Jeep Renegade Years To Avoid: Essential 7 Buyer’s Guide
Are you wondering which Jeep Renegade years to avoid? This guide points out the years with reliability issues to ensure you make a smart buy.
The Jeep Renegade, first out in 2014, stands out for its unique look and ability to tackle off-road adventures. However, not all the years are as reliable as you might hope.
We’ll dive into common issues, what owners have complained about, and repair costs. This way, you will know which models might be more trouble than they’re worth.
Learning which years are trouble-free will help you avoid the mistakes others made. This ensures you pick a vehicle you can rely on.
This guide will detail the problematic years, beginning with a deep dive into each year’s specific concerns.
You’ll learn how to dodge expensive errors and choose a year known for its dependability.
Let’s explore which Jeep Renegade years to skip. This knowledge will arm you for making a smart choice on your next car!
Introduction To The Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade turns heads with its old-school look and useful design. It’s a small SUV that brings together Jeep’s tough tradition and a fresh style.
You have a choice between driving with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Both are great for off-road adventures.
The Renegade shows what Jeep vehicles can do, readying drivers for any kind of ground. The Jeep Renegade stands out as a remarkable small SUV.
It offers different engines and plenty of room for your stuff, pleasing those who love adventures and city living alike.
However, it’s important to know it might not be perfect. Some models have known issues. Not all the Renegade’s years are good, with some having big problems.
What is Jeep Renegade Reliability Concerns?
Looking into the Jeep Renegade? It’s important to know about the reliability issues some owners have faced.
From 2015 to 2018, the Jeep Renegade showed problems in reliability. These issues include engine failures, too much oil use, transmission problems, and electronic bugs.
Knowing about these concerns can really help if you’re thinking of buying a used Jeep Renegade.
Owners have often talked about these problems leading to costly repairs and a lot of stress. By getting familiar with these issues, you can make a smarter choice.

Keeping an eye on these possible problems might save you from regret later. It can prepare you for a solid experience as a car owner.
Jeep Renegade Years To Avoid
Thinking about getting a Jeep Renegade? Knowing which model years to avoid can save you a lot of trouble.
The years 2015 to 2018 are often singled out for not being reliable. Knowing this can help you make a smarter choice and avoid future problems.
Problematic Years: An Overview
Models from 2015 to 2018 have had their share of complaints. Owners have faced engine issues, electrical problems, and transmission troubles.
These issues have given these models a bad reputation that buyers should consider.
Common Complaints From Owners
Owners of these models report a few main problems. These include:
- Check engine light turning on for no clear reason
- Transmission acting up, making driving unpredictable
- Engine stalling out of nowhere, which can be dangerous
- Problems with traction control that affect the car’s handling
- Electrical issues, like weird dashboard displays and the sound system not working right
These issues show the kind of problems people have faced with these Jeep Renegade models. This knowledge can help you make a better decision when choosing your car.

2015 Jeep Renegade: The Worst Model Year
The 2015 Jeep Renegade has become quite a headache for compact SUV lovers. It’s filled with mechanical and electrical problems.
These have made many owners unhappy and hurt the vehicle’s reliability score. Here are the major problems and how they hit your wallet.
Key Issues and Concerns
One major worry with the 2015 Jeep Renegade is the check engine light popping up. This often points to big engine problems as early as 21,000 miles.
Plus, the 9-speed automatic transmission causes headaches with jarring shifts and sluggish response.
These 2015 Jeep Renegade issues signal a big gamble for anyone thinking of buying.
Repair Costs and Financial Implications
Fixing a 2015 Jeep Renegade, especially transmission issues, can cost a ton. Repair bills can jump over $3,000 fast.
High repair costs lower the car’s value and hurt your wallet. This drop in value turns off potential buyers, leaving owners upset with their purchase.

Issue | Description | Estimated Repair Cost |
---|---|---|
Check Engine Light Activation | Commonly linked to engine problems, particularly around 21,000 miles. | $1,200 – $2,500 |
Transmission Problems | Issues with hard shifts and unresponsiveness in 9-speed transmission. | Over $3,000 |
Electrical Failures | Malfunctions affecting various electrical components. | $800 – $1,500 |
2016 Jeep Renegade: Persisting Problems
The 2016 Jeep Renegade is known for its issues, especially with the traction control system.
Many owners have noticed that traction control turns on by itself, creating unsafe driving situations.
This sudden activation can make the car slow down quickly, endangering the driver and others on the road.
With over 600 complaints, it’s obvious the 2016 Jeep Renegade has serious reliability issues.
Because of this, buyers should think twice before choosing this model as their next car.
Traction Control Issues
One of the top common issues with the 2016 Jeep Renegade is its traction control problem.
This issue leads to the car suddenly slowing down because the system activates on its own. These problems have sparked concerns over the vehicle’s safety and effectiveness.
To better understand the gravity of these issues, consider the following points:
- Erratic timing of traction control activation.
- Negative impacts on overall driving experience.
- Increased risk of accidents due to unforeseen slowdowns.

2017 Jeep Renegade: Reliability Woes
The 2017 Jeep Renegade suffers from reliability issues. These mainly include electrical malfunctions and engine problems. Such issues are crucial to know before you decide to buy.
Electrical and Engine Problems
The 2017 Jeep Renegade’s electrical issues often lead to incorrect instrument panel readings. This can cause confusion and raise safety worries.
Drivers might see wrong fuel levels and temperature gauges. Alongside these, the engine problems in 2017 Jeep Renegade are troubling.
Examples include engine stalling and using too much oil. These problems hurt the vehicle’s dependability and drive quality.
The model has seen numerous recalls, showing serious flaws that impact satisfaction over time.
Type of Issue | Description | Impact on Driver Experience |
---|---|---|
Electrical Malfunction | Instrument panel shows incorrect data | Leads to confusion regarding fuel and engine status |
Engine Stalling | Unexpected loss of power while driving | Raises safety concerns during transit |
Oil Consumption | Excessive oil usage not typical for the model | Increases maintenance costs and frequency of oil changes |
Looking closely at these issues will help you decide wisely about the 2017 Jeep Renegade. It’s important to know these problems to gauge the risks of buying one.
2018 Jeep Renegade: The Last of The Troublesome Models
The 2018 Jeep Renegade has been in the spotlight for ongoing reliability issues. The oil consumption problem is a major worry for many owners.
Although not as bad as previous years, this issue is still a serious concern.
Excessive Oil Consumption Issues
Owners often report losing a lot of oil between oil changes, hinting at deeper mechanical issues. This extreme oil use causes several problems, like:
- Increased engine wear and tear
- Potential engine stalling
- Higher repair costs due to necessary engine repairs
Many drivers are unhappy with these issues in the 2018 Jeep Renegade. They talk about surprise repair bills and worry about the engine’s future.
Knowing about these problems is key if you’re thinking about getting this model.
Best Jeep Renegade Model Years To Consider
When you’re looking for a Jeep Renegade, it’s wise to focus on the best years.
Specifically, models from 2019 onwards show big improvements in reliability and less owner complaints. These make great choices if you’re thinking of buying a used one.
Recommended Reliable Years
The 2019 Jeep Renegade is a game-changer, with fewer issues reported and better features.
People really liked this move towards a more reliable car. The good news kept coming with the 2020 and 2021 models too.
Model Year | Key Features | Owner Feedback |
---|---|---|
2019 | Improved handling, updated tech features | Fewer complaints, high satisfaction |
2020 | Refined design, enhanced safety features | Positive reviews, reliable performance |
2021 | Additional tech options, solid build quality | Consistent reliability, valued by users |
Picking a model from these recommended years means getting a car you can count on.
By choosing the best Jeep Renegade years, you’ll get a car that’s both reliable and enjoyable to drive.
Jeep Renegade Maintenance Tips For Buyers
Keeping your Jeep Renegade in top shape means staying on top of maintenance. Start with regular oil changes to ensure the engine runs smoothly.
Proper tire pressure improves gas mileage and boosts safety. Routine checks of the transmission system are key to catching problems early.
Swiftly dealing with dashboard warning lights avoids bigger, expensive issues later. A detailed service history is gold for future owners.
It helps them judge the used Renegade’s condition. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your Jeep running well and problem-free.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about getting a used Jeep Renegade, it’s key to avoid the 2015 to 2018 models. These have had a lot of reliability issues, potentially costing you extra for repairs.
Looking at newer models might offer you a more reliable car, making your drives better. This guide aims to help you make a smart choice when buying a Jeep Renegade.
Knowing which years to avoid and which ones to consider helps you buy with confidence. This way, you’re more likely to enjoy your purchase.
Knowing about the Jeep Renegade’s past problems and how to keep it running will help you choose wisely.
This makes sure your money is well spent on a used Jeep Renegade that really suits your needs.
FAQs
Q: What are the Jeep Renegade years to avoid?
A: Stay away from the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 models. They have known reliability issues.
Q: What common problems do Jeep Renegade owners report?
A: Owners report engine failures, high oil use, transmission problems, and electrical issues.
Q: Which Jeep Renegade model year is considered the worst?
A: The 2015 model is the worst. It has major transmission and engine problems.
Q: Are there any best years for the Jeep Renegade?
A: Yes, models from 2019 onward are more reliable and have fewer issues.
Q: What maintenance tips should I follow for my Jeep Renegade?
A: Change the oil regularly. Keep an eye on tire pressure.
Inspect the transmission system. Act quickly if dashboard warning lights come on.
Q: What are typical repair costs for Jeep Renegade issues?
A: Repairs can be pricey. The 2015 model’s transmission problems can cost over ,000 to fix.
Q: How can I check the reliability of a used Jeep Renegade?
A: Look at service records, owner reviews, and reliability scores to understand a model year’s reliability.
Q: What electrical problems are common in the Jeep Renegade?
A: The 2015-2018 models often have erratic dashboard readings and problems with the audio system.