Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Jeep Renegade Reliability Report
The 2021 Jeep Renegade rates good, but Uconnect touchscreen failures and 9-speed transmission complaints are its main risks.
Recalls
2
Complaints
64
Complaint Rate
13.6per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$498
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,200–$2,500
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Rates good but sits among the weaker Renegade years, with touchscreen failures, early transmission shifting complaints, and two reports of airbags not deploying.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21)
- POWER TRAIN (6)
- AIR BAGS (5)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 2 years after the 2019 facelift refresh.
- Year 7 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.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is 2 years 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 2021 Jeep Renegade?
Reliability standing is good, and it sits above average among 2021 SUVs. Within the Renegade lineup, though, it is among the weaker of six scored years. Owners filed 64 complaints. The 2020 and 2022 models rate about the same. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $498, against $466 for the class.
The Uconnect touchscreen fails most often. It shows lines, fades, flips, or goes black, and the backup camera, climate controls, and heated seats go with it. Some dealers reported no replacement parts. Transmission complaints describe the 9-speed refusing to shift into top gears or clunking from first to second, starting between 50 and 3,300 miles. Two owners say airbags did not deploy in rear-end crashes, and both were hurt. Federal recall records list two recalls, covering exterior lighting and structure, and air bags and seat belts.
Ask for proof that both recalls were done, since owners report dealers delaying a recall repair over parts. Check the touchscreen closely and drive the car on the highway, including a cold start. The 2022 shows fewer complaints, but it has had less time to collect them.
Compared to the 2022 Jeep Renegade, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2020 Jeep Renegade for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (9%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Uconnect touchscreen fails in most of these reports (21 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Glass and body hardware failures stand out (12 complaints)
Compare 2021 Jeep Renegade With
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Reliability: 63/100
2021 Toyota C-HR
Reliability: 77/100
2021 Hyundai Kona
Reliability: 63/100
2021 Honda HR-V
Reliability: 86/100
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Reliability: 67/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2021 Jeep Renegade carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
13.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
3
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Jeep Renegade Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Jeep Renegade. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STRUCTURE
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Renegade vehicles. The incorrect bumper reverse light assembly may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
The incorrect reverse lights may have reduced visibility, and not alert pedestrians and other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the bumper reverse light assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is D7B.
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.
Buying a used 2021 Jeep Renegade? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Jeep Renegade, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Jeep Renegade NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.9%
Safety Technologies
Jeep RenegadeRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based 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
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 2021 model year.
- Value Retained
- 69.7%
- Depreciation
- 30.3%
- Listings Analyzed
- 258
after 5 years
over the same period
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.comMPG & 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 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renegade 2WD 1.3L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,200 |
| Renegade 4WD 1.3L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 23 | 29 | 26 | $2,300 |
| Renegade 2WD 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,400 |
| Renegade 4WD 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,500 |
| Renegade Trailhawk 4WD 1.3L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,500 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Jeep Renegade.
Use the touchscreen at length, including the backup camera in reverse, and reject any flicker, lines, fading, or blackout.
Drive above 70 mph and confirm the transmission upshifts into its top gears without running hot or slipping into neutral.
Pull away from a cold start and feel for a clunk on the shift from first to second gear.
Sit at several stops with stop/start on and confirm the engine restarts every time you lift off the brake.
Switch the car off repeatedly and confirm it shuts down with no Service Passive Entry message.
Check that the airbag, power steering, and ABS warning lights all go out after startup and stay off on the drive.
Look at the fuel lines between the engine and firewall for rub marks or corrosion, and sniff for raw fuel.
Run the sunroof through a full cycle and close the driver door several times to confirm it latches firmly.
2021 Jeep Renegade Common Problems by Component
64 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
21 complaintsThe Uconnect touchscreen fails in most of these reports. It shows lines or ghost images, fades, flips, or goes black, sometimes while still responding to touch. Losing the screen also takes away the backup camera, climate controls, heated seats, navigation, and hands-free calling. In some cases the fault starts occasionally and becomes daily, and one began only in hot weather. Dealers report no replacement parts. Other complaints describe a Service Passive Entry error that stops the car from shutting off, and a chafed wire behind the front bumper.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 complaintsGlass and body hardware failures stand out. The sunroof or a side window shatters on its own, and one sunroof jams open with broken internal parts. In cold weather the driver's door may not latch and can open while driving. A dealer traced this to moisture in the latch and release cable. Other reports describe stalling at stops when the auto stop/start fails to restart, and a sudden loss of acceleration with warning lights. More touchscreen blackouts appear here, including a backup camera that switches on while driving forward. Air conditioning failure is also reported.
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsThe 9-speed transmission refuses to shift into its top gears on the highway, runs hot, and hurts fuel economy, sometimes from the first miles after delivery. Other reports describe clunking from first to second gear when cold. Some cars drop into neutral at highway speed, flash the D indicator, or lose power while dash warning lights blink, and they have to be pulled over. Dealers often find no problem. Reports also cover early oil consumption and an electrical failure that cut power and braking and left the engine unable to shut off.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedThe airbags do not deploy in two rear-end crashes, one of which totaled the car. Both drivers were injured. Another report describes the airbag warning light coming on and a dealer calling for a new driver airbag module that was on backorder, at about 86,461 miles. The rest are mostly about service problems: dealers delaying an open recall repair over parts limits and waiting lists, and inaccurate service records. One owner had a front seat buckle replaced under warranty.
STEERING (4 complaints)
STEERING
4 complaintsSafety-relatedThe car loses steering control or steers on its own. In one crash, lane keep assist took over on a curve, the car left the road and flipped, and the driver suffered a concussion. Other reports describe a sudden flood of warning lights for airbags, ABS, cameras, and power steering, followed by loss of power assist. Mechanics cannot find the cause, and the codes come back after clearing. Some cars stop moving after the lights start flashing. One new car steered and braked by itself.
ENGINE (3 complaints)
ENGINE
3 complaintsSudden shutdowns while driving leave the car dead in the road and unable to restart, with oil found on top of the motor and at the tailpipe. The opposite failure also appears: the automatic stop/start system fails and the engine keeps running until the fuel pump fuse is pulled. A separate report describes an air conditioning reservoir found totally dry, which needed a costly diagnostic procedure before any repair.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsFuel lines leak. In one case the line rubbed against another pipe between the engine and firewall, wore through, and sprayed gasoline over the engine and exhaust. The driver noticed the smell in traffic, and the line was replaced at 47,000 miles. Another dealer found a corroded fuel line bundle on a car with no prior damage. A raw fuel smell from the engine bay is the warning sign in these reports.
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaintsDriver-assist systems shut off along with other features. A "Stereo System Unavailable" warning appears within days of delivery, switches off the safety features and the premium sound system, and comes back almost daily. In another case the forward collision warning failed and triggered service and 4x4 failure messages. A shop later found a bent tie rod, and the collision system still needed dealer service. Both reports describe long dealer backlogs and no rental car.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintMy car stalled in traffic causing an risk for accidents.I couldn't steer the vehicle.There were numerous things going off in the car that prevented the mobility of the vehicle.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintThe component that failed, or I think is failing is the forward collision warning thing on my car. If the component actually went off, I could have cause a multiple car crash depended on who was behind me while I was driving. It has been reproduced by multiple drivers based on my research. The vehicle component has been inspected by police, lemon law firms and manufacturers and confirmed that it is an issue. No warning lamps or messages appeared, it came up multiple times randomly while I was driving, and has almost triggered every time. When I first opened the car it was fine, but I'd say about a year ago it showed up.
When Do 2021 Jeep Renegade Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Jeep Renegade Years
Best Jeep Renegade Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2023
2022
2021
(Current Model)
Jeep Renegade Years to Avoid
Jeep Renegade Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 77/100 | Good |
Jeep Renegade Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Jeep Renegade reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Renegade?
Does the 2021 Jeep Renegade have touchscreen problems?
Does the 2021 Jeep Renegade have transmission problems?
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Renegade have?
Don’t buy a 2021 Jeep Renegade without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Jeep Renegade
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Jeep Renegade does best on how many systems draw complaints (84/100) and worst on complaint severity (65/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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