
2016 Jeep RENEGADE
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Jeep RENEGADE has 664 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 5.8x the segment average of 114. The most common issue is engine problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: my car "service engine" light came on as well as a message on the dashboard with the words "safety assist" and "security". i immediately brought the car to the dealer. after 2 days in the shop, they said it was (as posted on the paperwork released to me) "cylinder 3 misfire and cold start rough st. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 12 fire reports filed.
664
Total Complaints
2
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
5.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
179 complaints- • MY CAR "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL AS A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD WITH THE WORDS "SAFETY ASSIST" AND "SECURITY". I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER. AFTER 2 DAYS IN THE SHOP, THEY SAID IT WAS (AS POSTED ON THE PAPERWORK RELEASED TO ME) "CYLINDER 3 MISFIRE AND COLD START ROUGH ST
- • VIBRATING/RUMBLING NOISE THROUGH GAS PEDAL AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN 29-34 MPH WHILE USING CRUISE/NOT USING CRUISE/LETTING OFF GAS PEDAL SLOWLY; DEALERSHIP CLAIMS ITS THE HIGH GEARING, ITS NORMAL, WE CANT REPLICATE, CHRYSLER REP STATES THE SAME THING, YET I TAKE THE SERVICE MGR FOR A RIDE AND TH
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP RENEGADE. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE STARTED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUMES COMING FROM THE GARAGE WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXI
“MY CAR "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL AS A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD WITH THE WORDS "SAFETY ASSIST" AND "SECURITY". I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER. AFTER 2 DAYS IN THE SHOP, THEY SAID IT WAS (AS POSTED ON THE PAPERWORK RELEASED TO ME) "CYLINDER 3 MISFIRE AND COLD START ROUGH ST”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Jeep RENEGADE
Based on 474 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 32K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ELECTRICAL
TRANSMISSION
OTHER
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
FUEL SYSTEM
SEATS/RESTRAINTS
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (2)
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.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2016 Jeep RENEGADE
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Jeep RENEGADE
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Jeep RENEGADE Service Intervals
4WD Wrangler/Gladiator have shorter transfer case + differential intervals if off-roaded frequently.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Jeep New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Jeep. If you're buying a used 2016 RENEGADE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Jeep dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
EV Incentives for 2016 Jeep RENEGADE
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 664 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: MY CAR "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL AS A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD WITH THE WORDS "SAFETY ASSIST" AND "SECURITY". I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER. AFTER 2 DAYS IN THE SHOP, THEY SAID IT WAS (AS POSTED ON THE PAPERWORK RELEASED TO ME) "CYLINDER 3 MISFIRE AND COLD START ROUGH ST
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: WE PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2016 JEEP RENEGADE LATITUDE ON JUNE 11, 2016. ON JULY 1, 2016 AT APPROXIMATELY 400 MILES THE CAR BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. ON JULY 1, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED VIA THE PUSH-START IGNITION AND RAN UNTIL THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE POWERED ON, AT WHICH POINT THE CAR SHOOK VIOLENTLY,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: TWICE NOW WITH LESS THAT 950 MILES ON MY VEHICLE THE VEHICLE THE TRACTION CONTROL HAS ENGAGED ON CLEAN DRY PAVEMENT, STOPPED AT A STOP SIGNED AND TURNED RIGHT EACH TIME AND AT ABOUT 5 MPH THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGED AND ENGAGED WHAT SEEMED LIKE A ENGINE BRAKE TO DECELERATE THE ENGINE. THIS IS A SAF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. DRIVER TOOK FOOT OFF THE BRAKE FROM DEAD STOP AND THE RENEGADE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR. THE INSTURMENT PANEL FLASHED AND FLICKERED VARIOUS TROUBLE INDICATIONS AND THEN STOPPED WITH THE MESSAGE TO SERVICE THE ELECTRIC EMERGENCY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Jeep dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Jeep RENEGADE — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 664
- Recalls
- 2
- Fire reports
- 12
- Crash reports
- 7
- Injury reports
- 20
- Segment avg
- 114
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Jeep RENEGADE