Front Side Window Contour Seal Deformation One or both front door side window seals are deformed Fig. 1. This bulletin involves replacing the window seal and glass.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Jeep Renegade cruise control problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Jeep Renegade have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 11,165 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Renegade | 8 |
| 2016 Renegade (this page) | 17 |
| 2017 Renegade | 16 |
| 2018 Renegade | 6 |
| 2019 Renegade | 3 |
Of the 5 model years of Jeep Renegade we track for cruise control problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 17.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control 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.
Accelerator Pedal Before replacing accelerator pedal, be sure to follow fault code diagnostic procedures in service manual. Make sure to check wiring and connectors. P2122 and P2127 will set if accelerator pedal connector is disconnected during diagnosis. Make sure codes are active before replacing pedal. DTC P2299 is usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Accelerator Pedal Before replacing accelerator pedal, be sure to follow fault code diagnostic procedures in service manual. Make sure to check wiring and connectors. P2122 and P2127 will set if accelerator pedal connector is disconnected during diagnosis. Make sure codes are active before replacing pedal. DTC P2299 is usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Noise In Front Of Vehicle When Accelerating Or Decelerating This bulletin involves replacing both front half shafts. The customer may describe a clunk type noise in front of the vehicle while accelerating or decelerating.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: BCM Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Body Control Module (BCM) with the latest available software. The customer may describe one or more of the following: · **Rear interior overhead lamps remain illuminated after exiting vehicle and locking from the driver's or passenger's door lock buttons. This is causing the vehicle battery to go dead.** · The door locks are inoperative when locking/unlocking remotely. · False activation of the vehicle security alarm. · False exterior light failure messages being displayed in the instrument cluster.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Jeep Renegade shows a cluster of related powertrain and electronic control faults. Most common is a 2–3 second delay or complete loss of response when pressing the accelerator, especially during turns. Owners report the vehicle either refuses to move or enters limp mode, limiting power to 50%, sometimes forcing a tow. Diagnostic codes P2138 (throttle/pedal position sensor) and P0653 (sensor reference voltage) appear in multiple cases; dealerships confirm the accelerator pedal sensor is faulty, but the part is on nationwide backorder for weeks.
Traction control malfunctions tie into this pattern: the warning light blinks, power cuts out mid-turn on dry pavement, and cars nearly stall in the roadway. Dealerships often cannot replicate the issue or find error codes, and one told an owner the fix won't arrive until 2017. Four separate instances of complete engine stalling during acceleration or mid-turn are reported. One owner notes a 2017 Renegade stalling recall exists, but 2015–2016 models with identical symptoms aren't included.
Multiple repair attempts—including software updates, full-week diagnostic holds, and sensor replacement—often fail to resolve the problem. One vehicle reappeared with the same P2138 code 100 miles after sensor replacement. The common thread: loss of safe acceleration when it matters most, from low speed through highway entry, with dealerships unable or unwilling to provide lasting fixes.
Same Jeep Renegade cruise control reports on nearby years: 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Failure (Electronic Throttle Control)
Accelerator pedal becomes unresponsive or delayed by 2–3 seconds when depressed, causing the vehicle to enter limp mode at 50% throttle. Multiple owners report the vehicle losing all power or refusing to accelerate during turns, highway driving, or normal acceleration. Diagnostic codes P2138 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor) and P0653 (Sensor Reference Voltage B Circuit High) appear in multiple narratives. The sensor component has been on nationwide backorder for several weeks at dealerships, indicating a widespread parts shortage.
When: Occurs from as early as 2,000 miles on some vehicles; also reported at 7,000, 11,165, and 35,000 miles. One owner reports the issue reappearing within 100 miles of the repair.
Symptoms owners cite: 2–3 second delay or complete unresponsiveness when pressing accelerator; Loss of power or acceleration during turns; Vehicle enters limp mode, limited to 50% throttle; Occasional complete loss of power requiring towing; Check engine light, power system indicator, and service throttle body warning on dash; Traction control light blinking or illuminating simultaneously
Codes mentioned: P2138, P0653
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced accelerator pedal sensor (part was on national backorder for several weeks). One owner reported the same codes reappearing within 100 miles of repair; another had three separate repair attempts with Stellantis case opened.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Stellantis case opened for recurring P2138/P0653 issue. No TSBs or recalls specifically cited for this sensor failure in the narratives.
Traction Control System Malfunction & Power Loss During Turns
Traction control light blinks on the dashboard while the vehicle loses acceleration power during left or right turns, even on dry pavement in dry weather. The system appears to engage inappropriately, cutting power just when the driver needs to accelerate away from a turn. Multiple owners describe sudden deceleration from 50 mph to 30 mph with no warning, or the car coming to a near-complete stop mid-turn with traffic approaching. In one case, the owner noted the issue correlates with having a passenger in the front seat.
When: Occurs sporadically when turning at various speeds (from complete stop to highway speed); one owner reports it happening almost daily; another reports four near-accident incidents due to sudden deceleration.
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control warning light blinking on dash; Sudden loss of acceleration power while turning; Sudden deceleration from 50 mph to 30 mph with no warning; Vehicle comes to near-complete stop mid-turn; Occurs on dry asphalt in dry weather conditions; May correlate with passenger presence in front seat; Occurs at speeds around 20 mph or higher during curves
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnostics in multiple cases found no error codes or could not replicate the issue; ABS software was identified as having the wrong download in one case. One owner had the vehicle kept for 7 days of dealership driving without issue reproduction. Another owner was told the problem cannot be fixed until 2017 (software/computer issue).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No successful fix reported. Dealerships cited ABS software issues and computer problems; one dealer advised the issue would not be resolved until 2017. No TSBs, recalls, or warranty programs are mentioned for this failure mode in the narratives.
Engine Stalling Under Acceleration
Engine stalls without warning when the vehicle is accelerating, turning, or entering traffic. The stall occurs suddenly and completely, leaving the vehicle immobile in the roadway with oncoming traffic. One owner notes a recall exists for the 2017 Renegade with the same stalling issue, yet the 2015 and 2016 model years are not included despite reports of identical failures. Another owner reports the throttle body service warning code appears before the vehicle stalls, then the code clears after 45 seconds and the vehicle resumes operation.
When: Reported as early as the first day of purchase; also at 7,000 miles and unprompted occasions. One owner reports the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road mid-turn with oncoming traffic.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine stall with no warning; Vehicle immobilizes in traffic or mid-turn; Service Throttle Body warning code appears, then clears after ~45 seconds; Vehicle resumes operation after stall clears; Gas pedal becomes stuck and unresponsive during stall event
Repairs/costs cited: One owner scheduled a diagnostic test expecting reimbursement pending recall issuance. No completed repairs cited in the narratives for this failure mode.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes that a 2017 Renegade engine stalling recall exists, but 2015 and 2016 model years with the same issue are not included in the recall. No TSBs or warranty programs mentioned.
Sudden Deceleration Without User Input (Cruise Control Failure Context)
Vehicle suddenly decelerates from 50 mph to 30 mph or comes to a near-complete stop with no input from the driver and no warning. One complainant reports four near-accident incidents due to this behavior; the vehicle was taken to the dealership multiple times and multiple attempted fixes did not resolve the issue. This appears linked to the traction control malfunction but is distinct in its unprompted, abrupt nature.
When: Reported at highway speeds (50 mph); one vehicle had four separate towing incidents to the dealership over the course of the complaint timeline.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden deceleration from 50 mph to 30 mph with no warning; No operator input triggering the event; Nearly caused multiple accidents; Vehicle broke down four times, requiring towing
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealership four times; dealership attempted multiple fixes (including oil change) but issue persisted. One tow required recovery from the Hood Canal Bridge where the vehicle stopped completely.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer did not address the root cause despite multiple dealer visits. No successful remedy reported.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2016 Jeep Renegade?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 7,000 and 32,000 miles, with the median around 11,165. A quarter of owners report trouble before 7,000; a quarter make it past 32,000. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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.