Last updated: 2026-07-25

Jeep Renegade

1 Jeep Renegade Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Jeep Renegade average of 74/100

The Jeep Renegade years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 65/100. The best Jeep Renegade year to buy is 2023 77/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Jeep Renegade scores significantly below the model average of 74/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 65/100 due to electrical system (112) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2019 75/100.

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

The 2018 Jeep Renegade has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 440 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Jeep Renegade. Severity signals include 16 crash-related complaints and 8 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (112), Engine (104), Unknown Or Other (60).

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?

Top reported issues across all Jeep Renegade model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

185 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

129 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

93 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

84 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

31 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

AIR BAGS

29 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Jeep Renegade Year to Buy Instead

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Jeep Renegade

The 2019 Jeep Renegade has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 77 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Jeep Renegade. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (23), Unknown Or Other (11), Engine (8).

Score: 75/100 (Good)4 recalls77 complaints
View full 2019reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Jeep Renegade year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Jeep Renegade Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Jeep Renegade Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2023 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Jeep Renegade years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Jeep Renegade years: 2018 (score: 65/100). These model years score significantly below the Jeep Renegade average of 74/100.
What is the best year for the Jeep Renegade?
The best year for the Jeep Renegade is 2023, with a reliability score of 77/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 20 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Jeep Renegade have?
Across all years in our database, the Jeep Renegade has a total of 15 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Jeep Renegade worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2023 model year, which scores 77/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 74/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Jeep Renegade problems?
The most common Jeep Renegade problems are electrical system (185 complaints), engine (129 complaints), unknown or other (93 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Jeep Renegade reliable long-term?
The Jeep Renegade has an average reliability score of 74/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
How much does it cost to maintain a Jeep Renegade?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Jeep Renegade is $498 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2023 Jeep Renegade a good used buy?
Yes, the 2023 Jeep Renegade is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 77/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 20 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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