. I added oil and took to dealer and they checked this out and told me these high compression engine will use oil. No warning signs. 2. Transmission from 1st to 2nd makes noise. Dealer told me this trans is a adaptive trans and if no one else drives this vehicle it will get better. In mornings it is still clunking but after it warms up it gets better. Feel like I'm driving a time bomb.
CategoryElectrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
DateJun 08, 2021
StateMI
Description
The vehicle in front of me was at least one car length ahead of me as I was driving around 15 mph when the forward collision detection activated my automatic brakes and jerked me forward in the seat, almost causing whiplash. There was no reason for the detector to go off.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
DateFeb 14, 2021
StateNY
Description
On sunday 1/17/21, I leased a car from the dealer listed above. I leased a 2021 fully loaded jeep renegade even after the horrible treatment from the rude impersonal salesperson - after only two days of having the car, we got begin having issue with it, the warning light on the dash that said, "stereo system unavailable". This malfunction caused all safety features to turn off as well as the special kenwood sound system that we paid extra for as a part of the luxury group add on. I looked into the issue myself and it stated that it had been going on in this car since the 2018 model. Since then, it has happened on and off daily. That monday morning, we call the dealer and get an appointment for tuesday morning. Tuesday morning, we drive in and leave the car there. They call back in the afternoon and tell us that there is no problem with the car, and they cannot replicate the problem- at this point we had opened a case with corporate. Later in the evening we get a call to come and get the car, we stated we did not want to pick up the car because it happens every morning and to keep the car overnight and try again tomorrow morning (wednesday feb. 27). We get a call from corporate that they are opening a case and they would also call us back on wednesday. I get a call from the case manager explaining that this is a problem with all jeep renegades and that if we want a loner, I'll need to rent a car and get reimbursed by chrysler. The safety features are disabled because of this malfunction! This is dangerous and unprofessional for a company of their caliber not only for our family but also for everyone buying these vehicles. If they will try and get over on us for this - what else will they try to take advantage of? As now we need to wait for an update (which I think it is only a tactic for losing time) for next quarter until they update their software on the car.
CategoryElectrical System, Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection, Unknown Or Other
DateFeb 08, 2021
StateNY
Description
On sunday 1/17/21, my daughter's husband leased a car from the dealer listed above. He leased a 2021 fully loaded jeep renegade after only two days of having the car, we got the warning on the dash that said "stereo system unavailable". This malfunction caused all safety features to turn off as well as the special kenwood sound system that we paid extra for as a part of the luxury group add on. My husband looked into the issue himself and it stated that it had been going on in this car since the 2018 model. The next time he got into the car, it worked perfectly fine. Since then it has happened on and off daily. Finally after a week of owning the car we attempted to make a service appointment but due to the weekend, monday morning we call the dealer and get an appointment for tuesday morning. Tuesday morning we drive in and leave the car there. They call back in the afternoon and tell us that there is no problem with the car and they cannot replicate the problem- later in the evening we get a call to come and get the car, we stated we did not want to pick up the car because it happens every morning and to keep the car overnight and try again tomorrow morning (wednesday). We get a call from corporate that they are opening a case and they would also call us back on wednesday. Wednesday we do not get a call from the dealer's service department. We get a call from the case manager explaining that this is a problem with all jeep renegades my question is why do I need to pay for when jeep should not be selling these vehicles! The safety features are disabled because of this malfunction. This is dangerous and unprofessional for a company of their caliber not only for our family but also for everyone buying these vehicles. There is case similar to this since 2017 and nothing is done about it

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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4 COMMENTS
  • Sapphire

    Im scared for my safety. I brought a 2021 Jeep Renagade out the box. While driving on the highway the check engine light came on , service Electronic Throttle control came on, stop / start unavailable came on. My car started shaking . It turn off on me I was afraid someone was going to hit me. Thankful my car turn back on and was able to get to a safe spot. I went to the dealership and they said I had a lot wrong with it but they only clean the Throttle body and reboot the brain. Told me that was the problem. Two days later everything came back up and now they say it because of an oil change . It was not only shaking but driving backwards while in drive. I know for a fact it has nothing to do with that. Ive been to the dealership so many time. Ive reach out to corporate as well. The dealership wont even give me a loaner car or put me into a rental. I don’t have an other car to get around. Its been very stressful. I need help

  • Jason H

    Ok, So my 2021 Renegade first had issues on a trip to TN in May. On Friday the 13th of all days. My then-fiance were driving to look at a home and all of a sudden EVERY warning light came on and repeatedly cycled off and on. Service engine soon, service transmission, service 4×4, traction control, EVERYTHING! The transmission started jerking violently, P, R, N, D all were flashing. Fortunately the GPS had us routed on a path that passed the dealer. We got it there and they adjusted the PCM, saying they had heard of Renegades having issues with those coming loose. This was around 13k miles, they said it should hold once they put it back in. Anyways, it hits 14k miles, it happens again. Again, I get to the dealer and they noticed THEN that the clip that held the PCM harness in was broken. They refused at first to provide a loaner or a rental, claiming they had none available. I left it, only because I had a car of my parents that I could use. After having it for a month, the dealer says they are unsure if the part I need is available. A couple weeks after that, the part is shockingly available. They order it, get it in, only to find out that the part doesn’t fit and/or is the wrong part. They tell me they’ve talked to people where the Renegade is assembled, people at Chrysler, and now all of a sudden the part I need can’t be found in any company catalog. I told them I can’t have a vehicle that isn’t dependable or safe, they said all they can do is try and hope a suitable part can be found. In the meantime, on a drive today, the Renegade flips out again. I’m done! I wrote an email to Jeep, demanding a full refund of purchase price, or we can pursue other options.

  • Deborah I

    My car loses power when going around a corner in my neighborhood. Sounds like it’s stalled, but it’s just super sluggish. I’m afraid if someone is behind me they’re going to hit me. It’s a scary feeling.

  • Michelle

    I’m having all these problems with my Jeep Renagade.

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