4 Best And Worst Years For The Jeep Renegade

Shown to the public in the Geneva Motor Show of 2014, the Jeep Renegade is another hardcore, jagged crossover SUV released, boasting the usual off-road capabilities and more.

For a time, it was thought that this would end up replacing the Jeep Compass. However, this was not the case, and this was further cemented with the discontinuation of the Jeep Patriot.

While the car launched with a lot of success, it quickly lost the fame it generated by going on a bad streak where the models were filled to the brim with issues and annoyances which no one wanted, which is why it is integral that I talk about the best and worst years for Jeep Renegade and rank them accordingly.

Best Years for Jeep Renegade:

1. 2020
2. 2014
3. 2019
4. 2021

Worst Years for Jeep Renegade:

1. 2015
2. 2016
3. 2017
4. 2018

Make sure to read the whole article, as I will be highlighting common issues plaguing the model along with the most asked questions regarding it.

List Of The Best Years For The Jeep Renegade: What Years To Buy

These years are the best ones in the entire lineup currently, and these are the ones you should look into.

#1 Best Year: 2020 Jeep Renegade

I am placing the 2020 Jeep Renegade in the first place because it not only has little to no issues but also because it is fairly recent and hence has the latest and most up-to-date technology available on the market.

This year had seven different trims available, each with its own unique set of features.

However, the standard features of the 2020 Jeep Renegade were also very respectable with heated side mirrors and cruise control.

Coming in with a standard 180 hp 2.4 L 4-cylinder and optional 177 hp turbocharged 1.3 L 4 cylinder, the 2020 Jeep renegade boasts powerful specifications along with a lot of interior space.

It makes the best use of this space by making the interior quiet and comfortable.

The amazing suspension system integrated into the vehicle, along with the on-road stability, makes it a great vehicle to drive off-road as you won’t even feel the rugged terrain underneath, giving you a smooth and enjoyable experience.

While the 9-speed transmission can be a bit bulky at times, it offers a good change of pace from the standard transmission and with other exciting features such as lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and various active safety features, you get a solid vehicle which is both safe to ride in and a joy to drive which is sometimes all you need.

#2 Best Year: 2014 Jeep Renegade

Usually, I would recommend that you lay off purchasing the first model of a lineup as they are still getting things right and they may be prone to issues.

However, once, in a blue moon, a company puts out the first model of their new series and hits it right out of the park.

Such is the case of the 2014 Jeep Renegade, which was perfect out of the gate, hence why I am placing it at 2nd place on this list.

Perfect for towing and unparalleled in its off-road capabilities, the 2014 Jeep Renegade was tested by Euro NCAP and received a perfect 5-star rating.

The company strived to make a distinctly better model than anything it had put out prior, but while this would not be the case, the 2014 model would still become an amazing vehicle and gather a large and dedicated fan base.

Despite being a bit old, this is why it can rank so high on this list.

#3 Best Year: 2019 Jeep Renegade

A year before the success of the 2020 model, the 2019 Jeep Renegade would also dominate the stage, and were it not for its automatic transmission slow to kick down, it definitely would have been a top contender.

This is because the vehicle features the same level of stability and performance off-road as the 2020 Jeep Renegade.

Available in 6 different trims this year, the 2019 model featured updated styling and a lot of new active safety features as standard.

This means that not only could you drive in a fresh and new-looking Jeep, but you could also do so knowing that you would be safe inside it.

The engine may sound underwhelming, but it comes with a turbocharger that can push out 177 hp like nothing and 200 pounds-feet of torque.

This model also comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which I wouldn’t recommend as it is known to have problems, but aside from this, it is a must-have vehicle.

#4 Best Year: 2021 Jeep Renegade

Taking its place as the last best year is the 2021 Jeep Renegade, which isn’t necessarily bad compared to the models above. However, it is just a new vehicle early in life.

This means that later on, problems could arise which could seriously hurt its reputation.

Since its reliability has not been proven yet, it was safe for me to place it at 4th and last place. This year revealed six new trims to the market.

They all feature the amazing stability and top-tier suspension system that people had come to expect, giving it the tools it needed to provide a quality off-road experience for the whole family.

Standard features such as Cruise control, heated side mirrors, Push-button start & dual-zone automatic air conditioning offer a lot of comfort and convenience.

In contrast, various active safety features work passively to ensure you are safe during your travel.

List Of The Worst Years For The Jeep Renegade: What Years To Avoid

These years are full of issues and inconveniences, so you a better off leaving these models if you come by them.

#1 Worst Year: 2015 Jeep Renegade

I am placing the 2015 Jeep Renegade at the top of this list because this model received the most complaints from both the NHTSA and customers and rightfully so, as the year was full of problems for the model.

This model was the second one in the lineup and suffered from 4 different recalls, along with a huge array of electrical problems, transmission issues, engine concerns, and interior dilemmas.

It was concerning to see how the Jeep Renegade went from a nearly flawless car to one filled to the brim with problems and issues in one year.

The biggest issue that affected the car was the transmission, which would shift unexpectedly to the neutral position, increasing the risk of a car crash.

This issue led to a recall which affected more than 329,000 vehicles.

The transmission was hesitant and faulty, and the engine had a habit of stalling with a very loud idle, along with excess oil consumption.

The engine would not turn over, and the electrical accessories were not functioning properly. The battery had a habit of dying, and the locks would not work with the key fob.

The key would get stuck in the ignition, and the driver seat would wear out fairly quickly. Overall, the car was in a very bad state, and it would be best to avoid all costs.

#2 Worst Year: 2016 Jeep Renegade

Following the trend of the 2016 Jeep Renegade, the 2016 model aimed to reduce the myriad of issues affecting the vehicle, and while it was able to cut down on those issues, it still had a lot of issues to fix, which is why I am placing this model at 2nd place.

The 2016 Jeep Renegade had been recalled twice and suffered mostly from engine problems but was surrounded by other issues related to brakes, electrical systems, the interior, and the transmission, which is why it deserves this spot on this list.

The car was known for excessive oil consumption, similar to its predecessor, constantly stalling.

Hard shifting was also common with the transmission, stopping working while driving. The brakes had a fault where the traction control would turn on randomly.

The breaks would also squeal and grind when applied. The transmission was prone to failing, not shifting properly, and stopping while driving.

It was extremely hard to shift when it would work and, if available, would not shift into 9th gear.

#3 Worst Year: 2017 Jeep Renegade

Continuing on the pattern of trying and failing to fix the problems of the past, the 2017 Jeep Renegade tries to reduce the problems of the model before it but ends up falling short, leaving behind a very problematic vehicle.

This model had one more recall than the 2016 model but fewer problems overall.

For the 3rd year in a row, the engine was struggling to overcome excessive oil consumption and the constant stalling and dying while driving.

The engine also developed a very concerning rattling noise. The transmission was causing major stalling and wouldn’t shift into gear properly, often lunging forward.

Ecm Malfunction was a common sight for owners, including faulty parking sensors and keyless system failure.

The NHTSA raised major complaints regarding the model’s fuel system, pointing out the defective fuel pump and difficulty in fueling the car.

#4 Worst Year: 2018 Jeep Renegade

Ending this list off with another annoying car is the 2018 Jeep Renegade, which spears to not have even tried to fix the issues of its preceding models as the car still had an extremely problematic engine along with faulty electrical components and accessories, both interior and exterior.

While it could have gotten a higher position, the car had the least complaints against it on the list.

Excessive oil consumption was still a major problem, and stalling while driving was still a thing. Loss of acceleration and engines fire also started to increase.

While they were uncommon, there were many electrical issues, such as the battery overheating and the engine not starting or turning over.

This was accompanied by a faulty and aggravating Car Play experience where it would stop working, glitch out, or have various bugs.

All of this contributed to me placing this model in last place.

What Are The Most Common Problems With The Jeep Renegade?

The Jeep Renegade is in a complex position as it currently stands with four extremely annoying and problematic models in the middle.

I will point out the most common problems affecting these four models and explain them below:

1. Engine Issues

This is partly to do with the engine of choice; the 2.4L Tigershark 4-cylinder engine came with a distinct design flaw that caused it to consume more oil than intended, making it lose a quart of oil every 5,000 miles.

Apart from excessive oil consumption, the engine had a tendency to stall, be rough at idle, and stop working while driving, which are all dangerous problems in specific situations.

2. Exhaust Emissions

Another issue that could be traced back to the engine but is not technically related to it is the issue regarding the exhaust of the car.

The problem at hand is that the Jeep Renegade can produce emissions above the required amount set by the government.

This means that the vehicle could fail the next emission test you take, which in turn could cause you to put in a lot of money to spend on repairs.

3. Transmission Problems

The transmission has also been a constant source of issues for the Jeep Renegade. The transmission is very low quality, which results in hard shifting and stalling.

The transmission engagement is delayed, and the 9-speed transmission also struggles to get to the 9th gear, frequently getting shifted back to neutral.

Apart from this, transmission failure was also a common occurrence, a huge disappointment.

4. Electrical Problems

Many owners of the Jeep Renegade reported a lot of electrical issues surrounding the various models they had purchased.

While many of these issues were not in other models, the problems were electrical, which highlighted the nature of the faulty system.

Dying batteries, power loss, stalling, and the engine not turning over are a few of the various electrical issues plaguing the Jeep Renegade.

5. Vehicle Shut-Offs

Mostly complained about in the 2015 Jeep Renegade, the model owners complained that their vehicles would constantly shut off without any sort of warning.

This issue is quite dangerous as shutting down while driving can lead to many risky situations.

What’s worse is that repairmen cannot find the source of this issue, which means that there is no specific fix for it either.

Related: Why Won’t My Jeep Renegade Start?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are Jeep Renegades Expensive To Maintain?

According to reports, when looking at the first ten years of the Jeep Renegade, in proper service, it will cost you around $10,083 for maintenance and repairs, which is more than $1200 than the industry average for similar cars.

This also comes with a more than 30% chance of requiring a major repair or replacement part, which means that the price could go up, making it obvious that the Jeep Renegade is an expensive car to maintain.

Q2. Is Jeep Renegade Good In Snow?

The answer to this question is mixed as not all renegades are made equal, especially the standard trim of the Jeep Renegade, which is a solid no in handling the snow.

If you want to own a Jeep Renegade that is more capable of handling snowy areas, you must make sure that you get one of the better trims that come with AWD systems and high traction.

Q3. What’s The Average Price Of A Jeep Renegade?

Depending on which year of Jeep Renegade you are purchasing, you can get many different prices, especially considering where you are buying it and what trim you are selecting.

On average, the latest models of the Jeep Renegade can cost between $24,000 to $26,000, while older trims may cost you around $21,000, give or take a thousand.

Overall, it should not be too expensive, and you should be able to nab one for a great price.

Q4. At What Mileage Do Jeep Renegades Start Having Problems?

While normally, vehicles can easily last over 150k miles, the Jeep Renegade is an exception.

According to many consumer reports and customer highlights, it usually lasts from 80k to 90k miles. This is quite low when compared to other vehicles of the same nature.

It would take you a great amount of regular maintenance and care to push 150k miles, and even then, it is a coin toss.

Related: How Long Do Jeep Renegades Last?

Q5. Which Is Better Jeep Compass Or Jeep Renegade?

Despite the Jeep Compass being slightly more expensive than the Jeep Renegade, they have the same efficiency and power with similar torque.

The Jeep Compass offers slightly better rear seating space than the Jeep Renegade, which offers more front head and legroom.

The Jeep Compass, however, wins in cargo space. If you want better comfort as a driver, get a Renegade otherwise, buy a Jeep Compass for more cargo and comfortable back seats.

Conclusion

Now that you know the best and worst years for Jeep Renegade, you should be able to see why the best years, such as the 2020 model, are renowned for their off-road capabilities and performance while the worse years, which include the 2015 model, are prime examples of how some cars are objectively worse than others.

Regardless of what model you buy, you will be in store for a lot of fun off-road trips and comfortable rides with the family, all in a car that is powerful and distinct from any other vehicle on the market.