MIL/check engine lamp comes on after performing U90 recall PCM software update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Jeep Renegade powertrain problems
moderate 70 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
70
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 70 powertrain 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 70 powertrain 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 powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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 2016 Renegade's powertrain is a minefield. Transmission response times are dangerously unpredictable—owners describe 3-second delays between flooring the accelerator and the car actually moving, or total non-response requiring multiple pedal presses. This happens most during critical maneuvers: pulling into traffic, merging onto highways, and accelerating from stops. Some vehicles stall outright while driving at highway speeds; the engine cuts and the dashboard tells you to restart while you're rolling. Other units accelerate on their own or refuse to stop with normal braking.
The transmission independently shifts into Neutral during highway driving with the shifter still in Drive, the traction control system cuts power mid-turn on dry roads with no wheel slip, and cooling fans fail suddenly with temperature gauges that jump from normal to dangerously hot in one second flat. Multiple owners report transmission failures requiring replacement at ultra-low mileage (as little as 700–13,400 miles), and even new transmissions fail the same way.
Electrical gremlins pile on: door locks trap children inside, warning lights illuminate for unrelated issues, and the 4WD system locks out when a simple emissions code trips the check engine light—stranding drivers in snow. Dealerships consistently can't replicate these problems or won't fix them, and software updates either don't work or make issues worse. Repair timelines stretch months waiting for backorder parts. This is not a used-car gamble; it's a documented pattern across dozens of owners.
Same Jeep Renegade powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission loss of power and delayed response
Transmission fails to respond promptly to accelerator input, resulting in dangerous delays or complete loss of power. Owners report 3+ second delays before downshift and acceleration occur, or complete unresponsiveness requiring multiple pedal presses to achieve forward motion.
When: Intermittent, occurs at 0-40 mph when accelerating from stops and low speeds; some reports at highway speeds. Multiple complaints starting within weeks of purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: 3-second delay from pedal press to downshift/acceleration response; Complete loss of power when attempting to accelerate; Vehicle fails to respond to hard accelerator pedal presses; Engine revs to redline without vehicle moving; Unsafe acceleration gaps on highway on-ramps and city intersections; Transmission slipping sensation; Vehicle jerks or lunges forward after delay
Codes mentioned: U0402, C2502
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer firmware/software updates attempted multiple times without lasting resolution; transmission control module replacement documented; one case required full transmission replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple software/firmware updates; NHTSA Campaign 16V529000 (powertrain) applied to 2014-2015 models but issue persists in 2016 models
Vehicle stalls or shuts down while in motion
Engine unexpectedly dies or vehicle loses all power while actively driving. Vehicle may display message to restart ignition despite being in Drive. Restart attempts are difficult or delayed.
When: Intermittent, occurs during highway cruising at 60-70 mph and city driving. Some reports tied to turns; some triggered by air conditioning activation. Starting within first week to months of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off completely while foot on accelerator; Vehicle shuts down mid-drive without warning; Display shows 'Press brake and push button to start' while in Drive and moving; Difficult restart requiring multiple attempts; Rough idle or misfiring upon restart; Vehicle loses all power on busy highways and intersections; Stalls during tight turns into traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement performed in at least one case; multiple software updates applied without resolution; limp mode engaged in some incidents
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates; one case involved dealership stating no codes available
Unintended acceleration or inability to control acceleration
Vehicle accelerates on its own or continues accelerating despite driver input to slow down. Brake pedal must be firmly depressed to stop vehicle, and brakes may be ineffective.
When: Occurs during slow parking maneuvers and city driving at low speeds. Can happen with vehicle stopped or in motion. One incident with 630 miles on vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration while parking or at stop; Vehicle continues accelerating to redline despite brake application; Engine runs at redline while unable to turn off (in Neutral); Brake pedal becomes unresponsive or requires extreme force; Vehicle cannot be shifted to Neutral by driver input; electronic control overrides shifter; Vehicle collides with obstacles due to uncontrolled acceleration; Acceleration does not respond to releasing gas pedal
Repairs/costs cited: Flash updates installed at dealership; one vehicle had $862 damage from unintended acceleration incident; another case involved leaking fluid and burning smell after acceleration event
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Flash/software updates; dealership conflicting reports on whether updates address acceleration or unrelated issues; case file 30543876 assigned
Transmission shifts to Neutral unexpectedly
Transmission independently shifts from Drive to Neutral while vehicle is in motion, causing loss of power and potential loss of control. Shifter physically remains in Drive position.
When: Intermittent, occurs during highway driving at 35+ mph and city driving. One incident with vehicle parked and unattended. Starting at low mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission display shows Neutral while shifter in Drive; Loss of power during turn operations; Engine RPMs rev without accelerator pressed; Engine cuts off after shift to Neutral; Slow restart after incident; Vehicle turns on and shifts to Neutral independently while parked; Message appears: 'Shift vehicle to Park'
Repairs/costs cited: Unable to duplicate at dealership; independent mechanic service attempted; no repairs completed in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to duplicate; associated with NHTSA Campaign 16V529000 (2014-2015 models only)
Traction control engages and causes power loss during turns
Traction control light illuminates and activates during normal dry-road turning, causing sudden complete loss of power or acceleration. Issue worsens after software updates.
When: Occurs during left turns, right turns, and U-turns on dry pavement. Happens on flat, well-paved roads with no adverse conditions. Brand new vehicles (under 5000 miles) and newer vehicles both affected.
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light blinks on/off during turns; Complete loss of power mid-turn crossing traffic; Loss of acceleration during turn; Power returns when traction control light goes off; Problem worsens after PCM software updates; Occurs on dry pavement with no wheel slippage
Repairs/costs cited: PCM software update performed; problem recurred or worsened after update
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PCM software update attempted; issue persists
Cooling fan failure and overheating
Radiator cooling fan locks up, stops functioning, or fails completely. Temperature gauge spikes suddenly with no warning from rising temperature indication. Engine overheats rapidly.
When: Occurs at low to moderate mileage (11,800-40,000 miles). One incident at 13,400 miles. Can happen after several months of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Cooling fan stops functioning; Temperature gauge spikes suddenly from normal to 265+ degrees; No gradual temperature warning; jumps instantly to max; Smoking and loud noise from under hood; Strong chemical or burning smell; Radiator cooling fan locked up; Engine overheating light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Part on national backorder; cooling fan assembly replacement required; thermostat replacement also needed in some cases; repair times extended (multiple months waiting for parts)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall mentioned; parts backordered nationally; owners report this is systemic issue affecting multiple vehicles
Transmission hard shifting and jerking
Transmission shifts harshly, hesitates between gears, or jerks vehicle forward during shifts and low-speed acceleration. Vehicle lunges unexpectedly when stopped at lights.
When: Occurs at low mileage (around 5 years old / 67k miles in one report); presents when downshifting, accelerating from stops, and during normal shifting operations.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard jerking shifts between gears; Transmission hesitates before downshifting; Vehicle lurches or jerks forward at stop lights; Feels like manual transmission being learned; Small jerks during downshifting to stop; Loss of power then jump forward upon acceleration from stop; Clunk sound when engine switches gears
Repairs/costs cited: Motor replacement performed in one case without resolving jerking; repeated dealership visits report 'transmission ok'; no lasting fixes documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None effective; motor replacement attempted
Premature transmission or clutch failure
Transmission or clutch fails at low mileage with no prior warning signs. Vehicle unable to shift, stuck in gear, cannot disengage clutch, or brakes become ineffective.
When: First reported failure at 13,400 miles under normal highway conditions. Second transmission failure at later date. Clutch issues at very low mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of forward power at highway speed; Service engine light illuminates with multiple warnings (ABS, 4WD, parking brake, ECS); Unable to disengage clutch or shift to Neutral; Vehicle stuck in gear; Brakes ineffective; vehicle bucks and jolts to stop; Vehicle will not start after failure; No prior warning signs (no slipping, smoke, smell, rattles before failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; tow service needed; clutch replacement may be needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Electronic shift lock and shifter malfunction
Gear shifter becomes stuck or difficult to move between positions. Vehicle cannot shift into Park or other gears without extended maneuvering. Electronic shift system overrides driver input.
When: Occurs during parking attempts and routine shifting operations. Can persist for extended periods (20+ minutes).
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter stuck in Drive; cannot move to Park; Must maneuver shifter between gears repeatedly to achieve Park position; Electronic controls override driver shifter input; Difficulty shifting gears during normal operation; Vehicle displays 'Shift to Park' warning but cannot shift
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owners report maneuvering shifter for 20+ minutes as workaround
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated no recalls related to failure
Engine overheating and oil control issues
Engine oil sludges prematurely, engine overheating indicated by warning lights and temperature spikes. Oil consumption excessive despite recent oil changes. Connected to transmission and stalling issues.
When: At 25k miles (4.2 years in service); issue tied to transmission failures and stalling events
Symptoms owners cite: Engine oil becomes sludge despite recent oil change; Temperature warning lights illuminate; Engine misfiring and rough idle; Black smoke from exhaust; Bent spark plug; Oil pressure warning light; High engine oil consumption
Repairs/costs cited: Oil consumption test required; potential engine replacement pending test results
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep aware of 'oil consumption issue' related to stalling/neutral shift/gear shift problems in 2016 Renegades; instructed customer to perform 1000-mile oil consumption test before engine replacement decision
Electrical system malfunctions and warning light failures
Multiple electrical failures including lights shutting off, warning lights illuminating incorrectly, and dashboard displays malfunctioning. Lights and warnings may be unrelated to actual vehicle conditions.
When: Intermittent; occurs throughout ownership. Some incidents during initial driving after short ownership period (340 miles).
Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Headlights shut off on dark highways; Exterior lighting fails completely then restores; Brake lights, turn signals, blinkers cycle on/off incorrectly; Dashboard warning lights blink unexpectedly; Battery light illuminates; Temperature sensor spikes to max incorrectly; Oil pressure warning light illuminates without issue; Warning lights flash indicating lights are out when lights work fine
Codes mentioned: P0072, P0073
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement performed in at least one case; lights and fuses cycled but issues recur; no lasting fixes documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; codes P0072 and P0073 identified as air conditioning sensor codes, not related to illuminating warnings
4WD system disabled by unrelated fault codes
Four-wheel drive electronically locks out when any check engine light is triggered, even for minor EVAP or emissions issues. Leaves driver stranded in snow without 4WD capability.
When: Occurs when minor emissions faults (like EVAP codes) trigger check engine light; prevents 4WD engagement when most needed (snowy conditions)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates for minor emissions fault; 4WD will not engage when light is on; Cannot access 4WD despite vehicle having capability; Stranded in snow with only 2WD; Confusing electronic interlocks prevent safety feature access
Codes mentioned: P0072, P0073, EVAP fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Owner requests reprogramming to keep 4WD available regardless of fault codes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; issue reported as well-documented in user forums and reportedly affects all Jeep Renegades and possibly other Fiat-made models
Engine malfunction and fuel pump failure
Fuel pump breaks prematurely. Engine control module sends incorrect codes to transmission. Multiple interconnected powertrain failures.
When: Within first few months of ownership (December 2016 purchase); fuel pump failure occurred early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel pump failure; Vehicle runs out of fuel despite gauge showing quarter tank; Check engine light illuminates; Computer sends codes to transmission causing improper shifting
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement needed; transmission issues documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed computer sending incorrect codes to transmission
Rough idle and engine misfiring
Engine idles roughly or misfires, particularly after stalling events or electrical system failures. Black smoke may be produced during operation.
When: Occurs after stalling events, during cold starts (below 68 degrees), and at low mileage after electrical failures
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle; Engine misfiring; Black smoke from exhaust; Difficulty restarting after engine shutdown; Multiple restart attempts needed; Worse during cold morning starts
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug found bent and in poor condition; may require engine service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Temperature gauge malfunction and false readings
Temperature gauge provides no gradual warning of rising temps; instead jumps instantly from normal to max. Gauge unreliable and does not reflect actual coolant temperature. Digital speedometer fluctuates unreliably.
When: Occurs at relatively low mileage (11,800 miles); temperature changes occur within 1 second
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge shows normal then instantly spikes to max (265+ degrees); No gradual temperature rise indication; Temperature gauge drops back to normal even though coolant still at 260+ degrees; Unreliable and inconsistent readings; Digital speedometer fluctuates +/- 1 mph; Dashboard displays conflict with each other
Repairs/costs cited: None; owner suspects cooling system damage occurred before gauge failure detected
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Vehicle hesitation and loss of power during low-speed maneuvers
Vehicle hesitates, loses power, or stalls at speeds 0-40 mph. Occurs particularly when accelerating from stops, on inclines, and during critical traffic maneuvers.
When: Occurs at low to moderate mileage; multiple incidents at 5,825 miles; some at 2,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates during acceleration from stop; Loss of power during highway on-ramp acceleration; Vehicle will not achieve highway merge speed; Stalls at low speeds (0-40 mph); Loss of power on inclines; Engine tries to switch gears with clunk and hesitation; Rough truck sound before downshift; Independent downshift to lower gear; Deceleration to 25 mph despite driver input
Repairs/costs cited: Computer reprogramming performed without lasting resolution; no repairs successful
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer reprogramming attempted
Child safety risk from door lock system malfunction
All doors lock unexpectedly while child is inside vehicle with no way to open them from inside or outside. Dashboard displays error messages; locks continue malfunctioning.
When: Occurred early in ownership; requires emergency services to extract child
Symptoms owners cite: All doors lock while child in vehicle; Doors cannot be opened from inside or outside; Dashboard displays flashing error messages; Lock system continues malfunctioning after incident; Locks acting erratically after child extraction
Repairs/costs cited: Police broke window to extract child; no repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Vibration and noise at cruise speed
Vehicle vibrates or rumbles through gas pedal and rear differential at specific speeds (29-34 mph). Dealership cannot reproduce or refuses to diagnose. Issue affects multiple vehicles.
When: Occurs consistently at 29-34 mph whether using cruise control or not
Symptoms owners cite: Vibrating/rumbling noise through gas pedal; Rumbling from rear differential; Occurs consistently at 29-34 mph; Happens while using cruise control; Happens while coasting; Happens while slowly releasing gas pedal
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership claims high gearing is normal; refuses diagnosis; service manager confirms issue present in other Renegades
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler rep states issue is normal and within parameters; refuses to fix; issue documented in multiple vehicles
Synthesized from 70 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Tl* the contact's father owns a 2016 Jeep renegade. The contact stated that vehicle shifted into neutral independently while in drive. Also, the check engine indicator illuminated intermittently. In addition, the vehicle would not crank and had difficulty starting. Furthermore, some electrical failures were experienced, including all the windows remained in the down position and would not roll up…
I recently had the following situation. Tuesday, Dec. 13th, 2022 a big storm hit, showered snow on us ALL day. My Jeep was parked with the passenger side to the north... just setting the scene. Rain, ice, & snow coated my Renegade when I left work and I noticed that the dash temp reading was not working. I didn't need 4WD on the drive home. Wednesday morning, I started up and got a "service…
On the hutchinson parkway ,could not shift gears in my manual car. Middle lane not able to engage transmission in to any 6 forward gears. This occurred november 23, 2016 thanksgiving eve. At 2:30 pm. I'm alive but this was the worst experience in my 40 plus years of driving. Three tows later,and still have not heard what is wrong with the Jeep ,going on a month. Stationary had to be pushed from…
Incident with new 2016 Jeep renegade resulting in an accident. I was slowly pulling in a parking spacewhen the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own and I was unable to bring the vehicle to a stop before itwent overthe parking curb and hit the side of the restaurant. I contactedjeep roadside assistance on monday morning 11/21/16 to have it towed to capitol city Jeep in jefferson city. I…
When car is backed up and put into drive the transmission hesitates. While coming to a stop the transmission has small jerks while downshifting. Also upon pulling out anytime you are stopped it looses power and then jumps forward. While driving as it changes gears it hesitates then switches and feels like I’m driving with someone learning how to drive a manual. This should not be happening around…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Jeep Renegade?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 70 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 50 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 5,825 and 51,000 miles, with the median around 24,990. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,825; a quarter make it past 51,000. 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/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.