Last updated: 2026-07-25

2021 Jeep Renegade
RELIABILITY SCORE: 75/100 (GOOD)

2021 Jeep Renegade Reliability Report

The 2021 Jeep Renegade scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 64 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

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

Complaint Severity65/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity84/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21)
  • POWER TRAIN (6)
  • AIR BAGS (5)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

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?

At 75/100, the 2021 Jeep Renegade lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is 2 years after the 2019 facelift refresh.

Owners log 64 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 (21). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

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: Touchscreen display (21 complaints)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (12 complaints)

Compare 2021 Jeep Renegade With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 16.7

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

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.

24V9180002024-12-10

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.

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Jeep Renegade? Check its history first

Every 2021 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

2021 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: 17.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)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 2021 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 2021 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 2021 Jeep Renegade.

  • Test infotainment system for screen freezing or going blank

  • Inspect fuel line for wear or corrosion

  • Check transmission for proper gear shifting

  • Verify airbag warning light is off and airbags are functional

  • Ensure power steering functions correctly without warning lights

  • Inspect for any signs of oil leaks around the engine

2021 Jeep Renegade Common Problems by Component

64 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

21
12
9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12)POWER TRAIN (6)AIR BAGS (5)STEERING (4)ENGINE (3)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)LANE DEPARTURE (2)Other (9)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

21 complaints

Owners report significant issues with the 2021 Jeep Renegade's Uconnect system, primarily involving the touchscreen display. Complaints frequently mention the screen going blank, displaying lines, or freezing, which affects the functionality of critical features such as the backup camera, navigation, and climate controls. These issues often begin when the vehicle is relatively new, with some reports indicating problems persisting for over two years without resolution due to unavailable parts. Several owners highlight safety concerns, particularly the inability to use the backup camera, which can impact driver visibility while reversing. Additionally, there are isolated reports of electrical malfunctions affecting the vehicle's key systems, such as passive entry errors and unexpected activation of the forward collision detection system.

21 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

12 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Renegade frequently report issues with the infotainment system, including touchscreen failures, distorted displays, and malfunctioning backup cameras, which can lead to driver distraction and compromised vehicle control. Complaints also highlight problems with the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, particularly when in Auto Drive mode, with no resolution from service centers due to the absence of diagnostic codes. Additionally, there are reports of structural failures, such as spontaneously shattering sunroofs and windows, which occur without external impact. These issues often arise within the first few years of ownership, with some reports mentioning mileage as low as 24,000 miles. Safety implications include potential collisions from stalling and visibility issues from malfunctioning displays, making these concerns significant for prospective buyers.

12 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

Owners report several issues with the 2021 Jeep Renegade's power train, primarily involving transmission performance. Complaints frequently mention the transmission failing to shift into higher gears, with some vehicles reportedly not reaching 8th or 9th gear, even at highway speeds, and running hot. Owners also describe the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral while driving, often accompanied by dashboard warning lights, leading to abrupt deceleration and potential safety risks. These issues are noted at various mileage points, from as low as 100 miles to over 3,000 miles. Additionally, some owners experience a clunking noise when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, which reportedly improves as the vehicle warms up. These symptoms suggest potential safety implications, as they could lead to loss of vehicle control.

6 complaints total
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)

AIR BAGS

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Renegade frequently report issues with airbag deployment, particularly in the context of rear-end collisions. In two separate incidents, airbags failed to deploy despite significant impacts, resulting in injuries and, in one case, the vehicle being declared a total loss. Complaints also highlight difficulties in obtaining timely recall repairs, with parts on backorder and scheduling challenges noted. Typical symptoms include illuminated airbag warning lights and non-deployment during crashes. These issues are reported at varied mileage, with one noted at approximately 21,500 miles and another at 86,461 miles, suggesting potential safety implications for prospective buyers.

5 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
STEERING (4 complaints)

STEERING

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Renegade frequently report issues related to steering and electrical system malfunctions. Common symptoms include sudden loss of power steering, activation of multiple warning lights such as airbag and ABS, and unexplained autonomous steering behavior. Complaints often mention these issues occurring around 40,000 miles, with one report involving a crash and injury due to the steering wheel going straight while driving around a curve. These issues lead to significant safety concerns, including loss of vehicle control and potential accidents. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of the potential for these serious steering and electrical problems.

4 complaints total1 crash1 injury
ENGINE (3 complaints)

ENGINE

3 complaints

Owners report that the 2021 Jeep Renegade experiences issues with the engine unexpectedly shutting off while driving, with one incident involving oil leaking onto the motor and tailpipe, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Another complaint highlights a failure in the automatic engine stop/start feature, where the engine continues running and requires manual intervention to shut down. Additionally, there is a report of an air conditioning system issue related to an unexpectedly dry reservoir, suggesting a possible leak in a sealed system. These issues occur without specific mileage data, but they include potential safety implications such as sudden loss of power and operational control while driving.

3 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Renegade report issues with the fuel line, specifically noting that it can rub against other components, leading to leaks and potential fuel spray over the engine and exhaust. Complaints frequently mention corrosion of the fuel line bundle, despite the vehicle's relatively recent manufacture date. These issues are observed at approximately 47,000 miles, with one owner expressing concern about recurrence at higher mileage. The potential for fuel leakage near the exhaust is a safety consideration, as it may increase the risk of fire, particularly if undetected during high-speed driving. Used car buyers should be aware of these reported fuel system concerns and consider inspecting the fuel line for wear or corrosion.

2 complaints total
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the 2021 Jeep Renegade's safety systems, particularly impacting lane departure and forward collision warnings. Complaints frequently mention warning lights activating unexpectedly, including messages such as "stereo system unavailable," which leads to the deactivation of safety features. One owner describes a related issue involving a bent tie rod and a forward collision warning failure, resulting in significant repair costs and extended service delays. These issues appear shortly after vehicle acquisition, with one complaint occurring just days after leasing. Safety implications include the potential disabling of critical safety systems, though no specific crashes or loss of control incidents are reported.

2 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint
2021-08-04

My 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 complaint
2026-05-23

The 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.

20,000–25,000 milesElectrical system failures
46,000–47,000 milesFuel system leaks
3,000–3,300 milesTransmission issues

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
2021(selected)75/1000Good264
202075/1000Good362
201975/100+10Good477
201865/100Good2440

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Jeep Renegade reliable?
The 2021 Jeep Renegade has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 75/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 64 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Renegade?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Jeep Renegade include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (21 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12 complaints), POWER TRAIN (6 complaints), AIR BAGS (5 complaints), STEERING (4 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Renegade have?
The 2021 Jeep Renegade has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Jeep Renegade expensive to maintain?
The 2021 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 2021 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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