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2016 Jeep Renegade problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Jeep Renegade has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 2safety recalls
- 431owner complaints
- 9crash reports
- 10fire reports
- 23%fail the UK MOT
431 complaints, against an average of 222 for the other 8 Jeep Renegade model years.
Every Jeep Renegade model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Jeep Renegade?
The components named most often in the 431 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Jeep Renegade owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 431 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2016 Jeep Renegade stall, lose power or shut off while driving?69 owners · 16%
- Why does my 2016 Jeep Renegade overheat?44 owners · 10.2%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 Jeep Renegade?32 owners · 7.4%
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2016 Jeep Renegade?20 owners · 4.6%
- Why does my 2016 Jeep Renegade smell of burning or smoke?18 owners · 4.2%
- Why won't my 2016 Jeep Renegade start?14 owners · 3.2%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2016 Jeep Renegade?13 owners · 3%
Has the 2016 Jeep Renegade been recalled?
2 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Trailer Hitches Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured August 25, 2014, to June 25, 2016, equipped with a factory-installed optional trailer hitch package. The trailer hitch assembly may have been attached with only a single fastener per side, not three per side as required.
Risk: Without the proper amount of fasteners, the trailer hitch assembly may separate from the vehicle, and any towed vehicle may no longer be properly connected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install two additional fasteners per side, free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S62.
Suspension: Rear Daystar Products International, Inc. (Daystar) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement rear control arm brackets included in Daystar's 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade 1.5" spacer kit, part KJ09168BK, shipped from Daystar to distributors between October 27, 2015 and November 5, 2015. The affected spacers may have improper or incomplete welds on the top flange on the rear control arm bracket, that can allow the rear axle to shift while driving.
Risk: If the axle moves there could be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Daystar will notify owners, and direct them to repair shops to have the brackets inspected and replaced as needed, free of charge. The recall began on March 11, 2016. Owners may contact Daystar customer service at 1-623-907-0081 or by email at Jbilyeu@daystarweb.com. Daystar's number for this recall is 16-01.
Is the 2016 Jeep Renegade recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSACatalyst efficiency
Risk: On affected vehicles the tailpipe emission standards are exceeded due to a loss of catalyst CO/NOx conversion efficiency as a result of the catalyst operating at high temperatures.
Fix: The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) software will be updated and a new catalytic converter fitted.
UK DVSASide window airbags may fail to deploy
Risk: The left and right side window airbags were manufactured with incorrectly manufactured airbag inflator initiators that may not ignite when a deployment voltage is provided to the initiator. As a result vehicles may experience a non-deployment of the window airbag during a crash event warranting an airbag deployment.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the left right or both window airbags as instructed on all involved vehicles.
EU Safety GateThe mixture ratio of the curtain airbag's ignition chemicals is incorrect and in the event of an accident this could prevent deployment of…The mixture ratio of the curtain airbag's ignition chemicals is incorrect and in the event of an accident this could prevent deployment of the curtain airbags.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 23/02/2017
EU Safety GateFixing components in the trailer coupling device are missing.If a trailer is being used, the trailer could become detached while driving.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe radio in the vehicle may have certain software security gaps that allow unauthorised access by third parties to a number of…The radio in the vehicle may have certain software security gaps that allow unauthorised access by third parties to a number of interconnected control systems in the vehicle. If these software security gaps were exploited by a third party for malicious purposes, a road accident could occur.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2016 Jeep Renegade fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 Jeep Renegade owners report?
12 of the 431 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
While driving on the freeway at approximately 65 mph with my family in the vehicle, including my fiancée, my [XXX] son, and my fiancée’s mother, the engine suddenly began making a grinding noise that lasted approximately 10 seconds. The engine then began knocking, and the vehicle abruptly shut off, leaving me unable to continue driving. I was forced to maneuver toward the nearest available safe location, but there was no immediately safe place to pull over. I narrowly avoided being hit by other vehicles while trying to get off the freeway and ultimately had to stop on an offramp. This sudden…
There is an emissions recall on this Jeep; it is currently at the dealership for the repairs. In order to reach the part that must be replaced in order to complete the recall, there is a bolt that is sheared off. The dealership is telling us that we have to pay $3,800 in order to replace the head, because of the bolt being sheared off. This bolt must be removed in order to complete the recall but they are refusing to do this repair at no cost. They cannot do the recall work without removing the bolt. The part the bolt is connected to will have to be replaced. We should not be financially…
In the past year, I have already had to replace the bulb for the "daytime running light" on the front passenger side of my Renegade. Now, the light has just popped back onto my dashboard for the 3rd time stating that the light is out again for the 3rd time in a year. I have also noticed several other Renegades in my area driving with the same exact light out on their vehicle as well. The first 2 times I took my vehicle to my mechanic to be repaired, both times they stated all they found was the bulb not working. Being the 3rd time, they have advised me to reach out about a recall to have this…
Electrical warning lights turn off and on on panel. Fob stopped working and car became immobilised blocking traffic. Car towed by AAA to an AAA recommended repair shop, has been there one week, diagnosis leads back to fob and programming/ electrical system. Battery checked and was not an issue. Fob and electrical programming systems is the issue. I will have itemized receipts once fob/programming work is completed.
my car suddenly caught fire while driving on the freeway. i heard a boom, felt my car shake and saw flames out my back window, i pulled over immediately and got out of the car. going around the passenger side to inspect my tires and car. as in doing this i noticed that the entire car by then underneath was completely consumed in flames. i ran from the car in fear of my safety. my car burned to the ground in front of my eyes. there were no warning lights on my dash, no flashing, no indication of anything wrong.
I had a service airbag, service parking brake and the seatbelt light starts flashing. It happens every time I drive the vehicle and I had it looked at by a mechanic and they see no issue with the sensors. They told me to check for any recalls and I don’t see any here.
The indoor cloth paneling is peeling off due to cheap adhesive materials used by Jeep manufacturers. The filament inside the cloth paneling is falling out and getting in the air I am breathing in the car. I looked online and it seems this is a problem with many 2015-2017 Jeep Renegades and is said to be a design/material defect. This should be a recall. The head lights and right side parking light flicker and sometimes don’t come on. This may be an electrical issue that other 2015-2017 Jeep Renegade owners document having as well. The dealer wants to charge hundreds of dollars for these…
Vehicle was returning Diagnostic code P0653 and P2138 it was taken to the dealership for servicing on 04/26/2025. Pedal position sensor was identified as the issue. Part was on national backorder for several weeks. and issue was repaired on 05/22/25. Vehicle was driven less than 100 miles and presented with the same issue on 06/26/2025 and was returned to the dealership for servicing. Service department reset the code and drove the vehicle for less than 100 miles, and indicated they could not reproduce the problem. Car was left at the dealership for a week for additional diagnostic. Car was…
No oil change light, no engine light. Excessive Oil consumption engine Metal to metal brakes
After starting up the vehicle several dash lights turned on including check engine and power system indicator. The accelerator pedal would not provide throttle to the engine and vehicle was in limp mode. after reading codes P2138(Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor) and P0653(Sensor Reference Voltage B Circuit High) After Dealer diagnostic it was determined that the accelerator pedal sensor was faulty and is being replaced. The issue appears common as the part is on nationwide backorder and the dealer has been waiting on the part for 4 weeks. The car is still not repaired.
The jerking, delayed take off reported originally that was supposedly corrected with a motor replacement STILL happens. Spoken with multiple other Renegade drivers and tow truck drivers, the transmission appears to be the issue. Each recorded visit to the dealership has reported transmission ok. My safety is my absolute #1 concern. Want transmission checked, rechecked, repaired, replaced or whatever makes my driving life safe as possible.
THE TRACTION CONTROL ON THIS VEHICLE WILL ENGAGE AT RANDOM WHEN TURNS ARE MADE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER AND IT'S MOMENTUM WILL CEASE. I BELIEVE THIS BEHAVIOR CAUSED AN ACCIDENT I WAS IN WHICH RESULTED IN THE TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS MAKING A DOG LEG TURN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, WITH THE LOST OF MOMENTUM I WAS HIT ON THE RIGHT REAR. THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGED THE DAY BEFORE AS WELL. THIS ISSUES IS REPORTED BY OTHER INDIVIDUALS ON VARIOUS WEB BOARDS. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT THERE WAS NO SERIOUS INJURY.*DT*DT*DT*JB*JB CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS…
2016 Jeep Renegade: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Jeep Renegade reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 431 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Renegade; the most common categories were engine (174, 40.4%), electrical system (119, 27.6%), power train (74, 17.2%). There are 2 safety recalls. 9 complaints mention a crash, 10 mention a fire, 15 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jeep Renegade?
Across 431 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (40.4% of complaints), electrical system (27.6% of complaints), power train (17.2% of complaints), vehicle speed control (6.7% of complaints), exterior lighting (6.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Jeep Renegade have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Jeep Renegade; the most recent (campaign 16V545000, 2016-07-20) concerns Trailer Hitches. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2016 Jeep Renegade stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
69 of the 431 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Jeep Renegade (16%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "On 3 occasions, in the past three weeks, the vehicle has lost power while in motion and display states “shift to park”. Restarting vehicle is required. This occurs while in motion and could be dangerous for driver and passenger." (NHTSA complaint 11638911, January 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 Jeep Renegade overheat?
44 of the 431 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Jeep Renegade (10.2%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "Vehicle Started to overheat when sitting still and AC was reduced at a stop. Found the cooling fan to be unresponsive and not operating. Found CSN V54 tsb and conducted determination of it's application to my vehicle." (NHTSA complaint 11661777, May 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 Jeep Renegade?
32 of the 431 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Jeep Renegade (7.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Check engine light on. ECM (engine control computer) malfunction. Dealer first denied any problems with vehicle even with check engine light on. So I took to it to independent service center, which confirm problem." (NHTSA complaint 11589583, May 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2016 Jeep Renegade?
20 of the 431 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Jeep Renegade (4.6%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "Same as many other people, Traction Control. When making slow left hand turns Traction Control warning light comes on and complete power loss with engine still running. I have discovered if I lift my foot off gas pedal and quickly return it I regain power." (NHTSA complaint 11504206, January 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 Jeep Renegade smell of burning or smoke?
18 of the 431 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Jeep Renegade (4.2%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "My vehicle has been burning oil at an abnormal rate. i have to top it off several times between oil changes. it also runs extremely rough when in drive/reverse, but not moving(stop signs, drive throughs). if i put it into park or neutral, it runs fine." (NHTSA complaint 11375294, November 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2016 Jeep Renegade start?
14 of the 431 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Jeep Renegade (3.2%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "While driving, there is a clunk sound when the engine tries to switch gears. also, the brake lights, turn signal lights, etc have a warning light that flashes saying the lights are out even when the lights are still working." (NHTSA complaint 11320925, April 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2016 Jeep Renegade?
13 of the 431 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Jeep Renegade (3%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. One owner wrote: "The service engine light , service hill start ,traction light , airbag light warning , escape system , parking brake, lights warning system all continuously flash on and off , when vehicle is in motion." (NHTSA complaint 11717873, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Renegade
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only.