The Renegade is a newcomer to Jeep’s SUV lineup, first released in 2015. While it’s not as popular as the Jeep Wrangler, this subcompact SUV still performs well in most driving situations. You can also expect to have some fun off-roading adventures inside the Jeep Renegade if you purchase the Trailhawk trim.

One thing you can’t expect from Jeep cars is a stellar reliability rating. According to J.D. Power, Jeep was one of the least reliable car brands for 2019. This doesn’t mean you should avoid Jeeps altogether, but it’s something to consider when buying a used one. Some Jeeps, like the Renegade, are more reliable than others.

Is the 2019 Jeep Renegade reliable?

The 2020 and the 2019 Jeep Renegade SUVs have a low reliability score from J.D. Power. The experts predict the lowest possible reliability rating for the 2020 model. Although the Renegade is a fun off-roader, it does have many weak points when it comes to being a daily driver. 

Reviewers stated that it was a shaky ride that provided little comfort. They also weren’t fans of the nine-speed automatic transmission. The guys at Car and Driver weren’t impressed with the Renegade’s engine. 

The standard motor is a four-cylinder engine capable of 180 hp. C&D noted it was way too slow, with a 0-60 mph time of 9 seconds. The optional 1.3-liter turbocharged engine makes less horsepower but slightly improves the Renegade’s speed.

What is the least reliable Jeep Renegade?

J.D. Power cites 2018 as the least reliable year for the Jeep Renegade. Users reported many problems with the structural integrity of the Renegade, including excessive cabin noise, leaks, and cracked seals. The A/C system was also noted to be untrustworthy in the long term. 

The 2018 Renegade also has no standard safety features besides a rearview camera. You’ll have to buy a more expensive trim for more advanced functions, like lane-keeping assistance and forward collision warning. 

Which Jeep Renegade is the most reliable?

The 2017 Jeep Renegade has the best reliability rating, only 68, but it still might be worth skipping over. It’s still not the best rating compared to other SUVs in its class, but it’s certainly suitable for the Jeep brand. In comparison, the 2017 Jeep Wrangler only scored two out of five for reliability.

However, the 2017 Renegade doesn’t get the best gas mileage. With the base engine, it scores 24 mpg on city roads and 31 mpg on the highway. If you get one with four-wheel drive, these numbers drop to 21 and 29, respectively.

Despite being the most reliable model year, the 2017 Jeep Renegade has the lowest possible owner satisfaction score. According to survey data, less than half of the customers who bought a Jeep Renegade were likely to repurchase one. Poor handling and an uncomfortable riding experience were the most common issues reported.

Customers were much more satisfied with the Jeep Gladiator and the Wrangler. The Gladiator also has a higher predicted reliability score and performed much better in the road test. 

Is the Jeep Renegade safe?

While its owner satisfaction score has stayed at rock bottom, the latest Jeep Renegade has some acceptable crash test scores. The previous model year, they had a “poor” headlight rating and an “acceptable” small overlap score. The 2020 Renegade now boasts an “acceptable” headlight rating, plus a “superior” rating in front crash prevention.

It still doesn’t have any advanced safety features in the standard version. The good thing is that even the standard Renegade can drive over rocky roads as long as four-wheel drive is added. If reliability is a huge concern, you may want to opt for a used Jeep Renegade over the newest model.