Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I have a 2023 Renegade 4x4. There are several current operating issues and a few which cause an extreme safety hazard: Service forward collision warning light is on Says brake lights out Says left turn signal is out Parking light out Driver seatbelt light Passenger seatbelt light Push to start button - stop/start unavailable Parking brake Airbag light Car turned off when foot idle and parking brake activated Car jolts when foot is taken off of accelerator pedal at 45+mph Car enters into forward collision prevention mode with there is not a vehicle in front. If the vehicle believes the seatbelts are not worn and there are issues with the airbag sensors then there is an extreme safety issue in the event of a collision.
Engine continuously leaks oil. Oil is all over under carriage. This has been a recurring problem that the dealer has tried to fix. Oil is all over our garage floor. If we do not monitor the oil level it could run out of oil. This vehicle is one year old and has had one recall and five attempts to fix an oil leak.
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing difficulty starting. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered, lurched, and hesitated to respond while the RPMS were significantly high. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving from a complete stop. Additionally, they stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and hesitated to respond, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine was replaced; however, the failure persisted. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. …
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and shut down. The contact called the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 9,040.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, several messages were displayed. The contact stated that " Warning. Imminent Engine Failure", " Warning. Side and Front Impacts", " Warning. Low Fuel" and other unknown warning messages were displayed. Additionally, the radio became inoperable. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the wiring system had melted due to exposure to the exhaust gases. The dealer informed the contact that the exhaust pipe was malformed as it was routed incorrectly in a straight outward direction instead of being curved. The dealer advised the contact that it was a manufacturer defect. The vehicle was repaired; however, upon taking the vehicle to her residence, the contact noticed that the rear bumpers had melted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. …
Picked up Jeep in Kansas City. Got on highway and transmission (trans) would not shift into high gears. Called dealership and was told to contact local dealer. Got back to Texas (560 mi.) and contacted 4 dealers in the DFW area. All said there were issues with 9 sp. trans. One said put 2500 mi. on and see if it is a computer break in issue. Took to local dealer with 3300 mi and they did a Star Case. Subsequently, I also went with Manager and confirmed issue. Was contacted by Ralph at Jeep (CASE #82736087). Was told car was submitted for buyback. Two days later, buyback was off the table, and I was stuck with it. Jeep said that no problem found per dealership. Called dealership and was told flat out that was not the case. They drove one off the lot and it did just fine (2022 model). Meanwhile, I posted on a Renegade forum and other people are having same issue. …
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.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Renegade vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine. These vehicles may be equipped with a cracked oil pump housing/balance shaft module (BSM), which can cause the oil pump to fail and the engine to stall.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump for its production information, and replace the BSM as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2018.
Frequently asked questions
Which Jeep Renegade years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (273), 2018 (192), 2016 (180), 2015 (165) and 2020 (21) model years. Engine complaints make up 48% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Jeep Renegade engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 18V-131 (engine, Feb 22, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Jeep Renegade engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles; 75% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the cooling system › fan (7 mentions), followed by the cooling system › radiator assembly (3).
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.