2022 Jeep Renegade Safety Report

The 2022 Jeep Renegade presents a mixed safety picture, with a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 4 stars for frontal and side crash tests, but a lower 3-star rating for rollover. While the total number of complaints is relatively low at 23 for a 2022 model year, several recurring themes emerge from the data. A significant concern is the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' with 4 complaints, often manifesting as various warning lights, vehicle shutdowns, and issues with headlights or the start/stop system. The 'POWER TRAIN' and 'ENGINE' components also show multiple complaints, including hesitation, lurching, loss of motive power, and even a rear main seal leak reported at 54,000 miles. The 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' system has also been cited in 2 complaints for failing or malfunctioning at very low mileage. Recall history for the 2022 Renegade includes two significant issues. One recall addresses 'EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS' due to incorrect bumper reverse light assembly, which could reduce visibility and increase accident risk. The second, more critical recall, pertains to 'AIR BAGS:FRONTAL' where a seat belt buckle switch sensor issue could prevent a front seat air bag from deploying as intended, significantly increasing injury risk in a crash. These recalls highlight manufacturing defects that directly impact fundamental safety systems. Despite the decent crash test ratings, the pattern of complaints regarding critical systems like the powertrain, engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, coupled with the airbag recall, suggests potential reliability and safety vulnerabilities beyond crashworthiness. The reported incidents of sudden shutdowns, hesitation in traffic, and malfunctioning safety features indicate that while the vehicle may perform adequately in controlled crash tests, its operational reliability and active safety systems have shown concerning flaws in real-world scenarios.

Our recommendation: Given the recurring electrical and powertrain issues, coupled with a critical airbag recall, potential buyers should proceed with caution and ensure all recalls have been addressed, and consider an extended warranty or a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these known problem areas.