86 of the
3,491 complaints filed about the Jeep Renegade
are about the lighting —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
Due to the rear camera not working due to a software issue for over a year now I can't adjust my wipers during the rain. I can't turn on or off the lights or anything else that is controlled by the screen, it doesn't work due to software issue. Since I can't use my camera I can't see things behind me. Sometimes when backing the parking brake will engage on its own with warning light parking brake sensor. Since I can't see the screen I can't adjust the heat or A/C, which makes driving in the winter difficult. I can't turn on the defroster since I can't see the screen, It's just black. I have done a live chat several times and they tell me they aren't issuing a recall. The screen has been black for over a year now. They have fixed other models but not the Renegade or Compass.
NHTSA complaint #11755090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the past year, I have already had to replace the bulb for the "daytime running light" on the front passenger side of my Renegade. Now, the light has just popped back onto my dashboard for the 3rd time stating that the light is out again for the 3rd time in a year. I have also noticed several other Renegades in my area driving with the same exact light out on their vehicle as well. The first 2 times I took my vehicle to my mechanic to be repaired, both times they stated all they found was the bulb not working. Being the 3rd time, they have advised me to reach out about a recall to have this fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11746662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I previously had this same issue August 2024 (associated complaint 11608428). My rear drivers side tail light is out completely-no brake light, reverse, turn signal, or nighttime tail light is working. I spent nearly $800 to replace part 68599920AA, as the entire motherboard was fried, as were the connectors from overheating. I’ve located several other complaints with similar issues: 11585014; 11142232; 11023686. This is clearly a defective issue with Jeep Renegades and a safety concern that should be a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11723425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UConnect screen is out. Started glitching but now it is completely black yet the touch part of it is responsive?? Now if only i could remember EXACTLY where everything is located and in what order.. haha. Not. Also I have no backup camera view, not being able to see what temp my ac/heat is at or which mode it is on. What time is it even? How do i turn on the passenger heated seat for my daughter in the mornings and evenings when the temperature outside is below zero? How do i know where my next turn is when i am driving to a destination with my children and this is the first time i have ever seen, much less been on this road? It sucks!! And my android auto is no longer an option... music?? The safety i could put myself and others in by having to look at and use my phone to change songs, artists, podcasts, make a call or change a gps route... not cool! Also the "fog light" running light on my passenger side does not work at times despite having changed the bulb, wiring, even though the fog light works just fine? And i have often felt like my transmission was slipping when accelerating from stop signs or at other times and that is insane considering the vehicle had less that 50k miles at the time. I want to love my Jeep like i once did yet all this has me questioning whether i would even ever purchase another Jeep. I also feel like my front end is loose and there is a wobbling and have had the mechanic check several times. It doesn't sound safe or feel safe. Yet what is truly most important is that i want and need my current Jeep to last me but all these issues kinda scare me to be honest. I want my screen back!!! I want my light to work at all times! I need my transmission to be wonderful!! I don't even have 95k on my Jeep yet!!! I am praying that submitting this report will help out in some ways.
NHTSA complaint #11722730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A faulty tail light connection to ground can cause a fire hazard, potentially affecting the circuit board. I noticed a burning plastic smell emanating from the back tail light one day, which I believe originated from this connection. If left unrepaired, this could potentially start a fire.
NHTSA complaint #11712520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
am writing to formally report multiple serious issues with my 2019 Jeep Renegade (VIN: [XXX] ). I take good care of my vehicle, but it has been experiencing rough shifts, lurching and jerking during acceleration, loud noises from the engine or transmission, hesitation, unexpected power loss, and it frequently displays a warning that the license plate light is off. Recently, the car overheated and required a water pump replacement, and since then it emits a burning hose smell. Additionally, the driver’s seat does not lock properly, and the radio often turns off and on by itself. These ongoing problems not only compromise the safety, reliability, and proper functioning of my vehicle but also create a significant financial burden. I am requesting an immediate inspection and resolution, and I would appreciate guidance on the next steps or the earliest available appointment for service. A prompt response is important, as these issues pose a serious safety risk while driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11706621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Catalytic Converter. Part was recalled on the same engine but cuts off at 2016, however, my 2017 has the exact same engine and exact same issue as the recall issued to prior years. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership and mechanic. I have had a check engine light on to notify me of this error.
NHTSA complaint #11701432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the driver’s side brake light became inoperable. The contact stated that the brake light bulb was blown. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the taillight needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,598
NHTSA complaint #11690834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The indoor cloth paneling is peeling off due to cheap adhesive materials used by Jeep manufacturers. The filament inside the cloth paneling is falling out and getting in the air I am breathing in the car. I looked online and it seems this is a problem with many 2015-2017 Jeep Renegades and is said to be a design/material defect. This should be a recall. The head lights and right side parking light flicker and sometimes don’t come on. This may be an electrical issue that other 2015-2017 Jeep Renegade owners document having as well. The dealer wants to charge hundreds of dollars for these repairs when they are Jeep brand defects.
NHTSA complaint #11690392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car keeps shutting off while driving. Had to replace battery twice in the last few months. Also had relays replaced. Problem keeps happening. Something is draining the battery. I read there were problems with this make and model where even when the vehicle is shut off, certain connections remain active and drains. Shutting down with no warning while driving is very unsafe.
NHTSA complaint #11682611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear driver side brake light, turn signal, and parking brake light, come and go as they please. Some days will work correctly and some days will not. I did read of a recall and my vin number is not on that list. But it has been acting like short in the wiring for over 6 months now.
NHTSA complaint #11675873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is the 2nd time I am repairing the left rear light that controls the signal, brake and parking light. The wires are burnt to the bulb. There is condensation in the light. Not accident related. I note that there is a potential recall but not officially.
NHTSA complaint #11671327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driver side rear tail light assembly ground wire burned up and caused the tail light assembly to stop working. Replaced tail light assembly and wiring harness. This is a common failure on the jeep renegades and should be recalled due to safety.
NHTSA complaint #11662772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I went to get a light fixed (Driver Side fog light) and the bulb had blown up and completely melted the housing. I searched the internet and it is on the Jeep site as extremely common. I just purchased this car. I can't afford $650 to fix the melted housing. The guy that tried to change it at the shop said it was a complaint he has heard before.
NHTSA complaint #11645629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11621185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear driver side tail light, brake light, and turn signal stopped functioning at one time while driving (leaving a parking lot). Warning indicators for all 3 appeared on the dash notice area. Checked all lights and fuses for the 3 lights to ensure nothing was damaged or blown. All were fine. The issue is the center pin for the ground wire connecting the rear lighting housing had melted. This was determined after searching online for assistance to figure out the issue, as the lights and fuses were all in working order. Apparently this is extremely common in the 2017 Jeep Renegade specifically. It is a costly repair, which most people cannot repair themselves, myself included.
NHTSA complaint #11610609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Received warning that rear drivers side taillights, reverse light, parking light, and turn signal were out. Changed all 3 bulbs related and still didn’t work. Looked at the circuit board and connector and the center pin is burned out. Searching Jeep Renegades and this is a common issue with many model years of the Jeep Renegade. This appears to be a defect the manufacturer should be responsible for through a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11605500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The primary components that failed in my 2018 Jeep Renegade, equipped with a 2.4L engine, include the electrical system and the fuel pump assembly. The vehicle has randomly reset its electrical equipment by morning and has turned off while driving, which stiffened the steering wheel without warning. These components should be available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety and the safety of others were put at significant risk numerous times. The vehicle has randomly turned off while driving, causing the steering wheel to stiffen without any warning. This sudden loss of power and control in traffic is extremely dangerous and could easily lead to accidents. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by both a dealer and an independent service center. The dealers identified issues with the electrical system resetting and the engine turning off unexpectedly, but solutions have been inconsistent. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes, the vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer and the dealership. The manufacturer has been notified of these issues, and the dealership performed diagnostic tests, but the problem persists despite their interventions. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, there were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failures. The electrical system would reset by morning without any prior indication, and the vehicle would turn off while driving with no warning signs. These issues have occurred intermittently since I purchased the vehicle, putting me in dangerous situations multiple times.
NHTSA complaint #11594492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear brake and back up light assembly ground wire shorted and burned out. This caused all of the lights in the assembly to go out and sent multiple warnings to the dash board. This short came close to melting wires and the plastic assembly itself.
NHTSA complaint #11585014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The grounding wire in the wiring harness of the driver's side, rear light assembly has melted. According to owner forums on the internet, there aren umerous reports of this being a problem.
NHTSA complaint #11583486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.