2015 Jeep Renegade

The 2015 Jeep Renegade marked the introduction of a subcompact SUV with distinctive styling and off-road aspirations. Engine options included a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. The other engine option was a 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciated the Renegade’s unique design, fuel efficiency (with the 1.4L turbo), and available off-road capabilities, especially in the Trailhawk trim. Common dislikes included the sometimes sluggish performance of the 2.4L engine, the nine-speed automatic transmission’s occasional rough shifting, and some reliability concerns.

Engine

1.4L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, unusual noises from the engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L Tigershark Four-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil level warning light, engine running rough, potential engine damage if oil levels are not maintained.
  • Solution: Initially, dealers may perform an oil consumption test. If consumption is excessive, piston ring replacement or engine replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Stalling
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine randomly stalling while driving or at idle.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the underlying cause, which can include issues with the fuel system, ignition system, or sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Six-Speed Manual Transmission

No Issues Found

Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Rough or Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, difficulty finding the correct gear, slipping between gears, clunking noises.
  • Solution: Software updates to the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, transmission valve body replacement, or complete transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $4000+
  • Recalls:
    • 14V-530 (Software issue that may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral).
    • 16V-524 (Transmission wire harness may not be properly crimped).
    • 17V-434 (Parking pawl might not engage).
    • 19V-407 (Improper park lock disengagement).
    • 19V-708 (Transmission might shift into neutral).

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Front Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, uneven tire wear, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, or control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Uconnect System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, Crashing, Unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Software updates to the Uconnect system. In some cases, replacement of the Uconnect module may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle, needing frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the parasitic drain, which could be caused by a faulty module, aftermarket accessories, or a defective battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Water Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water entering the cabin, particularly around the windshield, sunroof (if equipped), or door seals.
  • Solution: Resealing the windshield, repairing or replacing sunroof seals, or replacing door weather stripping.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, unusual noises, water leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Jeep Renegade faces a variety of common issues, ranging from relatively minor electrical glitches to more serious engine and transmission problems. The nine-speed automatic transmission is a frequent source of complaints, and some owners have experienced excessive oil consumption with the 2.4L engine. The cost to address these issues can vary widely, with some repairs being relatively inexpensive while others can require significant investment. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and carefully inspect the vehicle before purchase.