Not applicable to vehicles built for US market. Vehicle Does Not Operate In Electric Mode And/Or Reverse Gear Is Unavailable Customers may experience one or more of the following: ● The vehicle does not operate in electric mode. ● Reverse gear is not available.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Jeep Renegade electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Jeep Renegade have filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Renegade | 121 |
| 2018 Renegade | 112 |
| 2019 Renegade | 23 |
| 2020 Renegade | 12 |
| 2021 Renegade (this page) | 21 |
| 2022 Renegade | 9 |
| 2023 Renegade | 8 |
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 33% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
Not applicable to vehicles built for US market. Vehicle Does Not Operate In Electric Mode And/Or Reverse Gear Is Unavailable Customers may experience one or more of the following: ● The vehicle does not operate in electric mode. ● Reverse gear is not available.
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 ↗Telematics Box Module (TBM) Backup Battery Replacement When DTC B1E21 Is Present Technicians may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● B1E21-96 - Backup Battery Component Internal Failure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The UConnect touchscreen failure dominates complaints. Screens go black, show vertical lines or ghost images, flicker, or fade in and out—sometimes permanently. This isn't a rare occurrence; owners report finding at least 100 other Renegade owners with identical failures. The screen controls the radio, backup camera, climate, navigation, and vehicle settings, so when it dies, so do those functions. One owner couldn't access the backup camera while driving, creating a safety problem. Dealers sometimes can't replicate the fault; one discovered a bare wire under the bumper after incorrectly suspecting a bad computer chip. Jeep says this isn't warranty-covered despite a service bulletin existing that *may* become a recall.
The vehicle has separate power-management failures: won't shut off without digging into the settings menu, key fob stops working (even after battery swap), passive entry system errors, and airbag warning lights. One owner had to call a tow truck and couldn't even shift into neutral. Dealerships mention recalls exist but claim no parts are available to fix them.
Other electrical gremlins include speedometer blackouts during cruise control, radio volume blasting unexpectedly or changing stations on its own, rear windows stuck open, and a false collision-avoidance brake engagement. Most issues improve temporarily after restart, but they recur. Chrysler has acknowledged some problems need software updates but won't commit to a timeline.
Same Jeep Renegade electrical reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
UConnect Touchscreen / Display Failure
The integrated UConnect display screen intermittently goes black, shows visual artifacts (vertical lines, flickering, ghost images), fades in and out, or becomes completely unresponsive. Failure rate appears to increase over time. Screen remains inactive in all temperatures and lighting conditions. The screen is the primary interface for radio, climate control, backup camera, navigation, and vehicle settings.
When: Generally after 6–18+ months of ownership; one case at <25k miles, others at 22k–23k miles and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Display goes black or remains black; Vertical lines or visual artifacts on screen; Screen flickers, fades in and out randomly; Ghost images or inverted display; Screen becomes unresponsive to touch input (or responds without visual feedback); Backup camera inaccessible when screen fails; Climate control unavailable; Radio and navigation inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostic attempts found no replicable fault in some cases; one case involved a corroded or exposed wire harness discovered after bumper removal, suggesting potential design or assembly defect. Soft reset and battery reset did not restore function in reported cases. New display unit replacement mentioned in owner research but not confirmed in these narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep stated in one case that the issue is not covered under warranty. One owner notes a service bulletin exists that may eventually lead to recall, but no recall has been issued as of complaint dates. Chrysler advised owners the issue requires a software fix but provided no timeline.
Stereo System Unavailability Error / Safety Features Disabled
Dashboard warning message 'STEREO SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE' appears, disabling all safety features and the audio system. Problem occurs intermittently and repeatedly. Owner research indicated this malfunction has been present since the 2018 model year.
When: Within 2 days of ownership; recurs daily thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Warning message: 'STEREO SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE'; All safety features disabled; Kenwood premium sound system disabled; Problem intermittent and recurring; sometimes clears after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer could not replicate the issue during initial inspection. Owner reports case manager confirmed this is a known problem affecting all Jeep Renegades.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case manager confirmed the issue is widespread across Jeep Renegade fleet. No solution or recall mentioned; issue documented since 2017–2018 model year with no action taken.
Speedometer Flickering / Loss of Display
Speedometer display flickers on and off while cruise control is engaged, then goes completely dark for a few seconds. When it returns, vehicle speed shows incorrectly (55 mph instead of actual 75 mph being driven).
When: At least 5 months into ownership (leased March, reported August)
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer flickers on and off during cruise control operation; Speedometer goes completely dark; Incorrect speed displayed upon return (55 mph vs. actual 75 mph); Issue occurs frequently
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer and Chrysler both indicated this requires a software fix from Chrysler with no timeline provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler acknowledged issue requires software fix but provided no estimated resolution date.
Radio Volume and Station Control Malfunction
Radio volume blasts unexpectedly at high levels, changes stations on its own without user input, or fails to turn off. Behavior is intermittent and temporary; issue clears after vehicle restart.
When: At least 5 months into ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Volume suddenly blasts loudly; Radio station changes independently; Radio will not shut off; Clears temporarily after vehicle restart
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair mentioned; owner awaiting software fix from Chrysler.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler indicated a software fix is required; no timeline given.
Power Window Malfunction (Rear)
Rear window lowers and then cannot be raised. Window becomes stuck in down position.
When: Within 5 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rear window descends; Window will not rise after lowering; Window stuck in open position
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided; owner notes issue sometimes clears after vehicle restart.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Passive Entry System Error / Vehicle Cannot Shut Off
Vehicle will not power down without manual intervention in settings menu. Sometimes even the manual settings approach fails to turn the vehicle off. After shutdown, vehicle may spontaneously crank back up. Error code references 'Service Passive Entry.'
When: Vehicle has 22,000 miles; under factory warranty
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not turn off using standard shutdown procedure; Requires manual navigation to settings menu to attempt shutdown; Manual shutdown inconsistent—sometimes fails; Vehicle may spontaneously start after being turned off; Service Passive Entry error code displayed
Codes mentioned: Service Passive Entry error
Repairs/costs cited: Owner notes a service bulletin exists that may eventually become a recall. No current recall issued. Both manufacturer warranty and extended warranty provider declined to provide solution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin exists but no recall issued as of complaint date. Warranty providers (manufacturer and third-party) offered no remedy.
Wire Harness Insulation Damage
Wire harness covering worn off, exposing bare wire. Discovered after bumper removal during diagnostics for suspected computer chip failure. Uncertainty remains whether this is a design defect or manufacturing quality issue.
When: Vehicle had <25,000 miles at time of discovery
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle exhibited intermittent electrical faults consistent with computer chip failure; Problem persisted after computer chip replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Wire insulation repaired; vehicle then ran without further reported issues. Root cause of wire exposure not determined by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; owner concerned about systemic design or manufacturing defect.
Airbag System Fault / Service Airbag Light
Service airbag warning light illuminates. In one case, airbag disabled warning appears; in another, service airbag light turns on without apparent cause. One case involved a recall mentioned by dealership but with no available parts or remedy.
When: Approximately 2 weeks before report (one case); another case noted during separate service visit for oil change
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag light illuminates; Airbag disabled warning message
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership reported availability of a recall but stated no parts or remedy currently available to fix the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists but no parts or remedy available as of complaint date.
Key Fob / Remote Entry System Malfunction
Key fob stops working to unlock or control vehicle. Even after battery replacement, vehicle will not respond to any fob commands. Prevents vehicle startup and door unlock functions.
When: Approximately 6 months before complaint date (one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob will not unlock vehicle; No response to fob commands after battery replacement; Vehicle will not start; Cannot manually unlock rear doors; Cannot shift vehicle into neutral
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to resolve issue quickly; no loaner car provided. Issue occurred after vehicle was parked in driveway with no external causes apparent.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership mentioned a recall exists but stated no parts or remedy available.
Forward Collision Detection System False Activation
Forward collision avoidance system engages brakes automatically when there is no danger or obstruction. Vehicle ahead was more than one car length away at ~15 mph. Sudden brake activation caused unexpected jerk forward.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic braking engaged without valid threat; Vehicle ahead was ample distance away (>1 car length); Driver lurched forward suddenly
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Start-Stop System Disabled / Additional Warning Lights
Auto start-stop feature disabled; multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously including airbag disabled, park/service, and check engine lights. Issue accompanied by oil leak found during service visit.
When: Discovered during service visit for unrelated oil leak concern
Symptoms owners cite: Auto start-stop disabled; Airbag disabled warning light; Park/service warning light; Check engine light (appeared for 10 seconds); Oil leak present
Codes mentioned: Check engine
Repairs/costs cited: Scheduled for dealer service; no repair results documented in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Passive Entry System / Power-Off Control Failure
Dashboard displays key symbol with WiFi bars icon; message states 'see settings on how to turn vehicle off.' Vehicle cannot be shut down using standard power button; requires manual steering wheel settings button to turn off.
When: Timing not specified; reported while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Key symbol with WiFi bars appears on dashboard; Dashboard message: 'see settings on how to turn vehicle off'; Standard power-off method does not work; Vehicle only shuts down via steering wheel settings button
Repairs/costs cited: Workaround requires steering wheel button access; owner was able to pull to service center.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Uconnect screen shows shows ghost images, intermittent white and black vertical lines and fades to black after starting the vehicle.
took my car in for oil change and dealership said there was an oil leak somewhere. scheduled that for service. than during the last week i got a airbag disabled/service , disabled park/service warning lights pop up on my dash. auto/start/stop was disabled, check engine light came on for 10 seconds. dealership has scheduled service to look into these
The UConnect screen has not worked properly on the vehicle since September 2023. Initially the screen would be black or have lines through it when the temperature outside the vehicle was above 80 degrees and during daytime hours. Now the screen is black at all times. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The screen is the only way to control numerous functions including the…
Service air bag light has been on about 2 weeks. Tried to unlock car with key fob today. 8/6/2024. Wouldn't work so I replaced the fob battery. Nothing will work on car now. Won't start, can't manually unlock back doors.Couldn't get it in neutral to get on flatbed tow truck. Dealership said it'll be at least 2days before they can look at it. Said there's a recall but no remedy/ parts to be able…
When traveling with the cruise control on, on the expressway, the speeddometer started to flicker on and off then totally went off. It lasted a couple of seconds and when it came back on my speed was at 55 mph. I was traveling at 75 when it started. This happens alot. Also the radio will sometimes blast its volume, change stations on its own or won't shut off. Last week my rear window went…
Had electrical trouble with your 2021 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 electrical problem on the 2021 Jeep Renegade?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2021/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.