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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Jeep Renegade engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Jeep Renegade have filed 110 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 41,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
110
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Renegade | 82 |
| 2016 Renegade (this page) | 110 |
| 2017 Renegade | 144 |
| 2018 Renegade | 109 |
| 2019 Renegade | 8 |
| 2020 Renegade | 11 |
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 110 engine complaints filed for the 2016 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
Owners have filed 110 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 8 model years of Jeep Renegade in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
"2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XS1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the following: ● Oil pressure low indicator lamp illumination between oil changes. ● Excessive oil consumption This bulletin involves performing an oil consumption verification test and possibly replacing the long block. "
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the following: ● Oil pressure low indicator lamp illumination between oil changes. ● Excessive oil consumption. This bulletin involves performing an oil consumption verification test and possibly replacing the long block."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On "
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On "
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Engine failures on 2016 Jeep Renegades cluster around three main problems. First: stalling and loss of power without warning, often at highway speeds or during acceleration, sometimes with the engine shutting down completely and requiring restart. Owners also report excessive oil consumption—some claim the engine burns a quart every 750 miles or fewer—leading to low-oil warnings, low-oil pressure codes, and stalling. Some owners say the warning lights don't illuminate until the damage is done. Second: cooling fan failures are widespread. Fans fail (seize, wobble, or stop working entirely), causing rapid overheating, smoke from the engine, burning smells, and in at least one case, an engine fire. Many cooling fan failures occur under 45,000 miles. Owners report dealers finding parts on long backorders—weeks to months—while the vehicle sits. Recall V54 covers 2015–2017 Renegades for cooling fan issues, but some 2016 owners claim their VINs weren't included despite having the identical failure. Third: engine mounting problems, where the passenger-side engine mount fails and causes severe vibration and noise; at least one owner's replacement FCA part failed again. Additional issues include head gasket failures, cracked engine blocks, blown fuel pumps, EVAP system canister failure, thermostat housing failure, and idle speed problems that dealers could not resolve. Most failures occur early—under 50,000 miles—often out of or just outside warranty.
Same Jeep Renegade engine reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling and loss of power
Engine shuts down without warning during driving, at highway speeds or low speeds, sometimes repeatedly. Owner reports indicate loss of all power, no warning lights, and difficult restart. One owner experienced stalling multiple times across 30 miles of elevation gain in hot conditions with AC on.
When: Varies; reported at 35,000–48,000 miles; first incident July 2018, second August 2019 for same owner; July 2018 during heavy traffic at 70 mph then slow-speed crawl
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning; Loss of power while driving; Difficult restart; must shift to Park before engine cranks; Hesitation and stalling when accelerating; No check engine light warning prior to stall; Occurs during AC use in hot conditions
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports W80 recall oil consumption test failed; promised engine replacement mid-to-late March 2025, but dealership (Shaver Automotive) failed to complete work, falsified records, and closed case without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: W80 recall for oil consumption; Stellantis (via Shaver Automotive dealership) promised engine replacement; case remained unresolved as of June 2025 due to dealership negligence and Stellantis failure to escalate.
Excessive oil consumption and low-oil stalling
Engine burns oil at abnormally high rates, forcing owners to add oil between scheduled changes. Multiple reports indicate stalling occurs when oil level drops, with no low-oil warning light. One owner reports dealership said 1 quart per 750 miles is normal for their car, which exceeds Chrysler's guideline of 1 quart per 2,000 miles (under 50k miles). Low-oil pressure codes and electrical errors occur. Owners report no visible leaks or exhaust smoke.
When: Around 35,000–58,000+ miles; one owner at 48,000 miles had nearly depleted oil dipstick between oil changes; another at 40,000 miles consuming 1 quart per 750 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly between oil changes; No visible oil leaks underneath vehicle; No abnormal exhaust smoke; Engine stalls due to low oil; Low-oil pressure warning light (in some cases); in others, no warning light despite low oil; Check engine light, error codes (P0520 low oil pressure implied); Engine seizing, won't accelerate over 35 mph; Burning smell when oil is very low
Codes mentioned: P0520 (Oil pressure low, inferred)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner purchased replacement oil (quarts) out of pocket; dealership acknowledged the issue is known but refused repair; owner reported dealers have no fix for the problem; another owner reports W80 recall oil consumption test failed and engine replacement promised but delayed indefinitely by dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: W80 recall for oil consumption test; Stellantis directs owners to dealerships; in one case, dealership falsified records and closed case without installing engine. No other manufacturer remedies cited beyond recall.
Cooling fan failure and overheating
Engine cooling fan fails to operate, seizes, wobbles, or makes loud noise (rattling, squealing, clicking). Engine rapidly overheats without warning in stop-and-go traffic or at idle with AC on. Smoke and burning smell emerge from engine compartment. In one case, vehicle caught fire post-shutdown. Many fans fail under 45,000 miles. Dealers report parts on extended backorder (weeks to months). Recall V54 covers some 2015–2017 Renegades, but some 2016 owners report their VINs excluded despite identical failures.
When: 20,000–117,000+ miles; most common under 45,000 miles; failures reported in summer/hot conditions, especially while idling with AC on or in stop-and-go traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Fan makes clicking, whirring, rattling, or squealing noise when idling or parked with AC on; Fan wobbles or is visibly damaged when hood is opened; Fan does not spin despite engine running; Engine overheats rapidly (temperature gauge spikes to max); Check engine light illuminates (in some cases); Burning smell from engine compartment or air vents; Gray or white smoke from under hood; Engine stalls due to overheating; Coolant bubbles or boils in reservoir; No warning or check engine light in some cases before overheating becomes critical
Codes mentioned: P0481 (Fan control circuit, inferred), P0128 (Coolant thermostat, related but distinct)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement cooling fan or entire fan assembly; cost ~$484–$1,053. One owner paid $241.68 out of pocket and FCA reimbursed; another paid $1,053 and requested recall reimbursement. Firestone replaced fan and bracket. Parts frequently on backorder 2–6+ weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall V54 (2015–2017 Engine Cooling Fan) covers some 2016 Renegades, but many owners report their VINs were not included despite matching failure symptoms. Dealers cite backorder lead times of weeks to months; some offer loaner vehicles for limited period ($35/day reimbursement with 30–60 day wait). No other remedies offered for non-recall vehicles.
Engine mounting defect and vibration
Passenger-side engine mount fails, causing severe vibration and noise from engine compartment. Dealer identifies as known defect and reports replacing many mounts for customers. One owner's replacement FCA-supplied mount failed again at 55,231 miles.
When: First failure at 41,800 miles; replacement failure at 55,231 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud vibration from engine compartment; Unbearable noise under hood during operation; Engine instability
Repairs/costs cited: Owner purchased replacement engine mount (Part #6841 8168 AA -001) and bolts; replaced himself. Repair cost $241.68 (parts). FCA reimbursed this amount initially. Second replacement (using FCA part) also failed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA reimbursed $241.68 for first replacement in April 2020; did not respond to owner's second reimbursement request after replacement mount failed at 55,231 miles.
Fuel pump failure
Fuel pump fails without warning, causing complete engine shutdown while driving at highway speed. One owner reports at 40,000 miles; similar issue noted for other years (2017+) with recalls, but 2016 not included.
When: 40,000 miles; 3 years old at time of failure
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down abruptly while driving; No warning lights prior to failure; Complete loss of power at highway speed (70 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosed fuel pump failure; repair cost $800; additional EVAP system canister failure found ($275), total $1,075 plus $300 rental car cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler shipped fuel pump on backorder (3-week delay); owner had to return rental car due to cost. No recall issued for 2016 despite 2017+ models being recalled.
Head gasket failure
Head gasket fails, causing coolant to leak into engine. Vehicle fails to start or starts with difficulty, white smoke from exhaust, engine flooding when shifted to drive.
When: 87,000 miles; no prior warning despite regular maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start (extreme cranking effort); White smoke from tailpipe when running; Engine floods when shifted to drive; Engine shuts off after starting; No prior warning lights or symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: AAA technician diagnosed blown head gasket; engine replacement required (not just gasket repair due to mileage/age).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None cited; owner was advised engine replacement necessary.
Cracked engine block
Engine block cracks, causing stalling and loss of power at low speed. No prior warning.
When: 55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving at 25 mph; Difficult restart (multiple attempts required); Low oil level discovered at fuel station
Repairs/costs cited: Barbera Autoland diagnosed cracked engine block; vehicle not repaired per complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not notified per complaint narrative.
Coolant thermostat failure
Coolant thermostat stops regulating temperature, requiring complete housing replacement. Check engine light alerts driver. Occurs at relatively low mileage.
When: 40,000 miles (4,000 out of warranty)
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine light comes on; Engine runs hot; Thermostat regulating temperature failure
Codes mentioned: P0128 (Coolant thermostat temperature below regulating temperature)
Repairs/costs cited: Entire housing must be replaced for one thermostat component (not replaced as separate part); cost not stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; out of warranty.
Engine idle speed problem (fast idle)
Engine idles too fast; TCM and PCM reprogramming attempted without resolution. Dealer stated idle speed cannot be reset. After lemon law action, manufacturer agreed to replace vehicle, then refused and offered extended warranty instead. Then warranty expired. Dangerous at stops—fast idle overpowered brakes.
When: Reported 11/1/17, 12/7/17 (reprogramming); 2/13/18 (dealer said unfixable); 1/15/19 (lemon law); 4/16/20 (refused replacement); 5/30/20 (warranty expired)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine idles excessively fast; Fast idle overpowers brakes at stops; Nearly caused crash in April 2018
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer worked on vehicle 13 times over 3-year period; TCM and PCM reprogrammed 11/1/17 and 12/7/17 with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer agreed to replace vehicle under lemon law (1/15/19), reversed decision (4/16/20) and offered extended warranty; warranty expired 5/30/20. No further remedy offered.
PCV valve freezing and misfires
PCV valve freezes, causing cylinder misfires. Occurs seasonally (winter). Engine occasionally shuts down without warning.
When: 17,000 miles; multiple service visits; occurs during winter months
Symptoms owners cite: PCV valve freezes; Cylinder misfire; Engine shutdown without warning; Stalling while turning into driveway
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injectors replaced; PCV valve issue treated multiple times; dealer stated no fix exists for winter occurrence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated 'no fix for the problem' and indicated owner will have to manage issue every winter.
Throttle/acceleration hesitation and delay
Engine hesitates or delays on acceleration from stops, lasting 5–8+ seconds in some cases. Occurs repeatedly during normal operation. One owner reports this issue also occurs during deceleration.
When: Various mileages; one owner at 40,800 miles reported recent 8-second delay; another at 45,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: No response when applying accelerator; Delayed acceleration (5–8 seconds or more); Hesitation during acceleration from stop; Hesitation during deceleration to stop (rare); Engine stalls during deceleration in one case; Worse with AC on
Repairs/costs cited: One owner nearly rear-ended due to delay; another owner reports ECU and TCU software updates were attempted without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates (ECU/TCU) attempted; no resolution.
Engine fire
Vehicle caught fire under the hood after engine was shut down and parked in driveway. One-foot tall flames emerged. Vehicle destroyed; detached garage also damaged.
When: 80,000 miles; immediately after shutdown and parking
Symptoms owners cite: One-foot tall flames from under hood after shutdown; Fire propagated to detached garage
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department extinguished fire; cause not determined.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer and dealer not yet contacted per complaint narrative.
Loss of brakes and acceleration
Both acceleration and brakes fail while driving downhill. No warning lights prior to or during incident. Owner had to use emergency brake to stop.
When: Unknown mileage; owner later reports burning through 4 quarts of oil (tied to W80 recall)
Symptoms owners cite: Acceleration fails (no throttle response); Brakes fail (no braking response); No warning lights before or during incident; Excessive oil consumption (4 quarts burned)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership told owner to return for oil consumption test.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: W80 recall oil consumption test referenced.
Check engine light and ETC light with limp mode
Check engine light and electronic throttle control light illuminate together, causing vehicle to enter limp mode (manual gear mode). Vehicle becomes sluggish and slows without driver input.
When: Unknown mileage; driving at low speeds in neighborhood when triggered
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; ETC (electronic throttle control) light illuminates; Vehicle switches to manual gear mode; Vehicle becomes sluggish and slows with no warning; Airbag light also came on (separate issue); Thermostat housing failure also present
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat housing on backorder for months; owner advised to monitor thermostat to prevent overheat.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Thermostat housing parts on backorder; no manufacturer response cited.
Synthesized from 110 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Jeep lost acceleration and died in the middle of the road. Fortunately I had just gotten off the freeway or we could have been seriously injured. No warning or check engine lights illuminated, it just completely lost the acceleration and died in the road.
3 weeks ago I heard a wobbling sound under the hood while the car was idling. It was a day later I was able catch what it was making the noise which is the cooling fan. I had it towed to the dealership not wanting to drive it for fear of overheating. The issue was confirmed there and after two false arrival dates I spoke to the dealership and thy finally admitted there was no date for the arrival…
The radiator fan will stop working or work intermittently. If it's not running when the temp gets up you have to manually Spin The Fan then it will engage. It is prone to overheating while idling or moving slow. I have replaced the fan on a active recall for this model three times already. The fans usually last from anywhere from 4 months to a 8 months.
While driving in city, engine temp went to overheat. Loud noise and smoke from engine. After inspection engine fan wobbling on mount and motor smoking. Car is 14 months old with 15000 miles
This vehicle had a check engine light come on while driving in a neighborhood at low speeds and the etc light come on, when this happened the vehicle immediately became sluggish and switched to manual mode for gears. This is very unsafe if driving at highway speeds because the vehicle slows down on you with no warning. Also the airbag lights have come on and the thermostat housing needs replacing…
All motor mounts poorly manufactured too light. Need recalled as its a known problem.
Had engine trouble with your 2016 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 engine problem on the 2016 Jeep Renegade?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 110 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 86 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 33,350 and 48,000 miles, with the median around 41,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 33,350; a quarter make it past 48,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2016/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.