2016 Jeep Renegade problems

The Jeep Renegade is a subcompact crossover SUV produced by Stellantis under their Jeep marque. It was first shown to the public in March 2014 at the Geneva Motor Show and production started in late August of that year. The Renegade was the smallest vehicle currently marketed by Jeep, until the arrival of the Avenger. It slots between the Avenger and the Compass. It is based on the FCA Small Wide 4×4 platform which is also shared with other FCA models, including from Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands.
The Renegade came standard with front-wheel drive, with optional four-wheel drive systems Active Drive I and Active Drive Low, both of which are paired with Jeep's Selec-Terrain System.
Overview
The Renegade is the first Jeep product to be produced exclusively outside of North America and has been sold in the North American, European, Brazilian, South African, Australian, Japanese and Chinese markets. The vehicle is built in Melfi, Italy with the designation BU/520, alongside the related Fiat 500X; Goiana, Brazil with the designation B1 (alongside Jeep Compass and Fiat Toro); and in Guangzhou, China codenamed BQ.
Standard Renegade models come with front-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available on Sport, Latitude and Limited trims. In the US, the lineup consists of Sport, Latitude and Limited trims, all of which come with a choice of front- and four-wheel drive, as well as the Trailhawk trim, which is 4WD only.
The Renegade has an available My Sky dual-panel removable roof. The My Sky can be either retracted like a standard sunroof or removed completely for a more open-air experience, similar to that of the Jeep Wrangler.
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Common 2016 Jeep Renegade problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2016 Jeep Renegade, several common problems have been identified:
- Hard Shifting Between Gears: Owners have experienced hard shifting between gears, particularly within the first 50,000 miles. Some have found that updating the transmission software can address this problem, while others have had to resort to replacing the entire transmission, which can cost around $3,500.
- Check Engine Lights: Numerous check engine lights have been reported by owners of the 2016 Jeep Renegade. These lights can indicate various issues, such as problems with the fan assembly, damaged turbo, or throttle body issues, each requiring different repair costs ranging from $600 to $2,200.
- Traction Control System Activation: Another significant issue with the 2016 Renegade is the traction control system activating on its own. Owners have observed the traction control dash light coming on during turns, causing the vehicle to almost come to a complete stop. This problem has been noted even on relatively new Renegades with an average mileage of 7,000 miles, which is considered unacceptable.
- Premium Audio System Quality: Despite being a selling point, the available premium 9-speaker Beats audio system in the 2016 Renegade has received criticism from owners. Many have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the audio system, with reports indicating that it does not sound premium and, in some cases, is considered subpar.
- Electrical Problems: The 2016 Renegade has been associated with various electrical issues, including malfunctioning radios, spotty navigation systems, and the activation of multiple indicator lights. While some of these problems can be resolved with a software update, they have been common concerns among owners of this model year.
These problems highlight some of the key issues faced by owners of the 2016 Jeep Renegade, ranging from engine-related issues to electrical and audio system malfunctions. Addressing these concerns promptly and effectively is crucial to maintaining the performance and reliability of this vehicle.
What is the biggest problem with Jeep Renegade?
Unfortunately, one of the most reported issues with the Jeep Renegade revolves around the engine. Many Renegade owners have reported issues regarding stalling, loud engine noises, and hesitation during acceleration. The 2015-2017 Renegade models were among the most notorious for engine issues.
Are Jeep Renegades reliable 2016?
Reliability 4/10 – There are a lot of engine and electrical problems on the 2016 Renegade. Buyers should avoid models from 2015–2018. Renegade models from 2019–2022 are much more reliable. Performance 4/10 – Performance is worse than average from both of the available 4-cylinder engines.
How many miles will a 2016 Jeep Renegade last?
between 100,000 to 150,000 miles
You can expect that your Jeep Renegade can last you between 100,000 to 150,000 miles or around 240,000kms. For many drivers, this falls somewhere between 7-10 years. Your Jeep Renegade can last you for years to come.
What is the recall on Jeep Renegade 2016?
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured August 25, 2014, to June 25, 2016, equipped with a factory-installed optional trailer hitch package. The trailer hitch assembly may have been attached with only a single fastener per side, not three per side as required.
What is the biggest problem with Jeep Renegade?
Unfortunately, one of the most reported issues with the Jeep Renegade revolves around the engine. Many Renegade owners have reported issues regarding stalling, loud engine noises, and hesitation during acceleration. The 2015-2017 Renegade models were among the most notorious for engine issues.
Are Jeep Renegades reliable 2016?
Reliability 4/10 – There are a lot of engine and electrical problems on the 2016 Renegade. Buyers should avoid models from 2015–2018. Renegade models from 2019–2022 are much more reliable. Performance 4/10 – Performance is worse than average from both of the available 4-cylinder engines.
How many miles will a 2016 Jeep Renegade last?
between 100,000 to 150,000 miles
You can expect that your Jeep Renegade can last you between 100,000 to 150,000 miles or around 240,000kms. For many drivers, this falls somewhere between 7-10 years. Your Jeep Renegade can last you for years to come.
What is the recall on Jeep Renegade 2016?
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured August 25, 2014, to June 25, 2016, equipped with a factory-installed optional trailer hitch package. The trailer hitch assembly may have been attached with only a single fastener per side, not three per side as required.
2016 Jeep Renegade car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jeep Renegade problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Jeep Renegade vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2016 Jeep Renegade
The NHTSA has received 396 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Jeep Renegade. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2016 Jeep Renegade vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- VIN: ZACCJBDT6GP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: While driving around I suddenly got an alert from the car that the driver's side back up light, left turn signal light/rear tail light was no longer functioning. I had to drive around without people driving behind me knowing of any intent to turn left, which was a safety issue. I took it to an independent mechanic who replaced the bulbs and everything was back to normal, but only for 30 minutes. The same thing happened again on my drive home and I had to turn around to take it back to the mechanic. Upon further investigation, the mechanic noted that the connector for the light was burnt out and thus, causing a faulty connection, that had nothing to do with the lights themselves, and that could fail at any time. In trying to get a new connector, the mechanic found that they are on backorder, presumably because this is an issue being faced by numerous jeep renegade owners. So now, even if I wanted to fix the problem, I can't, which again, is a safety issue.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-20
- VIN: ZACCJBBT1GP
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: All motor engine mounts and transmission mounts notoriously gone bad....poorly manufactured. Should be recalled to be replaced on ALL these vehicles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-12
- VIN: ZACCJADT8GP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: On more than one occasion, this car has stalled or stopped, leaving me coasting to the side of the road in active traffic. I was going about 30-35 mph. It has had oil consumption problems since 2021 when I purchased it. It was presented to me at point of sale as gas consumption...it wasn't getting good mileage and would need a tune up. Also misrepresented as having a spare and it did not. On 4 Aug 2024 I completed the most recent oil consumption test and it failed. Leith Jeep refused to provide me with paperwork and said "no charge." But it needed another quart of oil which I added. Before the test was completed it needed a quart of oil. I have all records and will attach here if possible or email under separate emails. Not sure how many doc can be attached. I had recall repairs made. My car is part of the class action lawsuit but is unsafe. I am told to correct I need a new engine which will cost me out of pocket $11,000.00 due to no longer under warranty. But it has had this problem since I bought it and prior, an oil consumption test was done by the dealer in possession then.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-24
- VIN: ZACCJADT9GP
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My car has been struggling to speed up and now recently struggling to start. It did show a ADS light when trying to start and also something about a vehicle dynamic system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-04
- VIN: ZACCJBDT9GP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: Was driving with cruise co trip on going about 70 mph. On an interstate. All of a sudden I saw my dash all go out and was pushing down on my accelerator and had no power and car was slowing down. Next it came back on and the the steering wheel light with exclamation showed up. Today 2 days later driving and it states service 4wd and the. When at a stop light it again did the same thing and this time shut down. This is a high priority in my mind I can’t allow younger drivers to drive. I see other complaints like this too.My spouse also observed the first time. Could of cause fatalities and or severe harm.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-13
- VIN: ZACCJBBTXGP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The engine cooling fan died. There was a recall for it and it was supposed to be replaced according to the v54 recall. My vehicle still has the version 1 fan even though it was supposed to have been replaced back in 2019. Since the fan does not work I cannot idle for too long or else the car will overheat.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-23
- VIN: ZACCJBCT0GP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I'm getting multiple messages displayed saying lights are out when they are not, have had many instances where the language is changed to something else. And the cooling fan stops working intermittently causing over heating and most recent melted wiring harness plugs to and from fan.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-28
- VIN: ZACCJBCT3GP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Drivers tail light grounding wire burnt out and cause multiple repairs.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-03
- VIN: ZACCJABT2GP
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: Check engine light on. ECM (engine control computer) malfunction. Dealer first denied any problems with vehicle even with check engine light on. So I took to it to independent service center, which confirm problem. By providing the service center report, the dealer then confirm problem. Problems/symptoms occur 2 days after financing vehicle.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-14
- VIN: ZACCJBCT1GP
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MySky Parts commonly break on Jeep Renegades and poise a safety concern that they do not close. During accident or inclement conditions this can endanger passengers and driver.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-12
- VIN: ZACCJABW6GP
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The air bag light comes on and the power steering goes out, and the ignition wont turn off , when it comes on. Have to take the battery cable off. Start it back up and it may stay off a few days and comes back on. Too scared to drive it.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-14
- VIN: ZACCJBDT9GP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: Was sitting in a drive through and car started smoking. It stopped after I shut everything down. Then another time it overheated after driving for seven minutes had to stop. Air conditioning doesn’t work . Engine light on. Just bought from dealer with 20000 miles like a lemon. So not right.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-01
- VIN: ZACCJBCT3GP
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My 2016 Jeep Renegade is my only vehicle for myself and family. There's an open recall (U90) for a part that must be installed by a certified dealership. However, the necessary part is unavailable and has been back ordered for over one year. There are no dealerships in the entire state which have this part avallable. I've been on a waitlist for this part about a year as well. My car registration is due next month in May, which requires this recall to be repaired prior to registration. I also need a smog test, but the recall involves emissions so my smog test is likely to fail. I have contacted Jeep customer service but the representative has stopped responding completely. I have reached out 3 additional times to this representative assigned to help me but have been ignored.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-07
- VIN: ZACCJABT1GP
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: This vehicle is constantly burning through oil between oil changes. It has stopped several times while driving only to find out it has no oil. It has been on the W80 recall list for 2 years and the dealerships in my area just say the parts are on allocation. I literally have to drive with oil in the car to refill it on the side of the road. I just got another recall notification from Jeep for U90 and they don't have parts to fix that either. I can't get it fixed. I can't sell it and I can't afford to keep it on the road. The low oil warning light does NOT come on.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-16
- VIN: ZACCJABT7GP
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Vehicle has a recall (U90) . I am unable to renew my Vehicle Registration without proof of correction certificate. Dealer has refused to service my vehicle for the recall . I have been in contact since March 2023 for this recall. I am told there is a waiting list for the part. I am never contacted again for the service. I have asked to be added to the waiting list and they are stating they are unable to service my vehicle without first ordering the part . They are uncooperative and refusing to service a recall that is required for Vehicle Registration renewal.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-27
- VIN: ZACCJBCT3GP
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The sunroof on my Jeep opened by itself. There are issues all over the internet with same said problem with the Jeep Renegade MySky sunroof system. Jeep wants people to spend $3,500 to fix. can count on both hounds how many times I’ve actually opened the sunroof to use it.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-13
- VIN: ZACCJBBT1GP
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated he was able to restart the vehicle and drive to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-22
- VIN: ZACCJABT2GP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that she had received a manufacturer recall notice, Recall Number: V54 - Engine Cooling Fan (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the dealer determined that the cooling fan was working as designed and the fan was not replaced. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH and various speeds, and while stopped at a traffic light, the engine would overheat. The contact stated that the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine cooling fan needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,143.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-01
- VIN: ZACCJBBT6GP
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: My customer satisfaction number is W20. I have been waiting since December 2022 to get the catalytic converter replaced. I was told there were 2 people ahead of me. Everytime I called I was told they were still trying to reach the people. They did update the software but now my Jeep is sluggish. I have to force the gas pedal to force the accelerator to the floor to pick up speed. So my gas mileage is very bad. I hope the engine does not go waiting so long to get a defective part replaced. I am in Arkansas now and will be until my Mom gets out of the hospital. I want to get my Jeep fixed now. I am close to Batesville and Jonesboro Arkansas. Please tell me where I can take my Jeep to get it repaired or do I take the recall card to any Jeep dealer. I feel I have waited long enough.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-05
- VIN: ZACCJABT9GP
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: I took the vehicle in for Oil Change and tire rotation on May 5th, 2023. Dealer could not remove wheels, as the lug nuts on all 4 wheels were in a swollen state. Dealer mentioned that this is a known design defect in many Chrysler vehicles, and it would cost me $233 to have them replaced. Pls see attached screenshot. At this point, if I had a flat tire, I will not be able to replace it, as I am not able to remove the lug nuts. Ticket 86109919 was opened with Jeep.com on May 8th, 2023. Customer Service has advised that they will not cover the cost of replacing these lug nuts, even if it's not a product that falls under the 'wear and tear' category. Please help in making this a product to be recalled and repaired at FCA's expense.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-08
- VIN: ZACCJBBT5GP
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Parking brake shows need service as is stuck on. I haven't used the parking brake. This is the 2nd time this has happened. Had it in and repaired once. Always sticks while driving on a trip.Smells like something is burning and I believe this to be a safety issue especially since its the 2nd time it has happened.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-11
- VIN: ZACCJBBT8GP
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: recently while driving to work at a traffic light as i rolled i heard my car start to accelerate and the check engine light came on. I began to observe, and found out that the gearbox does this when it is downshifted from 5th to 4th gear. of course I didn't hit the car in front several times. the presence of such errors as u0402 and C2502. i went to the dealer but the dealer had never heard of this and only did a software update on the transmission and engine. but it didn't help, they changed the oil in the transmission, no result either, they gave me a document and said that the reason was the electricity. after searching the entire Internet, I saw that Cherokee had such a phantom acceleration for 14-15 years. and really the problem is inside the transmission. i want to fix this problem because the dealer doesn't know what to do.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-13
- VIN: ZACCJABT9GP
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Basically I purchased the car dec 3,2023 from drive time . 3 weeks later it needed a new transmission.the warranty fixes the transmission I didn’t have my car for a month .The service dept said there’s a recall on my engine also so they started an oil consumption test after I picked my car up after the transmission installed. Drove the car for 1500 miles and bring it into them they said I need a new engine. I asked them so when can I set appointment for my engine they said they will get back to me . It’s been 2 months and I haven’t heard from them . I want a brand new vehicle. The dealership sold me an lemon
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-01
- VIN: ZACCJBBT2GP
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Headlights keep going out. multiple repairs have been done by independent service center. No warning. They have been replaced 7 times and they just keep going out.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-20
- VIN: ZACCJBAT3GP
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My 2016 Jeep Renegade Sport 4WD 2.4L (~87K mileage) never has given me any major issues or shown symptoms of any need for service attention recently. It has been upkept with regular oil changes and servicing as needed. I recently went on vacation and had the vehicle parked for a week and upon returning and trying to turn the vehicle on it would not start. It was not the battery as that was recently changed and the vehicle tried very hard to crank, but nothing was successful on its own we even tried charging the battery and jumping it with our other car. I had AAA finally come and they were able to start it, but as soon as you put it in "drive" to move it the engine would flood and the car would shut off. As the car would run, white smoke would flow out of the tailpipe horribly as well. I had it towed to the AAA car center since they are around the corner and they are stating the head gasket is blown and the engine will need replacement. There was no indication from the vehicle that it needed a oil change or that oil was low. There was no symptoms I encountered prior to all of this happening. It was advised NOT to have the engine machined to fix the gasket due to the mileage and age of the vehicle. I am in shock that this came out of nowhere. Again, I drove the car a few days before leaving it parked in a safe location and it's mainly driven by me and there was absolutely no indication something was even remotely wrong.
2016 Jeep Renegade recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2016 Jeep Renegade.
- Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured August 25, 2014, to June 25, 2016, equipped with a factory-installed optional trailer hitch package. The trailer hitch assembly may have been attached with only a single fastener per side, not three per side as required.
- Consequence: Without the proper amount of fasteners, the trailer hitch assembly may separate from the vehicle, and any towed vehicle may no longer be properly connected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install two additional fasteners per side, free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S62.
- Manufacturer: Daystar Products International, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: Daystar Products International, Inc. (Daystar) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement rear control arm brackets included in Daystar's 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade 1.5" spacer kit, part KJ09168BK, shipped from Daystar to distributors between October 27, 2015 and November 5, 2015. The affected spacers may have improper or incomplete welds on the top flange on the rear control arm bracket, that can allow the rear axle to shift while driving.
- Consequence: If the axle moves there could be an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Daystar will notify owners, and direct them to repair shops to have the brackets inspected and replaced as needed, free of charge. The recall began on March 11, 2016. Owners may contact Daystar customer service at 1-623-907-0081 or by email at [email protected]. Daystar's number for this recall is 16-01.
Negative 2016 Jeep Renegade car reviews
Positive 2016 Jeep Renegade car reviews
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I'm so happy I bought my 2016 Jeep Renegade last summer! It's been a lifesaver during this recent blizzard. While other vehicles are stuck all over town, my Jeep can plow through snow banks with ease. I'm really impressed with how powerful this little car is. It warms up quickly even in -30 temperatures, and I especially appreciate the rear windshield wiper. I haven't even needed winter tires and it's still handling great!
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I had the 2015 for about 6 weeks and unfortunately, the power door locks stopped working. It sat in the shop for 3 weeks before the dealership kindly offered me a 2016 instead. An update on the car, after 25K miles and 2 years later, it is still running well and averaging about 28 mpg. Another update, after 41K miles, I still like the car, but the light gray seats are hard to clean. It still averages 25-28 mpg. At 75K miles, the passive entry sensor light came on for a while, but I replaced the fob battery and the error light went off. Finally, at 89K miles, everything is still going well with the car.
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I've had my Jungle Green Renegade for a month now and I absolutely love it! The steering is precise, the brakes are highly responsive, and the ride is more comfortable than I expected. I was hesitant about the My Sky Dual Sunroof at first, but now I can say that I love it and would definitely recommend it. For those who complain about the 2.4 Tigershark engine, it's important to note that this vehicle is not meant for V6 performance. While the engine may not be as refined, it's not a big deal for regular drivers as you can't really tell the difference, except for a slight delay in transmission when split-second power is needed. I personally like the transmission, although you do need to step on the gas a little harder for it to upshift during quick passing maneuvers. Unless you're an aggressive driver, this won't bother you. The styling is perfect and I'm amazed at how compact it is, making it easy to park anywhere. However, it doesn't feel that way when you're inside. My only complaint is the Beats audio - it seems like all the audio comes from the front dash speakers and the subwoofer is pathetic. Jeep shouldn't have let Beats audio into the vehicle. I tested a 2015 model and the premium audio was way better. Overall, Jeep has done a great job and I hope they start offering the Jungle Green color for all trims because if they did, I would have purchased the Trailhawk.
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Update 9/15/17. I had a big problem with the acceleration of the Renegade, especially when getting on and passing on highways. Although it's an excellent car, I found it lacking in power. I eventually traded it in for a Jeep Cherokee Overland with a V6 engine and every safety feature. I love Jeeps, but the Renegade engine just didn't have the pickup I needed. It's interesting to note that European versions have six different engines to choose from, including diesel and turbo. Why not America? Goodbye My Sand Baby. Update 3/20/17. I'm happy to report that I haven't had a single problem with the Renegade so far. I'm getting a little over 25 miles per gallon, which is great. I'm very pleased with this purchase. The Mojave Sand exterior with Bark, Ski Grey, and Tangerine interior is stunning. I fell in love with this Jeep at first glance. Although the 2015 model had a lot of bad reviews and problems, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they've worked them out of the 2016 model. So far, the only negative is the smaller gas tank, which I guess is to save weight. This summer, with the air conditioning on all the time in the Tucson area, I'm consistently getting 24 MPG, which isn't too bad. However, the fun factor of this car makes up for that in spades. This is the first smart car that understands my voice, makes tele calls, changes channels, etc. with no problem. The navigation system map is so much better than my former 2015 Nissan Rogue (which never understood a word I said). I love sitting up high, lots of headroom, plus big windows. I have always loved Jeep seats, and these are no exception. The Renegade is long enough to support my legs to the knees, and I'm almost 6 feet tall. The transmission needs a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of controlling it, it's fine. So far, I'm very happy with this Renegade.
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We've been the proud owners of a Renegade Latitude for several months now. Previously, we had a Subaru Cross-Trek, but it lacked the power we needed, even with the 5-speed. However, when we test drove the Renegade with its 1.4l Turbo engine and 6-speed standard transmission, we were blown away and bought the vehicle on the spot. It has plenty of get up and go, making it perfect for driving in the mountains, passing on windy two-lane roads, and accelerating well in 4th or 5th gear. We've even taken it off-road, and it's rugged yet comfortable. The Renegade has great ground clearance, which makes launching our sailboat much easier than with our previous vehicles. The sound system is great, and the navigation, sunroof, and storage are all more than satisfactory. This is truly the best SUV we've owned, dating back to 1987. We see the Renegade as a marvelous hybrid of Fiat/European sophistication in engine and drive-train coupled with Jeep utility and fun. After 2+ years, we still love our Renegade. It is amazingly versatile, hauling stuff, people, and trailers in all weather. It's fun to drive and consistently gets around 30 MPG.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Jeep Renegade problems:
Watch This Before Buying A Jeep Renegade! Common Problems ...
Oct 24, 2022 ... I bought a new 2016 it ended up being piece of crap, it's made cheaply and fiat was sued for the theirs engine it's a horrible car.
2016 Jeep Renegade Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Oct 26, 2022 ... Overall Rating 5/10 – 2016 is a bad year for the Jeep Renegade since there are still a lot of mechanical problems which are expensive to fix, ...

Are the issues with Renegades something to be concerned about ...
Apr 25, 2022 ... new oil and filter · new air filter (engine) · check cabin air filter · new fluids/top up (depends on need) · check wiring and harnesses · run ...
2016 Jeep Renegade Problems | Jeep Renegade Forum
Mar 16, 2021 ... Hi everyone, I'm new here and man oh man, I am having some problems with my 2016 Jeep Renegade latitude 2.4. It has 51k miles on it now.
The Most Common 2016 Jeep Renegade Problems | GetJerry.com
Oct 25, 2022 ... Suspension issues, electrical malfunctions, and a loose trailer hitch are just three of the problems with the 2016 Jeep Renegade that you ...
Erwin Breitenberg 2025-03-18
The comfort level and features of my Renegade Trailhawk were excellent. However, I am currently going through a buy-back process due to some reliability issues. Additionally, the engine has a tendency to cut power at inopportune times, such as when pulling out with cross traffic coming. The gas tank is also quite small and the gas mileage is worse than advertised. Furthermore, the 9 speed transmission paired with a 4-cylinder engine and a few other small items have been a bit of a disappointment. Despite these issues, I am hopeful that the buy-back process will be smooth and I can find a vehicle that better suits my needs.
Garland Boehm 2025-02-10
Despite experiencing some issues with my Renegade, I have been working closely with the dealership to resolve them. The dealership has been very helpful in addressing the problems and has been working hard to get my vehicle back on the road. I am confident that the dealership will be able to fix the issues and I am looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of my Renegade soon.After experiencing issues with the stripped down Renegade rental, I returned it and expressed my concerns to the dealership. They referred me to Stericycle, a contract company, to resolve the issue. However, their proposed solution of a replacement purchase at sticker price with the loss of a year's worth of payments did not meet my needs. As a disabled individual, I require a larger vehicle and expressed interest in a Ram P/U. Despite finding a 2016 DEMO for the same price as the Renegade, I was informed that I could not purchase it and would have to pay the full sticker price of $41,000 for a new one. This experience has left me with a lack of confidence in Mopar vehicles and I urge others to thoroughly research before making a purchase.
Van Kutch 2025-02-10
I leased my 2016 Renegade Trailhawk about 6 months ago as a cheap and fun solution for Michigan driving. At first, the look took a while to get used to, but then I started to like it. The visibility while driving was awesome, with lots of headroom. I was amazed by the capability of the little jeep when I took it off-roading. With ground clearance higher than a standard truck and multiple smart 4x4 settings, there was not much that I couldn't conquer. The hill descent was very entertaining too! When winter hit, the snow was meaningless to the Renegade. It would tear through 12 inches of snow and hard-packed ice without a problem. However, I commute 30-40 minutes one-way to get to work, all highway driving, and this quickly made me realize two of the Jeep's biggest downfalls. Firstly, the speed of this jeep is unbearably slow. The significant speed difference of the rental car I was provided with made me feel as if I was in a tuned sports car. I think a huge problem is the transmission in the 2.4L Tigershark (maybe it should be “Tigger”shark), which is a 9-speed that has a Driving this jeep on a sand dune or through the woods is amazing, there is no other way to put it. However, when it comes to city or long distance driving, this jeep can be uncomfortable. I am driving the most expensive model of the Renegade, the Trailhawk, and although the bucket seats look great with black vinyl interior stitched in red, they are a little too small. As a rather skinny mid-build 6-foot guy, I feel cramped in the seat and my shoulders are pushed forward while my back cannot find support, especially not in my lumbar. Additionally, at speeds around 30-45 mph, the engine/transmission lets out an uncomfortable hum that sounds like the gear change just isn't quite right. I hope this is not how it was designed purposely. I also experienced an issue with the engine light going off 4+ times in a period of 2-3 months, which was frustrating. However, I must say that this is a fun, progressive, fuel efficient machine with impressive off road capability. Overall, it's a great choice for those who prioritize adventure and off-road capabilities over city driving comfort.Take my cons with a grain of salt as I am sure not everyone has had the same experience. However, when spending $300+ a month to lease the top model of a vehicle, I expect a little more. Please drive safe out there.
Lorenz Oberbrunner 2025-01-17
I purchased the 2016 Renegade with the intention of finding a small SUV that could handle snowy conditions. While the first week was decent, I did notice that the power was lacking and the engine vibrated quite a bit. The entertainment center also had some issues with resetting my stations and settings, but thankfully the dealer was able to resolve it after a few visits. The traction control could use some improvement, as it can be a bit concerning when trying to pull out in traffic. Additionally, the car can get stuck in certain revving levels, which can be frustrating. Overall, I would not recommend this car to anyone, especially considering the poor resale value. However, I am hopeful that improvements will be made in future models.
Oswald Wisozk 2024-11-28
Congratulations on your first new vehicle purchase! It's great to hear that you loved the quirky design and affordability of the Jeep Renegade. However, it's unfortunate that you've had some issues with it in the past few months. I can understand how frustrating it must be to have to take it to the shop multiple times. Reliability is definitely an important factor when purchasing a new vehicle. I hope your next purchase will be more reliable and meet all your expectations. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!