2021 Jeep Renegade Safety Report

The 2021 Jeep Renegade presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but a notable pattern of electrical and fuel system complaints. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an overall 4-star safety rating, with 4 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 3 stars for rollover resistance. This indicates solid occupant protection in typical crash scenarios. However, the vehicle has accumulated 59 total complaints, including 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries, which is concerning for a relatively new model year. A significant portion of these complaints, 12 out of 59, are related to the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM', often manifesting as blank Uconnect screens, which disable critical features like the backup camera, posing a safety risk during reversing maneuvers. There are also multiple reports of fuel line issues, with one complaint detailing a fuel line rubbing and leaking gasoline onto the engine, creating a fire hazard. Recall history includes two significant campaigns. One recall addresses an incorrect bumper reverse light assembly, which could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a backing-up collision. The second, more critical recall, concerns a seat belt buckle switch sensor that may prevent front seat airbags from deploying as intended, significantly increasing injury risk in a crash. Several complaints directly reference airbag non-deployment in crashes, aligning with the concerns of this recall. The presence of these recalls, particularly the airbag issue, highlights potential manufacturing defects that could compromise safety. Beyond the recalls, the complaint data reveals recurring issues with the Uconnect infotainment system, often leading to a non-functional backup camera, which is a mandatory safety feature. There are also reports of sudden automatic braking, door latch failures in cold weather, and engine stop/start system malfunctions. While the crash test ratings are generally good, the volume and nature of the complaints, especially those related to critical safety systems like airbags, fuel lines, and backup cameras, suggest that owners may encounter safety-related problems not fully captured by crash tests alone. The 2021 Jeep Renegade's safety profile is thus characterized by good structural integrity but undermined by persistent electrical and component reliability issues that can directly impact driver and passenger safety.

Our recommendation: While the 2021 Jeep Renegade has decent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring electrical issues, particularly with the Uconnect screen and backup camera, and ensure all two recalls, especially the airbag recall, have been addressed before purchase.