Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Jeep Renegade owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while driving 35-36 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud whining sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where an unknown software update was performed; however, the failure recurred while driving 49 MPH. The contact stated that the engine revved significantly as if the transmission was shifting to a higher gear. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Tyson Motor (1 SW Frontage Rd, Shorewood, IL 60404), where it was test-driven, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,500.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission shift solenoid was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was included in Manufacturer Campaign Number: W84 (Power Train Software Update) and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was 46,339.
The contact's mother owns a 2017 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the gear shifter failed to shift into drive(D). The contact stated that numerous unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,644.
my grandfather has own he renegade since it came out in 2017. it has had nothing but issues most of which as his granddaughter i had fixed. but the last at least year I've had his vehicle illuminate a check engine light. Especially in very wet weather, cold or hot weather. If it's a normal 65-degree days for a few days, it will go off. it's a very intermittent light. that you have to catch. Taken to AutoZone, dealership, etc. It's a P0420 code which is failed catalytic converter. called and spoke to Stellantis, Mopar customer service multiple times. it's not an issue they refuse to acknowledge. also pricing for a catalytic converter isn't possible. because the only available ones are on back order hard.
Car stalled in the middle of the busy road with no warning when accelerating from a right turn between 12-24 mph and a "low oil pressure sensor" light displayed and disappeared for 3 seconds. Received oil change that day and Valvoline did not mention any concerns about oil level. The next day, my car had been driving for 10+ min and struggled to accelerate out of light, specifically in range of 30-45 mph and the RPMs shot up to 3000. Car kept running but struggled to down shift. Terrified of this happening on my daily interstate and state roads drive, especially in winter!!! Taking to dealership service department to hopefully get this huge safety issue fixed.
As I was driving on the freeway my car suddenly started to act and feel different. I had the ability to exit the freeway immediately and thankfully made it to a parking lot where my engine eventually died. I had the vehicle towed to my mechanic where he determined the rocker arm (attached to the mutli air actuator) on cylinder 4 broke and caused the engine to malfunction. Had I been unable to exit the freeway I would have been a road hazard and in an unsafe situation. My mechanic replaced the multi air actuator and the cam shaft. He also confirmed that he has seen this exact issue in other chrysler vehicles, specifically jeeps.
The vehicle instrument panel begins flashing multiple warning lights while driving and subsequently while stopped such as emergency brake on, key fob left the vehicle, fuel engine, TPMS, etc. All of these occur while the vehicle is moving. While coming to a stop the power steering pump also becomes inoperative, the shift indicator (PRND) is blinking, and it is impossible to move the shift lever. The vehicle will not shut off until the battery is disconnected. The problem seems to manifest when ambient air temperature exceeds 80 Fahrenheit and the vehicle has been previously operated.
When you get up to 29-30 mph the vehicle will jerk. Sometimes so hard it feels like you have been hit in the back in. I took it in 3 times to be checked out. This is the explanation they gave me for why my car does this. That newer vehicles get used to one person driving it and when someone else does then goes back to the original person it knows this. So it is trying to relearn the driving pattern. I know cars are a lot smarter now. Not that smart though. I know something is making it do this. No one can give me a real explanation.
The Renegade makes a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle at about 35 mph and begins to dissipate at around 45 mph when the car is in Drive. If I move the drive selector to manual shifting, the noise goes away for the most part. If I turn OFF the traction control, the noise disappears completely. I'm not real excited about turning off the traction control system as this could enhance the dangers of driving with reduced traction control. This happens without fail.
Cracked oil pump housing/balance shaft module (BSM). The checking engine light came on, and the system requested an oil change after only 3k from the last oil change. I brought it to the mechanic, and the oil was refilled, and the checking engine light turned off. The vehicle keeps asking for an oil change. I opened the hood, and oil was splashed all over, leaving oil stains on the inside of the hood, hoses and surrounding surfaces.
Transmission complaints in other Renegade years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Jeep Renegade?
NHTSA has 95 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2017 Jeep Renegade, 17% of the model year's 566 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › internal › clutches/bands › actuators/solenoids (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Jeep Renegade transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2017 Jeep Renegade, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Jeep Renegade transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 25,000 miles, and 49% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.