VehicleVerdict

2016 Jeep Renegade problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 668 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.9 times the median Renegade year — the 2016 model ranks #4 of 9 Renegade years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 35 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 180 reports (27% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

668

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

35

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Renegade years?

Renegade NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Renegade years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Jeep Renegade problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine18027%
Electrical System14221%
Other7712%
Transmission7311%
Speed Control294%
Fuel System284%
Lighting274%
Brakes244%
Airbags173%
Steering152%
Seat Belts142%
Seats101%
Body & Structure71%
Suspension71%
Visibility & Wipers71%
Tires & Wheels61%
Driver Assistance51%

Does the 2016 Jeep Renegade have recalls?

2 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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ELECTRIC FAN ASSEMBLY FOR THE COOLING SYSTEM FAILED. BURNED UP THE ELECTRIC FAN, SMOKE POURING OUT OF THE ENGINE BAY. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 26, 2019 · fire

“ELECTRIC FAN ASSEMBLY FOR THE COOLING SYSTEM FAILED. BURNED UP THE ELECTRIC FAN, SMOKE POURING OUT OF THE ENGINE BAY. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 26, 2019 · fire

“CAR RUNNING IN PARK WAITING AT BUS STOP , HEARD A POP, THEN SMELLED SMOKE, THEN GOT OUT AND FIRE UNDER FRONT PASSENGER SIDE , CALLED 911 AND FIRE WENT UP IN FLAMES AND COMPLETELY DESTROYED WHOLE FRONT OF MY CAR EVERYTHING LOST . GOT ME AND SON OUT AND THAT WAS IT. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK!!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 14, 2019 · fire

“VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. DRIVER TOOK FOOT OFF THE BRAKE FROM DEAD STOP AND THE RENEGADE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR. THE INSTURMENT PANEL FLASHED AND FLICKERED VARIOUS TROUBLE INDICATIONS AND THEN STOPPED WITH THE MESSAGE TO SERVICE THE ELECTRIC EMERGENCY…”

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

“THIS CAR COMES ALMOST TO A DEAD STOP AND STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING. ITS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT WILL STALL RIGHT AS I'M ENTERING TRAFFIC AND ATTEMPTING TO GET UP TO THE SPEED OF TRAFFIC DURING A TIME WHEN ALL OTHER CARS AROUND ME ARE ALSO ACCELERATING, IT'S HAPPENED SINCE THE FIRST DAY I BOUGHT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 5, 2021

2016 Jeep Renegade — common questions

Is the 2016 Jeep Renegade reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 668 complaints put the 2016 model at #4 of 9 Renegade years. It is one of the Renegade years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Renegade problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (180 complaints), electrical system (142 complaints), other (77 complaints).

Does the 2016 Jeep Renegade have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Jeep Renegade. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

How safe is the 2016 Jeep Renegade?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Jeep Renegade earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.