VehicleVerdict

2020 Jeep Renegade problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2020 Jeep Renegade sits mid-pack among Renegade years: 90 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 114, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 18 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (21), electrical system (14), and other (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

90

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

18

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Renegade years?

Renegade NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 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, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Renegade years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Jeep Renegade problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2123%
Electrical System1416%
Other1213%
Transmission78%
Seat Belts67%
Fuel System67%
Airbags56%
Speed Control56%
Tires & Wheels44%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Brakes22%
Driver Assistance22%
Lighting11%
Steering11%
Body & Structure11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2020 Jeep Renegade have recalls?

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

24V510000Seat BeltsJuly 3, 2024 · 337,128 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.

Consequence

A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.

20V191000Driver AssistanceSeptember 10, 2020 · 319,610 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence

The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.

19V909000BrakesDecember 19, 2019 · 1,353 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X vehicles. The right rear brake caliper could have been fractured during the casting process.

Consequence

A cracked right rear brake caliper can fail, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right rear brake calipers, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VE8.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 JEEP RENEGADE. THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART. THE CHECK OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FEW DAYS AFTER, WHILE TURNING RIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH INTO THE GAS STATION THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 1, 2020 · crash

“Infotainment system is highly defective even after replacement. The screen goes black, shows white lines and you're left unable to use your backup camera! After doing research this problem stems all the way back to 2016 renegades with the same system. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 8, 1999 · crash

“Radio needed replacement, transmission was replaced under lease contract, Rack & Pinion replaced, Steering & Suspension R/F Axle replacement needs to be done, part is on back order until September 2025-This is very dangerous. There should be recalls on the above is the part is on back order there…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 1, 2025

“Problem began on 1/1/22. I was out running errands when vehicle lost acceleration power, check engine light came on followed by a service transmission light. My vehicle is less than a year old with under 8000 miles on it and is regularly maintained. There is no foreseeable reason for it to be…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 1, 2022

“I was parking in my usual spot, slowly into the parking spot with my foot on the brake 5 mph, suddenly the Jeep accelerated and smashed into the wall of the building at full force. The Jeep bounced back so hard it jerked my head. The Jeep was leaking fluid, and the frame bent with body damaged. It…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 9, 2022 · crash

2020 Jeep Renegade — common questions

Is the 2020 Jeep Renegade reliable?

It is close to typical for the Renegade: 90 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2020 Renegade problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (21 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints), other (12 complaints).

Does the 2020 Jeep Renegade have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 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 2020 Jeep Renegade?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 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.