Last updated: 2026-07-25

2020 Jeep Renegade
RELIABILITY SCORE: 75/100 (GOOD)

2020 Jeep Renegade Reliability Report

The 2020 Jeep Renegade scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 62 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

3

Complaints

62

Complaint Rate

9.9per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$498

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,200–$2,500

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity65/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity86/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)
  • ENGINE (11)
  • POWER TRAIN (7)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2020 is 1 year after the 2019 facelift refresh.

  • Year 6 in the First generation (BU) (2015–2023).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 1st generation Renegade (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2015: First generation (BU) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2020: This Model Year

2020 is 1 year after the 2019 facelift refresh.

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2020 Jeep Renegade?

At 75/100, the 2020 Jeep Renegade lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is 1 year after the 2019 facelift refresh.

Owners log 62 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (12). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2021 Jeep Renegade, which scored the same. See also the 2019 Jeep Renegade for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (9%)
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • Moderate recall count
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Infotainment and Uconnect screen (12 complaints)
  • ENGINE: Several recurring engine issues with the 2020 Jeep Renegade (11 complaints)

Compare 2020 Jeep Renegade With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)
  • ENGINE (11)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

3

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2020 Jeep Renegade. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

9.9

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 20.2

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

10

Crashes

1

Fires

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2020 Jeep Renegade Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Jeep Renegade. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

24V5100002024-07-03

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS

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.

20V1910002020-09-10

BACK OVER PREVENTION

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.

19V9090002019-12-19

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Jeep Renegade? Check its history first

Every 2020 Jeep Renegade has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2020 Jeep Renegade NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 22.8%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (No)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Jeep RenegadeRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$498

vs $466 avg for subcompact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

9%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Renegade
$498
Category Avg
$466
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Jeep Renegade Resale Value

The Jeep Renegade is estimated to retain about 69.7% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Jeep Renegade model overall and is not specific to the 2020 model year.

Value Retained
69.7%

after 5 years

Depreciation
30.3%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
258

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore Jeep Renegade depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

24–27 MPG

Running cost: $2,700–$3,000/yr

Fuel + repair

21–24 city / 27–32 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Renegade 2WD 1.3L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd243227$2,200
Renegade 4WD 1.3L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd232926$2,300
Renegade 2WD 2.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd223025$2,400
Renegade 4WD 2.4L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd212924$2,500
Renegade Trailhawk 4WD 1.3L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd222724$2,500

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Jeep Renegade.

  • Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels

  • Test the infotainment system and backup camera for screen glitches or failures

  • Inspect for any oil leaks, especially around the vacuum pump and gaskets

  • Test drive to check for transmission jerking or stalling

  • Inspect tires for tread separation or sidewall damage

  • Verify seat belt functionality, especially the driver's side

  • Check for any signs of radiator fan malfunction or overheating

2020 Jeep Renegade Common Problems by Component

62 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

12
11
10
7
9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)ENGINE (11)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10)POWER TRAIN (7)AIR BAGS (5)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)SEAT BELTS (2)TIRES (2)Other (9)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report persistent issues with the electrical system in the 2020 Jeep Renegade, particularly involving the infotainment and Uconnect screen. Common symptoms include the screen going black, displaying white lines, or glitching, which affects the functionality of the backup camera and radio. Several complaints describe the vehicle unexpectedly shutting down while driving, sometimes accompanied by warning lights for coolant pressure, parking brake, and throttle failure. These issues are noted at varied mileage, with one case reporting problems at 48,577 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one reported crash and injury due to loss of motive power. Potential buyers should be aware of these electrical concerns and their impact on vehicle safety and functionality.

12 complaints total1 crash1 injury

ENGINE

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring engine issues with the 2020 Jeep Renegade. Common complaints include excessive oil consumption, with some stating the vehicle burns a quart of oil every 1,000 miles, and oil leaks attributed to faulty vacuum pumps and gaskets. Engine stalling is another frequently mentioned problem, occurring at various speeds and sometimes resulting in crashes, as described in one incident where the vehicle stalled and rolled back into traffic. Multiple reports also highlight issues with the cooling system, including malfunctioning radiator fans and overheating, which some owners note affects a fleet of similar vehicles. These problems appear across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 4,300 miles, and may pose safety risks, particularly with stalling incidents.

11 complaints total1 crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

10 complaints

Owners report persistent issues with the dashboard screen and Uconnect system in the 2020 Jeep Renegade, with frequent mentions of the backup camera and navigation system failing or glitching. Symptoms include screens going black, glitching, or displaying only partially, which can impede visibility when reversing and affect navigation use. Several complaints indicate these issues occur despite attempts to repair, with dealers acknowledging the problem but lacking a definitive fix. Additionally, there are reports of oil leaks and engine stalling, sometimes accompanied by warning lights, which can occur in traffic and pose safety risks. These problems are reported at various mileage ranges, but specific timelines are not consistently mentioned.

10 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (7 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

7 complaints

Owners report that the 2020 Jeep Renegade frequently experiences issues related to the power train, with symptoms such as unexpected stalling, jerking during acceleration, and loss of acceleration power. Complaints often describe the vehicle shutting off while driving, with multiple warning lights and error messages appearing simultaneously. These issues typically occur at mileage under 30,000, with some reports starting as early as 8,000 miles. Safety implications include loss of control, as described by owners who experience the vehicle suddenly shutting off or losing traction in potentially hazardous conditions. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, as they may affect vehicle reliability and safety.

7 complaints total
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)

AIR BAGS

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2020 Jeep Renegade frequently experiences airbag non-deployment during crashes, with all five complaints involving accidents where airbags failed to deploy. Typical symptoms described include the airbags not engaging during collisions, even in severe impacts that resulted in the vehicle being totaled. Additionally, seat belts are reported to fail in restraining occupants, leading to injuries such as bruises, fractures, and other impact-related harm. These incidents occur at various mileages, with one noted at approximately 11,900 miles. The recurring non-deployment of airbags and seatbelt failures in crash situations highlight significant safety implications for potential buyers.

5 complaints total5 crashes7 injuries
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Jeep Renegade report issues primarily related to fuel system failures. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling or shutting off unexpectedly while driving, often without warning lights or error messages, as noted in two complaints. Another owner describes a strong fuel smell and visible fuel leakage due to a damaged fuel supply tube. One incident involved a crash when the vehicle reportedly accelerated suddenly during parking. These issues typically occur in vehicles around three to four years old, and safety implications include potential crashes and loss of control, as highlighted by the crash report.

4 complaints total1 crash
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Jeep Renegade report issues with the seat belts, specifically noting that the driver side seat belt fails to lock in place when attempting to fasten it. Additionally, a complaint describes a failure with the front passenger anchor pretensioner. These reports do not specify mileage or timelines, so no clear pattern emerges regarding when these issues might arise. The inability of seat belts to function properly could have safety implications, particularly in the event of a collision, as they are critical for occupant restraint. Buyers considering a used 2020 Jeep Renegade may want to verify the functionality of the seat belts during a pre-purchase inspection.

2 complaints total
TIRES (2 complaints)

TIRES

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Jeep Renegade report issues with tire tread separation and blowouts. Complaints frequently mention flapping sounds and visible tread separation on rear tires, as well as blowouts on the front passenger tire, with some noting tire splitting at the rim. These issues are reported around 25,000 miles. No crashes or loss of control are mentioned, but the symptoms indicate potential safety risks. Used car buyers should be aware of these tire-related problems and consider inspecting the tires for similar issues.

2 complaints total
VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Jeep Renegade report visibility issues primarily related to the backup camera and windshield. Complaints frequently mention the backup camera failing shortly after replacement, with symptoms including lagging performance prior to complete failure. One owner notes the camera issue occurring approximately one month after replacement. Additionally, another owner describes the windshield fracturing easily when struck by a small rock at around 9,000 miles, suggesting potential susceptibility to damage. Safety implications include the risk of impaired visibility and potential accidents due to blind spots not being covered by the backup camera.

2 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Jeep Renegade report issues with vehicle speed control, specifically describing incidents where pressing the brake pedal appears to inadvertently trigger acceleration. Complaints frequently mention this occurring at low speeds, around 15 mph, often leading to loss of control and crashes, including collisions with trees. Both reported incidents resulted in the vehicles being totaled, with one involving a fire and both resulting in injuries. These issues are reported to occur within a short time after purchase, with one vehicle having only approximately 200 miles. Safety implications are significant, as both cases resulted in crashes and injuries, indicating potential risks for drivers and passengers.

2 complaints total2 crashes1 fire2 injuries

When Do 2020 Jeep Renegade Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

8,000–30,000 milesPower train failures
48,000–49,000 milesElectrical system failures
25,000 milesTire tread separation

Best & Worst Jeep Renegade Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Jeep Renegade Years to Buy

The best Jeep Renegade year is 2023 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2022 (76/100) and 2021 (75/100).

Jeep Renegade Years to Avoid

The worst Jeep Renegade year is 2018 with a score of 65/100, primarily due to electrical system (112) issues.

Jeep Renegade Reliability Score Trend

Jeep Renegade reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 74/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Jeep Renegade reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201865/100Good
201975/100Good
202075/100Good
202175/100Good
202276/100Good
202377/100Good

Jeep Renegade Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202377/100+1Good220
202276/100+1Good224
202175/1000Good264
2020(selected)75/1000Good362
201975/100+10Good477
201865/100Good2440

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Jeep Renegade reliable?
The 2020 Jeep Renegade has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 75/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 62 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Jeep Renegade?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Jeep Renegade include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12 complaints), ENGINE (11 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10 complaints), POWER TRAIN (7 complaints), AIR BAGS (5 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Jeep Renegade have?
The 2020 Jeep Renegade has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Jeep Renegade expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Jeep Renegade has estimated annual repair costs of $498/year, which is $32 more than the subcompact SUVs average of $466. With a reliability score of 75/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Jeep Renegade without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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