The Lemon Index2016 Jeep Renegade.
The 2016 Jeep Renegade is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 262 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 246, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 24 to 27 mpg combined. The best Jeep Renegade year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 431 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Jeep Renegade year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 11K to 50K miles on the car (306 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 20K–48K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 10K–54K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 3K–47K miles
Recalls 2
- trailer hitches 2016
The trailer hitch assembly may have been attached with only a single fastener per side, not three per side as required.
- suspension 2016
If the axle moves there could be an increased risk of a crash.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Jeep told dealers about
Jeep sent dealers 355 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- "2.0l or 2.4l engine replacement this bulletin involves replacing the long block due to a…
- Flash: Engine Does Not Start at The First Attempt This bulletin involves upgrading the software
- Pentastar Oil Filter Adapter All vehicles equipped with a 3.2L or 3.6L engine; If replacing…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Renegade SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Jeep Renegade SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Engine cooling fan was replace, paid $100 deuctible on lifetime warranty, was recalled later and fca denied refund of $100 even after dealer processed refund.
2016 Jeep Renegade owner · NHTSA complaint 11254433
More owner reports
Traction control engaging too aggressively . Tc seems to come one when not needed during turns and the engine loses power.
NHTSA complaint 10888689
Radiator fan is loose and is making loud noises. Done research and have seen this is a very common problem with 2016 Jeep Renegade. It has now caused the check engine light to come on.
NHTSA complaint 11100703
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Jeep Renegade reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.5× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 246; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Jeep Renegade year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2016 Jeep Renegade problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (43%), electrical (25%) and transmission & drivetrain (21%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Jeep Renegade have?
2 safety recalls (latest: trailer hitches). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Jeep Renegade get?
24 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Jeep Renegade safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Jeep Renegade problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 11,300 and 50,000 miles. The middle report was at 36,100 miles, from 306 complaints.
Does the 2016 Jeep Renegade have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 21% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Jeep Renegade cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Jeep Renegade have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Jeep Renegade year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2022 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works