MIL/check engine lamp comes on after performing U90 recall PCM software update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Jeep Renegade powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Jeep Renegade have filed 163 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 39,828 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
163
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Renegade (this page) | 163 |
| 2016 Renegade | 70 |
| 2017 Renegade | 93 |
| 2018 Renegade | 58 |
| 2019 Renegade | 7 |
3crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 163 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 Jeep Renegade, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 8 model years of Jeep Renegade we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 163.
Powertrain accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Customer Satisfaction Notification W20 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Powertrain Control Module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Customer Satisfaction Notification W84 Powertrain Software Update
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Customer Satisfaction Notification W84 Powertrain Software Update
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Renegade's powertrain is a trouble magnet. The 9-speed automatic transmission tops the complaint pile: owners report it won't shift smoothly, delays 10–30 seconds engaging from a stop, slips or locks into neutral mid-drive, and shuts down without warning while cruising or climbing hills. Hard jerking, violent lurching, and shuddering through shifts are nearly universal. Many dealerships have done software updates repeatedly—sometimes six to seven times on one car—and the problem comes roaring back. Some owners were quoted $4,600+ for internal repairs; others had transmissions fail at under 50,000 miles.
The 6-speed manual isn't better: owners can't get into reverse, shifter won't engage, clutch smokes, and throw-out bearings fail early. Battery drain or jump-start can trap the shifter in Park or Drive, requiring dealership computer reset to restore shifting. One owner's transmission computer fault code won't clear despite hardware replacement, blocking emissions compliance under recall.
Beyond shifting, engines stall without warning at highway speed and in stop-and-go traffic. Traction control cuts power in normal dry driving. Electrical systems fritz—dashboard reboots while driving, warning lights flash in cascade, remote fobs quit working, power seats and windows fail. Rear axles growl, whine, and in one case snapped completely at speed. Brake rotors glaze and wear in under 6 months despite light use.
Dealerships routinely tell owners "it's normal" or "we can't replicate it," even when the owner demonstrates the failure. Chrysler's dispute process has sided against owners; affected VINs excluded from recalls despite matching recalled failure modes. Service advisors note they know these vehicles have systemic issues but no permanent cure exists—only patches.
Same Jeep Renegade powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shifting faults and loss of power
Automatic transmission stops shifting, stays in one gear, or loses power mid-drive. Vehicle either will not respond to throttle or suddenly jerks forward after a delay. Check Engine and Check Transmission lights often illuminate. Occurs during normal operation, stop-and-go traffic, hill climbs, highway driving, and turns.
When: Throughout ownership, from early miles to high mileage; some incidents date from first few months to years of use
Symptoms owners cite: Hard and harsh shifting, slamming into gears, jerking forward violently; Transmission slips, gears slip, vehicle acts as if in neutral despite gear selected; Delays of 10–30 seconds when changing gears or engaging from stop; Vehicle will not accelerate despite pedal depression, engine revs with no movement; Sluggish or heavy acceleration from stops; High RPM (3,000–5,000) before shifting up; transmission stuck in lower gear uphill; Rough idle when drive is engaged; Transmission will not downshift, preventing engine braking on downgrades; Shuddering, shaking, violent vibrations when shifting; Rumbling and whining from drivetrain at 30–40 and 60 mph; Audible clunks, thuds, 'bicycle chain' noise during gear transitions
Codes mentioned: P0700 (transmission control system malfunction), U0402 (implausible data from transmission control module), Shift solenoid faults
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships performed transmission software updates and computer reflashes repeatedly with only temporary relief. Some owners were quoted $4,601+ for internal clutch failure repair or full transmission replacement. Owners report dealerships often claim 'can't replicate' or that this is 'normal' or 'as designed' behavior. One owner had PTU (power transfer unit) replaced at $3,500 with only 41,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep and Chrysler issued multiple TSB software updates; some owners report updates only worked days to weeks before problems returned. NHTSA Campaign 16V529000 (transmission power train issue) existed but many affected VINs were not included in recall. Dealers told owners no permanent fix available, only repeated updates. No recall for many affected vehicles despite similarity to recalled models. Extended warranty may not cover 'transmission brain' components.
Transmission loss of function after battery drain or disconnect
Shifter locked in Park or unable to shift to intended gear after battery dies, is drained, or is jumped. Shifter also locked in Drive or Reverse with vehicle unable to be turned off or put into Park. Requires manual unlocking of gear selector or dealership computer reset to restore function.
When: Triggered by battery depletion or jump-start; can occur when headlights left on or battery too weak to crank
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter won't move out of Park after battery restart; Vehicle stuck in Park, Drive, or Neutral; unable to shift to intended gear; Unable to turn vehicle off unless manually forced into Park; Service Engine and Service Transmission lights illuminate; Message prompts to select a gear or place in Park; Rear axle may growl when battery issues present
Codes mentioned: Service transmission warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership computer reset resolves temporary shift lock. One owner quoted $1,300 for new shifter replacement after battery failure. Some owners manually unlocked gear selector to move vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or warranty program mentioned for this issue. Owners note this is recurring issue across model year and affects safety when battery fails in traffic or parking situations.
Unintended gear changes and neutral shifts during driving
Vehicle unexpectedly shifts into Neutral while driving at various speeds, causing loss of power and potential safety hazard. Transmission will shift gears on its own without driver input, including downshifting automatically and unsafely. Gear shifter or transmission logic defaults to Neutral during normal operation or after certain events.
When: Random during normal driving, stop-and-go traffic, and acceleration; some instances early after purchase, others after years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts into Neutral on its own mid-drive; Loss of power when shifting to Neutral; Unpredictable downshifting; Gear slipping indication light; Vehicle moves into Neutral and refuses to engage Drive despite repeated shifter attempts
Codes mentioned: Transmission warning light, Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships performed software updates and transmission flashes. One owner had transmission recalled (S55 recall) but VIN excluded based on gear ratio difference (3.7) despite exhibiting identical symptoms.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep claimed some recalls (S55) did not apply based on gear ratio code, despite owners reporting the exact failure described in the recall. No other solution offered besides software updates.
Manual transmission clutch and shifter problems
Manual transmission difficult to shift into gear; vehicle will not go into Reverse; grinding noises during engagement; clutch system issues including smoking and premature wear. Six-speed and six-speed 4×4 models affected.
When: From first drives onward; clutch smoking reported as early as 23,000 miles; grinding at 27,864 miles; Reverse failure within 24 hours of pickup from dealership repair
Symptoms owners cite: Difficulty getting into gear, especially first and second; Vehicle will not engage Reverse; Uncontrollable revving at times; Acts as if on ice when there is none; Surging forward without acceleration input; Grinding noise from transmission; Poor fuel economy (23 mpg vs advertised 31/27); Clutch smoking; Throw-out bearing failure
Repairs/costs cited: Throw-out bearing replaced (on back order initially). Clutch replaced. Long block engine replaced. Dealership claimed clutch quality is poor and blamed driver error for smoking issues. Owner refused repair and attempted lemon law claim.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership told owner clutch is poor quality and smoking is driver error. No warranty coverage offered for clutch smoking despite multiple service visits.
Autostick downshift unloading and sudden acceleration
Nine-speed automatic transmission unloads drivetrain during Autostick manual downshifts, causing vehicle to suddenly accelerate as if shot from a cannon. Problem worse at higher speeds, when towing, and on downgrades. Engine revving is artificially limited during downshift (max 3,000 rpm) preventing driver from downshifting for engine braking on slopes, creating runaway condition.
When: Since delivery in October 2015; occurs consistently with downshift from 8 to 7 and 5 to 4
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration during Autostick downshift; Vehicle speeds up 5 mph during 2-second shift on 9% downgrade; Computer refuses downshift when on downgrade, no engine braking available; Computer caps engine RPM at 3,000 during downshift despite 6,500 max; Vehicle gains speed uncontrollably without normal brake engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated 'operating as designed.' All available software updates applied without resolving issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep confirmed operation 'as designed.' Software updates available but ineffective. Owner noted design prioritizes fuel economy over safety on downgrades.
Engine stalling and loss of power during operation
Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving at highway and city speeds without warning. Vehicle loses all power mid-drive, requiring restart. Often occurs during acceleration from stop, after shifting, or during load (hill climb). No prior warning lights or sounds in many cases.
When: Throughout ownership; some as early as 800 miles; recurring over years of use
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off suddenly without warning lights or sounds; Engine stalls when accelerating from stop or during shift; Engine dies after hard jerking and loss of propulsion; Engine stalls during hill climbs and after downdrafts; Vehicle loses all motive power mid-drive; Engine stalling in traffic and intersections, creating safety hazard
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light (sometimes post-incident only), Service Engine light (sometimes post-incident only)
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership initially blamed low oil and claimed no warning would illuminate (claimed 'feature' to protect engine), changed oil, but problem recurred. Subsequent diagnosis suggested engine wiring harness, camshaft sensor, crankshaft sensor, and spark plugs needed replacement. Multiple service attempts over months without permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership claimed stalling due to low oil is a feature with no warning light. Owners report Chrysler dispute resolution process is unfavorable and dealerships misrepresent complaints to manufacturer.
Traction control light activation causing loss of power
Traction Control light illuminates unexpectedly during normal, dry driving conditions, immediately cutting throttle and power. Vehicle loses acceleration ability for 5–10 seconds before power returns. No loss of traction warranted the activation.
When: During normal dry driving on flat roads; happens regularly and recurrently
Symptoms owners cite: Traction Control light flashes on dashboard; Immediate loss of throttle and power; Vehicle cannot accelerate for 5–10 seconds; Power returns after light subsides; Occurs on regular basis, hard to recreate on demand at dealership
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership visited four times with no fix offered. Owner reported 'tons of info' on forums about this recurring issue. Problem difficult to replicate in dealership environment.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No fix provided despite multiple service visits.
Electrical system failures and warning light anomalies
Multiple electrical faults including false warning lights, dashboard computer shutdowns and reboots while driving, remote key fob intermittent function, power window/lock failures, and power seat failures. Warning lights come on and flash in sequence at startup or unexpectedly during driving.
When: First few months to years of ownership; some issues persistent since purchase
Symptoms owners cite: All dash warning lights flash in sequence for 5 minutes on startup; Entire dash computer shuts down and reboots while driving on freeway; Check Engine light comes on without mechanical cause; Service transmission light comes on without transmission fault; Service Hill Start Assist, Electronic Parking Brake, Check Transmission lights; Power windows stop responding; Power locks intermittent; Remote key fob requires being practically touching car to unlock; Radio changes stations on its own; Lights turn on and off on their own; Driver seat recline/position controls fail
Repairs/costs cited: After remote starter was installed (by dealership), wiring harness was found damaged with bent pin. Radio replaced twice, wiring harness replaced, but shorting recurred. Transmission computer updates performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler claimed failures were due to aftermarket equipment installed by dealership, refused lemon law claim, refused vehicle buyback.
Rear axle failure and 'death wobble'
Rear axle makes growling noise, whining, and vibrations. In one documented case, rear axle snapped while accelerating on interstate at high speed. 'Death wobble' occurred before axle failure.
When: Recurring over years; fatal failure at approximately one year and one day of ownership during interstate acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: Rear axle growling, whining, and vibrations at 30–40 mph and 60 mph; 'Death wobble' at highway speeds; Rear axle snaps completely during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Rear pinion replaced twice by separate dealerships. Issues returned within one year. Owner paid deductible for junk manufacturer failure. Vehicle kept at dealership for two months during repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response mentioned. Same issues returned after repairs.
Extreme brake wear and rotor damage
Brakes wear excessively; rotors deeply gouged and glazed blue within 6–12 months of purchase. Severe brake noise despite normal use. Brake function in serious decline despite few miles driven.
When: Six months after purchase; again 12 months after purchase; recurring after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Brake noise while car is in motion; Severe rotor wear at 6 months; Rotors deeply gouged and glazed blue at 12 months; Brake function in serious decline; Brake noise reappearing after miles of driving
Repairs/costs cited: Rotors replaced multiple times within first 16,000 miles. Two third-party mechanics confirmed issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep denies problem and refuses to address under warranty.
Cooling system failures and overheating
Engine overheats due to fan module failure. Coolant reservoir empty on multiple occasions. Water pump and freeze plug failures within first 23,000 miles.
When: Early ownership; within 23,000 miles for most failures
Symptoms owners cite: AC stops blowing cold air while parked and running; Burning smell when overheating; Engine temperature gauge rising; Empty coolant reservoir requiring multiple refills and replacements; Clutch smoking, possibly related to overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Fan module on national back order with weeks to months wait time. Water pump replaced. Freeze plug replaced. Long block engine replaced. Total cooling system components replaced multiple times within 23,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged this problem happens frequently with this model but had no parts availability or permanent solution.
Four-wheel-drive disabled by check engine light
Check Engine light illuminates for unrelated reasons (thermostat, etc.) and automatically disables 4WD system regardless of fault type. No ability to manually override.
When: Any time Check Engine light illuminates for any reason
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light comes on for minor issues like thermostat; 4WD system disables automatically; 4WD cannot be re-engaged even if owner chooses to use it; No option to use 4WD in bad weather despite purchasing Jeep for that capability
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light (for any powertrain fault)
Repairs/costs cited: None; no permanent fix available. Owners told to stay home in bad weather.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated this is a safety issue and no change to command module will be made. Owners report trying Jeep, Fiat, and Chrysler with same response.
Synthesized from 163 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
9 speed automatic transmission is not engineered properly. Gear shifts are very hard and sudden, especially in 1-3 gears. Acceleration is delayed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Jeep renegade. The contact stated that when he downshifted from fifth to fourth gear the vehicle accelerates instead slowing down. The dealer .rocky mountain yeti jackson 665 w elk ave, jackson, wy 83001 (307) 733-5337 reprogrammed he problem but the issue recurred again . The contact learned that there was a class action settlement and an extended warranty on this…
My vehicle will stop going down the road and tell you to shift to park. Then will not crank for several mins after this. This has been happening for several months.took the vehicle into service department and was told they updated the transmission module and here we are several months later with the same issue. This is dangerous and someone could be killed
Cold crank vehicle warms up for about 10 minutes before driving. Then puts gear in reverse and the transmission kicks violently. Shift in to drive accelerate let go of gas pedal and the transmission kicks again to a lower gear. Transmission feels like it take a while to change gears while accelerating
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Jeep renegade. The contact stated that the transmission downshifted into fourth gear on its own. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle was slow to gain speed and then surged suddenly. The contact also stated that the vehicle hesitated when approaching a stop and while turning in either direction. The vehicle was taken to two dealers: the vehicle was…
While driving in the mountains, a transmission warning light followed by a check engine light flashed on the dash. I figured it was a maintenance warning. The further I drove, it became apparent that I was losing the ability to accelerate. In the mountain range there is no cell service and it was dark as well as fearful drivers would come up behind me on a curve without my ability to go hwy…
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Jeep renegade. While the vehicle was parked, it failed to start due to battery failure. The vehicle was jumpstarted, but took several attempts to start. Additionally, while attempting to drive the vehicle, the contact was unable to shift the vehicle from first to second gear, even though the vehicle had a manual transmission. The vehicle was towed to arrigo Dodge…
My check engine light came on and disabled my 4wd. All it needed was a thermostat. They told me anytime the service engine light comes on it will disable the 4wd. It doesn't matter what turns the check engine light on it will disable the 4wd. I tried going through the dealer, Jeep, Fiat, Chrysler. They told me there was a safety issue and it would disable the 4wd. I told them I bought a Jeep…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 Jeep Renegade?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2015 Jeep Renegade?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 163 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 127 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 20,000 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 39,828. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 60,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Jeep/Renegade.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.