2017 Jeep Renegade Safety Report

The 2017 Jeep Renegade presents a mixed safety picture, with a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars for side impact but 4 stars for frontal and rollover. However, the vehicle has a concerning number of owner complaints, totaling 558, with 23 reported crashes, 5 fires, and 16 injuries. A significant portion of these complaints, 121 (21.7%), are related to the ENGINE, often describing sudden stalls, loss of power, and complete engine failure, sometimes linked to coolant intrusion or cracked oil pump housings. The FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM also accounts for 44 complaints, with reports of fuel pump failures leading to stalls. The recall history for the 2017 Renegade includes three significant campaigns. One recall addresses a potential loss of fuel pressure in 4X2 flex fuel/E85 vehicles with a 2.4L engine, which could cause a stall and increase crash risk. Another recall targets a cracked oil pump housing/balance shaft module in 2.4L engines, also posing an engine stall risk. The third recall concerns a software issue causing erroneous malfunction indicator lamp illumination, which could prevent drivers from recognizing true malfunctions. These recalls directly align with the high volume of engine and fuel system complaints, suggesting that while some issues have been addressed, underlying problems persist or affect vehicles not covered by the specific recall VIN ranges. Despite its average crash test performance, the high frequency of critical mechanical failures, particularly engine stalls and power loss while driving, raises significant safety concerns. The 558 complaints, especially those detailing sudden vehicle shutdowns on highways or in traffic, indicate a potential for serious accidents. The reported 23 crashes and 16 injuries underscore the real-world impact of these issues. Prospective buyers should be aware of the documented engine and fuel system vulnerabilities.

Our recommendation: Prospective buyers of a 2017 Jeep Renegade should be highly cautious due to the high volume of critical engine and fuel system complaints, which can lead to dangerous stalls. Thoroughly check if all 3 recalls have been addressed and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, fuel system, and electrical components.