Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Jeep Renegade owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and approaching a stop light, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact stated that the seat belt tightened causing a bruise. The contact was able to pull over. The contact attempted several times to jump-start the vehicle however, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under warranty and that the contact had to pay out-of-pocket for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 48,577.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was dark smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the vehicle would stall and shut off after being shifted into drive. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the compression in the engine was low, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 80,000.
Was driving and entering onto a freeway going about 40-50mph. I was able to reach 60 mph on freeway. All of a sudden the thing where car shuts off when stopped at light that came on and then check engine light and then had to slow down however after slowing I was not able to go above 40 mph and had to try to get over to pullover. I let my car sit for a couple hours and when I put it in drive and accelerated my front end was smoking and extremely hot. When I was able to open hood everything was hot opened oil cap as I had a puddle of oil now under my car smoke came pouring out of where you put oil. Not sure if connected but the month prior my car was being fixed for a blower motor and at that time was leaking oil. I had an issue previously on a Chevy Malibu where blower vacuum motor broke and caused broke piece to go into engine fan which then needed engine replacement. …
My 2020 Jeep Renegade would not shut off the evening of 6/22/21. The Jeep Road Service tech tried unhooking the battery but that did not shut it down. He thought that holding the key fob directly over /on the push start button it would shut it down. It did not. He then, at the suggestion of my father removed the 15 amp Fuel fuse and that finally stopped the car. He then towed it to the dealer Paul Bailey Chrysler/Jeep. They noted that the battery cable was loose and I explained that the tow truck person tried the battery at first. They said they reset the RFH ? I believe its located in the computer circuit. They road tested and said they never saw that happen before and I took it home. 6/24/21. So far so good.
While driving my 2020 Jeep Renegade it will just shut itself down with no warning. I was on the freeway going 60 mph when the car just shut off causing me to have to pull over on the side of the freeway (which is illegal) and then having to restart the car - this happened 6 times in a matter of 24 hours causing me to have to bring my Jeep to the dealership. I was told that there are more electrical issues that will nee dot be addressed but that the main reason for the shut off weas due to not enough oil in the car even though I just had an oil change and was not due for some time. Why would the car just shut off with no warnings? At least a low oil level light would be better than just shutting down.
Went to pass someone car wouldn't shift or pick up in speed several times, on interstate as well as on highways. Expressed concern to dealer, didn't perform testing, cleared codes. Getting gas, vehicle didn't recognize shut off gas spilled everywhere all over the vehicle and the parking lot Today shut off 4x while driving. 2 times jeep threw vehicle into park via the emergency break while driving. 2 times jeep just shut down and stopped. Had trouble starting aging after just shutting off. Vehicle being towed to another dealer today
Vehicle has an oil leak due to a faulty vacuum pump and gasket which is causing the vehicle to leak an excessive amount throughout the engine and other components. It was seen by a repair shop and they pinpointed the leak. This could cause an engine to stall while driving if not fixed soon which could potentially involve being in a accident to cause injury and or even death. The leak first appeared in August 2025 and can not be driven until fixed. This issue is also happening to my husbands vehicle which is the same as mine.
Vehicle randomly stalls out, engine shuts off, while driving. Check engine, service fuel cut-off, parking brake, air bag, ABS, coolant temperature high, service ESC system lights and messages. All of these warnings and messages occurred during the stall out, never before. It's currently in the shop for the third time to figure out the problem and to get it fixed. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership/shop currently working on it.
Engine stalled in much the same way as numerous other owners are describing on this forum. It happened on the freeway at 70mph in cruise control. Engine instantly killed, NO check engine light, dealership ran codes and found no errors. Very dangerous. Can Stellantis please diagnose this and get a recall. I don't trust this car and stopped driving it.
Vehicle constantly overheats and the cooling fans go out. I work for a company that has 30 Jeep Renegades ranging from year 2020 to 2023. They all have this issue. Leaking coolant, AC going out, cooling fan needing replacement, not starting, stalling, overheating, etc. I can give all VIN numbers if necessary.
Engine complaints in other Renegade years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2020 Jeep Renegade?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2020 Jeep Renegade, 34% of the model year's 62 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2020 Jeep Renegade engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2020 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 2020 Jeep Renegade engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 7,000 miles, and 71% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.