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2016 Jeep Renegade
Solid pick. The public record on this car is clean for its age. Inspect it, then negotiate with confidence.
428 owner complaints · 2 recalls · data verified July 14, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Engine problems dominate (40% of complaints, typically reported near 36k miles).
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
4/5 overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating · 2016 Jeep Renegade SUV 4WD
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 23%
No open NHTSA defect investigations on file.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2016 Jeep Renegade, plotted where owners report it happening.
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
40%172 complaints · typically near 36k mi · 14 in the last 2 years
“My car just shut off out of now where while I was driving, tried to turn it on and wouldn’t start, get u I was in the middle of the road bc it just shut off. I left it…”
Electrical system
28%119 complaints · typically near 36k mi · 15 in the last 2 years
“The service engine light , service hill start ,traction light , airbag light warning , escape system , parking brake, lights warning system all continuously flash on a…”
Transmission & drivetrain
17%73 complaints · typically near 25k mi · 2 in the last 2 years
“No oil change light, no engine light. Excessive Oil consumption engine Metal to metal brakes”
Speed control
7%29 complaints · typically near 10k mi · 3 in the last 2 years
“My car has been struggling to speed up and now recently struggling to start. It did show a ADS light when trying to start and also something about a vehicle dynamic sy…”
Recalls (2)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Trailer Hitches · 16V545000
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 · 16E013000
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.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2016 Jeep RENEGADE beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2016? See how every Renegade model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2016 Jeep Renegade against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.