When long block is received, inspection needs to be performed per SOL S2609000010 before the repair begins. If the block machining is not complete according to information in SOL, a new long block will need to be ordered.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Jeep Renegade engine problems
severe Owners of the 2020 Jeep Renegade have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the engine 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 →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Renegade | 110 |
| 2017 Renegade | 144 |
| 2018 Renegade | 109 |
| 2019 Renegade | 8 |
| 2020 Renegade (this page) | 11 |
| 2021 Renegade | 4 |
| 2022 Renegade | 3 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 11 engine complaints filed for the 2020 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.
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.
Mis-Machined Engine Block
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Verify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders:
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Various Models - Engine Valley Cap (Flywheel Side) - Oil Leakage - Service Solution Customers may experience the following: ● Oil leaks from the engine compartment, engine/transmission coupling. This bulletin supersedes Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 09-021-24, date of issue November 23, 2024, which should be removed from your files. All revisions are highlighted with **asterisks** and include new Labor Times."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Various Models - Engine Valley Cap (Flywheel Side) - Oil Leakage - Service Solution Customers may experience the following: ● Oil leaks from the engine compartment, engine/transmission coupling. When the claimed fault is confirmed, replace the engine valley cap, according to the Repair Procedure"
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2020 Jeep Renegades describe several distinct engine and cooling system failures. The most serious involve sudden stalling during normal driving—at cruise control on interstates, in low-speed turns at gas stations, and during routine highway travel—often with no check engine light to warn the driver. One stall caused a vehicle to roll backward into traffic. A separate pattern shows the engine entering "limp mode" at highway speeds, dropping from 55–70 mph to 20 mph despite high engine revs; this happened four times to one owner and recurred even after transmission replacement.
Cooling system failures are widespread. A fleet operator reports identical overheating and cooling fan failures across 30 company Renegades (2020–2023 model years), with fans breaking apart and leaking coolant. Individual owners describe radiator fans that malfunction and cause shaking when the AC runs.
Oil issues are reported consistently: one owner's engine burns a quart every 1,000 miles; another has a faulty vacuum pump and gasket leaking oil throughout the engine bay. A third developed low compression at 80,000 miles, requiring engine replacement after dark exhaust smoke and stalling on startup.
The PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system is flagged by two owners as operating in one direction only, causing low idle and brake vacuum problems. Dealerships have been unable to diagnose several of these failures despite testing.
Same Jeep Renegade engine reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Limp Mode / Loss of Power Under Load
Engine enters limp mode while driving, causing sudden loss of power and inability to maintain safe highway speeds. Vehicle speed drops to 20 mph and cannot exceed 45 mph despite high engine revs. Occurs multiple times and recurred after transmission replacement.
When: Various speeds 45-70 mph; one incident at 4,300 miles, recurred after transmission service
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden speed loss while cruising; Engine revving high (6,500-7,000 rpm) but vehicle unable to accelerate; Vehicle feels like it was rear-ended; Occurs on rural roads and highways; Recurred in loaner vehicle (also 2020 Renegade)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission was replaced; issue persisted after repair
Unexpected Stalling at Various Speeds
Engine stalls suddenly during normal driving without warning and without check engine light illumination. Stalls restart but create safety hazard. One incident resulted in vehicle rolling backward into oncoming traffic at 10 mph right turn.
When: 4,300 miles; occurs at various speeds including low speed turns and highway cruise control at 70 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown while driving; Check oil warning light illuminates (one case); No check engine light despite stall (multiple reports); Engine restarts after stalling; Occurs in low-speed turns and high-speed cruise
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose cause despite diagnostic testing
Excessive Oil Leak (Vacuum Pump and Gasket)
Faulty vacuum pump and gasket causing excessive oil leak throughout engine and components. Repair shop identified the source. Owner states leak could cause engine stall if not fixed and presents accident risk.
When: First appeared August 2025; vehicle cannot be driven
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil leaking from engine; Oil visible throughout engine compartment and under vehicle; Issue reported on both owner's and spouse's identical vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum pump and gasket identified as source by independent repair shop
Low Engine Compression / Internal Engine Damage
Dark smoke from exhaust, stalling after shifting to drive, and low compression diagnosis requiring full engine replacement. Represents catastrophic internal engine failure.
When: 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Dark smoke from exhaust during startup; Vehicle stalls after shifting to drive; Low compression detected
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement needed; vehicle not repaired
Overheating and Cooling Fan Failure
Engine overheats and cooling fans fail or malfunction. Fleet operator reports identical issue across 30 company vehicles (2020–2023 model years). Cooling fan pieces break off; radiator cooling capacity compromised.
When: Multiple incidents across fleet; timing varies
Symptoms owners cite: Constant overheating; Cooling fan stops working; Cooling fan pieces break off during operation; Vehicle shakes when AC is on or at idle; Leaking coolant; Repeated across multiple vehicle model years
Repairs/costs cited: Cooling fan replacement; coolant leak repairs; fleet of 30 vehicles affected
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burns oil at abnormally high rate. Owner reports burning approximately one quart every 1,000 miles, well above normal consumption. Concerns raised about impact on spark plugs, catalytic converter, and emissions system.
When: Unknown timing; chronic condition
Symptoms owners cite: Burning one quart of oil per 1,000 miles; Excessive oil consumption relative to normal vehicles
PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) System Malfunction
PCV system operates in wrong direction or only one direction, blocking proper diaphragm function. Causes improper vacuum in brake system and low idle condition. Owner reports inability of valve to work bidirectionally as designed.
When: Unknown; chronic condition
Symptoms owners cite: PCV valve operates only in one direction instead of bidirectional; Low idle condition; Improper vacuum affecting brake operation; Diaphragm not breathing properly (not blocking liquid correctly from air intake and manifold)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall requested by owners
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
My 2020 Jeep Renegade has been burning a quart of oil every 1,000 miles or so. Im sure many people do not check it as consistently as i do. Burning oil im sure is hard on the spark plugs, catalitic converters, and the emissions.
On 4 separate occasions, traveling around 45-60 MPH, the engine went into what was described as "limp mode" and the speed decreased to 20 MPH with the tach reading ~6500 and was not able to attain and maintain safe traveling speeds. The first three occasions were on a rural road, twice in a slight curve and once in a straight away. It felt like the car had been rear-ended and then was not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2020 Jeep renegade. The vehicle would suddenly stall at various speeds, however, the vehicle would restart. The check oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that a few days after, while turning right at approximately 10 MPH into the gas station the vehicle suddenly stalled again causing the vehicle then to roll backwards into an oncoming traffic causing the…
While driving, my radiator cooling fan malfunctioned and a piece broke off. The fan now does not work properly to cool my radiator and the car shakes when I turn on the ac or when I’m at idle.
Vehicle has an oil leak due to a faulty vacuum pump and gasket which is causing the vehicle to leak an excessive amount throughout the engine and other components. It was seen by a repair shop and they pinpointed the leak. This could cause an engine to stall while driving if not fixed soon which could potentially involve being in a accident to cause injury and or even death. The leak first…
Had engine trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Jeep Renegade?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 17,867 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2020/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.