Last updated: 2026-10-10

Jeep Renegade

Jeep Renegade Years to Avoid

6 scored model years (2018–2023) · model average 74/100

Skip the 2018 model year. Owners report heavy oil use that leads to engine shutoffs while driving, plus electrical faults that include fires in parked cars. The 2023 is the year to buy, with far fewer complaints for the number of vehicles sold.

Verdict

Avoid
2018 65/100
Buy
2023 77/100
Model average
74/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Jeep Renegade Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Jeep Renegade average of 74/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201865/100Good2440Electrical System (112)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Jeep Renegade

Owners filed 440 complaints, far more than any other year. Engines burn oil fast, and some owners add a quart every 1,000 to 2,000 miles. The engine can shut off in turns before any low-oil warning appears. Electrical complaints include Uconnect screens that register phantom touches and 8 fire reports.

2 recalls440 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (112), Engine (104), Unknown Or Other (60), Power Train (58), Fuel Propulsion System (25), Steering (11)

View full 2018reliability report →

What Are Common Jeep Renegade Problems?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

185 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

2018: Fires that start while the car is parked and switched off are the most serious problem here.

ENGINE

129 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2019

2018: Heavy oil consumption is the dominant complaint.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

93 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021, 2019

2018: Sudden stalls with no warning lights make up much of this category.

POWER TRAIN

84 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2019

2018: Engine shutdowns while moving are the main pattern.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

31 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

2018: Loss of power and stalling are the core complaints, sometimes in traffic at 55 to 60 mph.

AIR BAGS

29 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

2018: Airbags that fail to deploy in serious collisions account for nearly every report.

Best Jeep Renegade Year to Buy Instead

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Jeep Renegade

Next to 2018, the 2023 draws far fewer complaints for the number sold: 7.7 per 10,000 against 45.3. Its top complaints are electrical glitches and warning lights, not oil-related stalls. Airbag complaints mostly concern a recall repair waiting on parts. Some owners also report false automatic braking, so test the safety systems on a drive.

Score: 77/100 (Good)2 recalls20 complaints
View full 2023reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2023 Jeep Renegade has 2 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Jeep Renegade Years by Generation

Jeep Renegade Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Jeep Renegade years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2018. It has 440 owner complaints, about 45 per 10,000 sold, far above every other year. Oil burning, engine shutoffs, electrical faults, and fire reports drive that total. The 2021 is among the lowest rated, but the site does not flag it to avoid.
Which Jeep Renegade years have engine problems?
The 2018 has the most, with 104 engine complaints about heavy oil consumption and shutoffs while driving. Problems can show up before 20,000 miles. The 2019 and 2020 also list engine among their top complaint areas, but with far fewer filings.
Which Jeep Renegade years have transmission problems?
The 2018 has the most power train complaints, 58 in total. Some owners report harsh, jerky upshifts starting around 32,500 miles, grinding into reverse on cold starts, and neutral drops on hills. Many power train stalls are tied by dealers to low oil. The 2021 and 2022 list power train among their top areas.
Is the 2023 Jeep Renegade a good year to buy?
Yes, it is the site's recommended year, and it has the fewest complaints per vehicle sold. Watch for electrical warning lights, false automatic braking, and airbag recall repairs that were waiting on parts. Confirm all recall work is done before you buy.
Is the 2021 Jeep Renegade reliable?
It is rated good, but it ranks among the lowest of the tracked years. Owners filed 64 complaints, about 13.6 per 10,000 sold, mostly electrical. It had one fire report. It is a safer choice than 2018, though 2022 and 2023 look better.

How we score every Jeep Renegade model year

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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