Summary
The Jeep Renegade has 15 recalls spanning 2015 through 2023, with the most serious being a software vulnerability on 2015 models that allows unauthorized remote access to networked vehicle control systems, potentially letting a third party modify or take control of certain functions while the vehicle is in motion. The fix for that issue was a software update delivered to affected vehicles.
On the mechanical side, 2020 models have a right rear brake caliper that can crack and fail, reducing braking performance. The 2019 model year has two separate occupant restraint issues: on certain vehicles, incorrect software can disable airbags and seatbelt pretensioners entirely, while on Upland-trimmed models specifically, a miscalibrated restraint controller can cause airbags to deploy incorrectly in a frontal crash.
The 2017 and 2018 model years share a fuel pump concern on 4x2 flex-fuel (E85) vehicles with the 2.4L engine, where the pump can lose pressure under high-demand conditions, particularly at altitude or in heat, causing the engine to stall and cut drive power. The 2017 model year also has a cracked oil pump housing on 2.4L-equipped vehicles that can cause the oil pump to fail and stall the engine, and a software fault that causes multiple warning lights to illuminate on the instrument cluster when no actual malfunction is present, which can cause a driver to ignore a real warning later.
The 2015 and 2016 model years have a recurring trailer hitch attachment problem: some factory-installed hitches were secured with only one fastener per side rather than three, allowing the hitch to separate from the vehicle and disconnect any trailer. A separate 2015-only recall covers the same separation risk on an incorrectly assembled hitch variant. There is also a 2015 concern where a bracket fastener for the engine block heater can contact the front coil spring, wearing away its protective coating and eventually leading to corrosion and spring failure.
The most recent recall, covering 2021 through 2023 models, involves an incorrect reverse light assembly that may not meet visibility requirements, potentially failing to clearly signal to pedestrians and other drivers that the vehicle is backing up.
