2016 Jeep Renegade Safety Report

The 2016 Jeep Renegade presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable number of consumer complaints despite generally acceptable crash test ratings. NHTSA records 423 total complaints, including 9 crashes, 9 fires, and 15 injuries, but no reported fatalities. The overall safety rating is 4 out of 5 stars, with a 4-star frontal crash rating, a strong 5-star side crash rating, but a concerning 3-star rollover rating. This suggests good protection in side impacts but potential vulnerabilities in rollover scenarios and frontal collisions. Common complaint patterns heavily revolve around the ENGINE (97 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (35 complaints), and POWER TRAIN (29 complaints). Specific issues include sudden engine stalls while driving, excessive oil consumption leading to engine replacement, and various electrical system malfunctions affecting dash lights, warning systems, and even vehicle operation. Several complaints detail the vehicle losing motive power or entering 'limp mode' due to sensor failures (e.g., pedal position sensor) or unknown electrical glitches, posing significant safety risks in traffic. The 9 reported fires, including one where a vehicle caught fire shortly after being parked, are particularly alarming and point to potential serious underlying defects. The vehicle has been subject to two recalls. One recall addresses potentially insufficient fasteners for the factory-installed trailer hitch, which could lead to the hitch separating and a towed vehicle becoming uncoupled. The second recall concerns aftermarket rear control arm brackets in a lift kit, where axle movement could increase crash risk. While these recalls address specific components, the high volume of engine and electrical complaints, some of which describe critical failures like sudden shutdowns, indicates broader reliability and safety concerns not fully covered by existing recalls. The persistent issues with engine stalling and electrical warnings suggest a need for thorough investigation into these widespread problems.

Our recommendation: Given the high volume of engine and electrical complaints, including reports of sudden stalls and fires, prospective buyers should proceed with caution and ensure a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially focusing on engine health and electrical system diagnostics.