VehicleVerdict

2015 Jeep Renegade problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 796 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.0 times the median Renegade year — the 2015 model ranks #2 of 9 Renegade years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (170), engine (165), and electrical system (158), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

796

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

13

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other Renegade years?

Renegade NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted921 complaints2015: 796 complaints2016: 668 complaints2017: 921 complaints2018: 693 complaints2019: 114 complaints2020: 90 complaints2021: 103 complaints2022: 42 complaints2023: 43 complaints
Renegade NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Renegade years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Jeep Renegade problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission17021%
Engine16521%
Electrical System15820%
Other9712%
Fuel System395%
Brakes304%
Speed Control273%
Lighting182%
Steering152%
Airbags142%
Seat Belts142%
Tires & Wheels132%
Body & Structure122%
Suspension101%
Visibility & Wipers91%
Driver Assistance30%
Seats20%

Does the 2015 Jeep Renegade have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V545000Trailer HitchJuly 20, 2016 · 8,581 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured August 25, 2014, to June 25, 2016, equipped with a factory-installed optional trailer hitch package. The trailer hitch assembly may have been attached with only a single fastener per side, not three per side as required.

Consequence

Without the proper amount of fasteners, the trailer hitch assembly may separate from the vehicle, and any towed vehicle may no longer be properly connected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install two additional fasteners per side, free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S62.

16V529000TransmissionJuly 12, 2016 · 329,540 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. On August 29, 2016 Chrysler added the 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles to this recall.

Consequence

If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S55.

16E013000SuspensionFebruary 18, 2016 · 50 units

Defect

Daystar Products International, Inc. (Daystar) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement rear control arm brackets included in Daystar's 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade 1.5" spacer kit, part KJ09168BK, shipped from Daystar to distributors between October 27, 2015 and November 5, 2015. The affected spacers may have improper or incomplete welds on the top flange on the rear control arm bracket, that can allow the rear axle to shift while driving.

Consequence

If the axle moves there could be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Daystar will notify owners, and direct them to repair shops to have the brackets inspected and replaced as needed, free of charge. The recall began on March 11, 2016. Owners may contact Daystar customer service at 1-623-907-0081 or by email at Jbilyeu@daystarweb.com. Daystar's number for this recall is 16-01.

15V508000Electrical SystemAugust 12, 2015 · 7,810 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured September 18, 2014, to June 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.

Consequence

Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on September 30, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R45.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 JEEP RENEGADE. AFTER THE GEAR SHIFT WAS SWITCHED INTO THE DRIVE POSITION, THE VEHICLE REVERSED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT FAILED TO GO INTO DRIVE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 25, 2016 · crash

“Motor mounts were damaged and car would shake excessively. got them replaced and they were broken again 3 months later. i have seen several people with the same issue on reddit in jeep renegades models 2015-2016. I was in a fender bender on 8/4/2023 and car was fine for a few days and then it…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 15, 2023 · crash

“COOLING CIRCUIT FAN STOPPED WORKING AT 51K MILES. ENGINE LIGHT SAID SERVICE ENGINE WITH DASH ENGINE LIGHT NOTIFICATION. CODE P0481 COMES UP”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 13, 2020 · fire

“WAS GOING APPROXIMATE 25-30 MPH SWITCHED LANES AND THE TRAFFIC STOP I PRESSED THE BRAKES AND HERE WAS A GRINDING FELLING AND HIT THE BACK OF ANOTHER CAR AND DID SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY JEEP AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 23, 2016 · crash

“"TAKATA RECALL" AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE FROM A PARKING SPOT AT THE VA, I SMELLED GAS, AND IT STALLED. AFTER STARTING SEVERAL MORE TIME, AND ONLY ABLE TO MAKE IT APPROXIMATELY SEVERAL FEET EACH TIME. THE VEHICLE FINALLY DIED, LEAVING A TRAIL OF GAS, AND A HUGE PUDDLE UNDERNEATH. IT WAS THE FUEL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 14, 2015

2015 Jeep Renegade — common questions

Is the 2015 Jeep Renegade reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 796 complaints put the 2015 model at #2 of 9 Renegade years. It is one of the Renegade years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Renegade problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (170 complaints), engine (165 complaints), electrical system (158 complaints).

Does the 2015 Jeep Renegade have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Jeep Renegade. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 Jeep Renegade under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Jeep Renegade years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Renegade years to avoid are 2017, 2015, 2018, 2016. The cleanest record among Renegade years belongs to 2022.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.