Here are four Jeep Renegade years you should avoid. Check out which ones (and why you should stay away from them).
You can’t go wrong with the Jeep Renegade if you’re looking for a Jeep with an affordable entry barrier. A cheeky retro appearance and capable off-roading performance make the Renegade an excellent choice in Jeep’s lineup. Even if confined to a tiny package, the Renegade remains a Jeep.
Does the Jeep Renegade have a good track record when it comes to reliability? Do you think purchasing a used Jeep Renegade would be a good idea?
Depending on the model year, some Jeep Renegades can be reliable while other model years are not. Our list today includes the Jeep Renegade years you should avoid, as well as those you can buy used without any worries.
Which Jeep Renegade Years to Avoid?
With only eight model years available as of this writing, the Jeep Renegade was first introduced in 2014. The following Jeep Renegade years are recommended to avoid:
2015 Jeep Renegade
Among all the Jeep Renegades, the 2015 is by far the worst. This newer model of Renegade has received the “Beware of the Clunker Award” from Car Complaints, which indicates that it has many complaints.
Most of the complaints about the 2015 Renegade revolve around the check engine light. The fact that it happens at 21,000 miles is not a problem, but owners have every right to worry when it happens at that distance. It’s unacceptable that the check engine light came on by itself on a relatively new vehicle – a serious issue that is likely to cost you $1,640 to fix.
The transmission issue, specifically with the 9-speed automatic transmission, is another issue experienced by many 2015 Renegade owners. There have been reports of hard shifts, extended shift timings, jerking, unresponsiveness, hesitations, etc., so the transmission is no match for the rest of the car. As it is with most small SUVs, this is another issue that reappears at low mileage.
2016 Jeep Renegade
In addition, the 2016 Jeep Renegade has received over 600 complaints from the NHTSA, as reported by Car Complaints. The 2016 Renegade does have a few unique reliability issues, though they aren’t as severe as the 2015 model.
In addition to a 506-watt amplifier and a subwoofer, the 2016 Jeep Renegade has a premium nine-speaker Beats audio system with subwoofer. Unfortunately, many owners have been disappointed with the quality of the premium audio system. Despite the $695 upgrade, many reports claim it does not sound premium, and some even say it is terrible.
A major problem with the 2016 Renegade is that its traction control system activates automatically. It was common for owners to notice that the traction control dash light would illuminate for a few seconds while making turns, causing the vehicle almost to stop. It is unacceptable that this problem happened on a Renegade that was practically brand-new and had an average mileage of 7,000.
2017 Jeep Renegade
However, the Renegade does not fare much better the following year. The 2017 Jeep Renegade has more than 700 complaints and three recalls, making it one of the worst models to buy.
The 2017 Renegade has a problematic engine, which is the biggest complaint. There have been numerous problems with Jeep engines, including stalling and excessive oil consumption. In the Renegade, the engine does both of these things. It has been reported by many owners that their engines stall out while driving and without warning. Moreover, some owners have complained about engine noises including knocking and rattling.
The 2017 version was also plagued by electrical problems. It is possible to get multiple indicator lights out on a Renegade’s instrument panel, from a malfunctioning radio to a spotty navigation system. It is usually possible to fix this problem with a simple software update.
2018 Jeep Renegade
It’s good news that the 2018 Renegade won’t have a lot of problems like the other models on this list. In spite of this, it is on the list due to its reliability issues.
Based on numerous complaints from Car Complaints, it appears that the 2018 is an oil-hungry machine. Several drivers have discovered that their Renegade consumes excessive amounts of oil after experiencing engine stalls. A similar excessive oil consumption problem occurred at 16,000 miles, as happened with most problems in this post.
It is also known that clutch failure is a severe problem. Taking into account that this is just one report from one user, you can make your own conclusions. This resulted in the vehicle being unable to operate because the clutch plate had disintegrated in the housing.
Which Jeep Renegade Years are Safe to Buy Used?
We have completed our list of the worst Jeep Renegade years to avoid. Having said that, here are some Jeep Renegade year models you can buy in good condition.
2019 Jeep Renegade
In terms of value, the 2019 Jeep Renegade offers a decent car for the money when it comes to used cars. If you want to make the most of your experience, we strongly recommend getting the Limited or Trailhawk trims. Despite their low price tags, the two lowest models don’t represent good value in their class.
There is enough extra value in the Limited and Trailhawk models to make up for the extra dollar spent on them. For used Limiteds or Trailhawk Renegades, people usually pay around $28,000 – $29,000.
2020 Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade’s 2020 iteration shows that Jeep has finally found the winning formula. With its substantial cabin space, comfortable ride quality, and outstanding off-road capability, the 2020 Renegade provides a wonderful off-roading experience. According to J.D Power, the 2020 Renegade scores 80 out of 100 for quality and reliability.
One of the things we dislike about the 2020 Renegade is its unimpressive performance, especially its fuel economy and acceleration. The price of a used 2020 Renegade varies from $20,078 to $28,422.
Common Jeep Renegade Problems
Based on RepairPal’s reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, the Jeep Renegade is a relatively reliable SUV. A potential buyer should, however, be aware of some issues with the device.
Is the Jeep Renegade Worth Buying?
This Jeep Renegade is an excellent compact SUV that is infused with that trademark Jeep flavor. Due to its less bold and daring nature than its well-known counterparts like the Wrangler, the Renegade is popular with many people. It is estimated that the Renegade will last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles if it is well taken care of and maintained.
It is, however, hard to recommend the Jeep Renegade when it comes to reliability. There are a number of serious mechanical problems with the vehicle, including transmissions and engine programs, as outlined above.
Specifically, the 2015 model has been criticized for engine problems and that it stalled or lost power while driving. A number of complaints have been made regarding the Renegade’s transmission, as well as issues with lunging and shifting.
Our recommendation is to avoid the following models (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018) if you’re serious about purchasing a used Jeep Renegade. In spite of this, Jeep continues to improve its Renegade line of vehicles, especially with the later models coming out in 2022 and 2023.
Are Jeep Renegades Generally Reliable?
Selecting the right year for a used vehicle should be your top priority when purchasing a used vehicle. There is no point in purchasing a Jeep Renegade if its entire line is unreliable. Taking a closer look at this iconic car, we can see how it compares with other subcompact options.
It is unfortunate that the Jeep Renegade hasn’t been able to maintain a reputation for reliable performance. In spite of its appealing looks, motorbiscuit.com reports that this car has a reliability rating of 2.5⁄5 from J.D Power. The location isn’t ideal for cars because it’s in the middle of the road.
To make sure you have a full picture of the situation, you should also get a second opinion about the reliability. A score of 45 places Jeep Renegade fourth out of seven other subcompact SUVs rated by repairpal.com. Despite its high ranking, it is far from the top.
Jeep Renegade repairs cost $498 annually, which is about $30 more than the average for other subcompact cars. On average, 9% of unexpected repairs will be severe, which is the same rate as other repairs.
A Jeep Renegade driver reports going to the shop an average of .2 times a year, which is in line with the average. Despite the Jeep Renegade’s good looks and decent performance, it is far from the most reliable used subcompact car on the market.
Which Jeep Renegade Years Are The Least Reliable?
For the Jeep Renegade, avoiding the worst years is the key to getting the most value for your money. Choosing the worst selections from among the best is tricky, so we compiled a list for you.
Among the least reliable options on the market for the Jeep Renegade are:
Stay away from these choices if you’re in search of the most reliable year Jeep Renegade offers.
In these years, there were numerous complaints, many of which were unanticipated. There are a number of problems such as a faulty check engine light, poor quality in the premium audio system, and excessive oil consumption early on in the car’s life cycle.
The most complaints occurred during these years. The Jeep Renegade has some common issues that are common across the board, but they do occur most often in the worst years.
Is The Jeep Renegade Worth It?
Renegades are among the most popular Jeep models. There is, however, one drawback to this vehicle: it isn’t very reliable. In spite of its appealing appearance, it may not serve you well in the long run, especially if it needs to be repaired.
A Jeep is a great brand, but you must decide whether the expensive repairs and constant issues are worth it to you. Choose the most reliable year for your Jeep Renegade if you want the best vehicle available.
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Conclusion
Even though some years of the Jeep Renegade are reliable, it’s not always a good choice. You will need to spend a lot of money on many issues in the future. If you are looking to save money, you may want to consider another used subcompact option or consider picking the most reliable year.
It is our hope that you found this information useful! It can be difficult to choose the best used Jeep Renegade since there are so many options on the market. In the event that you have your heart set on a Renegade, we hope that this information will assist you in making the right decision when it comes to your next used vehicle.
FAQ: Jeep Renegade Years to Avoid
Which Jeep Renegade years should I avoid when buying a used unit?
The 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years are the best to avoid when looking for a used Jeep Renegade, especially a Trailhawk model. You may be experiencing more problems and complaints during these years, which may negatively affect your satisfaction with your vehicle.
What makes the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk unique among small SUVs?
As one of the best small SUVs on the market, the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk stands out for its rugged off-road capabilities. This compact SUV is equipped with an all-terrain tire package, Jeep’s Active Drive Low 4×4, and enhanced suspension tuning.
Are there specific issues with the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk from the years to avoid?
There are some common issues with Jeep Renegade Trailhawk models from years past, including transmission and electrical problems, as well as engine performance issues. All of these issues can detract from an otherwise capable off-roading and driving experience.
How has Chrysler addressed the issues in the problematic Jeep Renegade years?
A number of recalls and service campaigns have been issued by Chrysler, Jeep’s parent company, to address specific problems with the problematic Jeep Renegade. Checking completed corrective actions and recalls on a used Renegade is essential for ensuring its safety and reliability.
Are Jeep Renegades typically reliable?
Jeep Renegade reliability is directly related to its model year. In the three years between its launch in 2015 and the release of its latest model in 2018, the Renegade has suffered from poor reliability ratings.
How much does a used Jeep Renegade typically cost?
The Jeep Renegade has a starting price of about $12,000 from its debut year, 2015. It’s best to buy a newer Renegade to avoid reliability problems that often plague older models. There is an average asking price of $20,073 for a 2019 Jeep Renegade, according to our data. The price of a used car is affected by a tight inventory of used cars, which means that there is a 25% premium over what you would pay for a new car.
Is the Jeep Renegade a good car to purchase?
If you want a more dependable car, then you should buy a newer Jeep Renegade. If you’re shopping for a 2019 car, you should start with the model year of that vehicle.