2021 Jeep Renegade Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2021 Jeep Renegade carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering frontal and back up lights. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Uconnect touchscreen blackout and display distortion.” Jeep vehicles use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal when oil is due. Wrangler and Gladiator owners who actually use 4WD off-road should treat the schedule below as Schedule A (severe) — water crossings, sand, and rock crawling demand differential and transfer case service at half the published intervals. Grand Cherokee and Cherokee follow the standard Mopar schedule.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #24V510000 · Mar 7, 2024

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.

Risk: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS

Campaign #24V918000 · Oct 12, 2024

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Renegade vehicles. The incorrect bumper reverse light assembly may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: The incorrect reverse lights may have reduced visibility, and not alert pedestrians and other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bumper reverse light assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is D7B.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Jeep Renegade.

Reported to NHTSA

Uconnect touchscreen blackout and display distortion

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

20 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2026-07

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11615732
The digital display control screen fades in and out randomly and without warning and at times it just goes black to just reappear as random as it dissipates. It started doing this in February 2025 a couple times a week and as time has went on the incidences have increased to…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11652686
The infotainment/radio system in this 2021 Jeep Renegade has been malfunctioning for nearly two years. The dealership repeatedly states that no replacement parts are available and no repair can currently be performed. The system intermittently fails, freezes, reboots, or goes…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739261

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in rear-impact crashes

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-10 → 2024-12

The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 25 MPH when another vehicle crashed into the rear at an unknown high rate of speed. The passenger side bumper edge was damaged as well as the rear passenger side door. The contact vehicle was propelled 6 meters forward as a…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11632436
On [XXX] my 2021 Jeep Renegade 4x4 VIN [XXX] was struck from the rear by another vehicle. My vehicle was stopped at a traffic light in Columbus, Ohio. My vehicles air bags did not deploy. The other vehicles air bags did deploy. The Sheriff Office did make mention of this…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11613033

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Forward collision system false activation and shutdown

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2026-05

The vehicle brakes sharply on its own even when there are no obstacles, cars, or objects in front of us. This happens at normal driving speeds and creates a serious risk of rear-end collisions—especially dangerous on highways
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676531
The vehicle in front of me was at least one car length ahead of me as I was driving around 15 mph when the forward collision detection activated my automatic brakes and jerked me forward in the seat, almost causing whiplash. There was no reason for the detector to go off
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11420198
The component that failed, or I think is failing is the forward collision warning thing on my car. If the component actually went off, I could have cause a multiple car crash depended on who was behind me while I was driving. It has been reproduced by multiple drivers based on…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739734

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Panoramic sunroof stuck open or spontaneous shattering

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-10 → 2026-07

Sunroof got stuck open and when inspected at a body shop it was found to have several broken parts inside the mechanism. Sunroof was rarely used and was not handled roughly ever. No warning was given that the sunroof was broken or needing attention until it completely…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11661418
Sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving. No apparent cause (e.g. no reason to suspect a rock or other debris hitting the glass)
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11495663
Recently, the panoramic sunroof unexpectedly became stuck in the open position and would not close. Before bringing the vehicle to a Jeep dealership, I sought assistance from an independent automotive glass specialist, Advanced Auto Glass/Seek & Seal in Winter Park, Florida
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753190

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9-speed transmission gear shifting and neutral dropout

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-07 → 2024-06

Transmissions are defective! Will not go into 8th or 9th gear under any circumstances. Jeep says it is what it is. Transmission runs hot (3/4 or hotter) and mileage is awful. Factory rep was to meet with me and backed out telling dealer customers have to deal with it
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11472668
The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the transmission erroneously shifted into the neutral, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, but no service was performed, and the cause of the failure was not yet…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595477
Dashboard lights suddenly start blinking, from seatbelt, airbag, check engine… then the D starts flashing and the car loses power (goes like in neutral), forcing me to pull over, when I can. This happens while driving, this happens often
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11449343

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Fuel line chafing and fuel leak near exhaust

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2026-02 → 2025-09

The fuel line was rubbing against another pipe between the engine and firewall, causing it to leak, spraying gas all over the engine including the exhaust. In my opinion if this hadn’t happened in traffic where you could smell it but on the interstate I hate to think what may…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11717976
Fuel line bundle - dealership said its corroded it’s only a 2021 with no prior damage
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11690414

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Lane keep assist unintended steering intervention

STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST

2 NHTSA complaints · 2021-08 → 2023-12

The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph around a curve, the steering wheel went straight, and she attempted to correct it. The lane departure warning with lane keep assist engaged and began to beep and took control of the vehicle. The vehicle fishtailed…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11560913
the steering wheel becomes self operating, the brakes respond and during driving the vehicle literally stops responding to manual driving. Both the steering wheel and brakes are automatically generated. In upper left corner of dash a directional turns red to green
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11431350

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20 every 8,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles. EcoDiesel 3.0L: 10,000 miles. 4xe plug-in hybrid: 8,000 miles or annually.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. Wrangler with 33+ inch off-road tires: rotate every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear from solid axles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Wrangler and Gladiator pads wear faster than Grand Cherokee due to higher curb weight per axle.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace front differential fluid every 60,000 miles. Wrangler off-road use (water crossings, sand): inspect every 30,000 miles for water contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Rear axle fluid every 60,000 miles. Limited-slip differentials require Mopar friction modifier. Wrangler Rubicon with locking differentials: same schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for NV3500 and NV245. Wrangler Rock-Trac: 60,000 mi normal, 30,000 mi with regular off-road use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage. Wrangler off-road use accelerates moisture intake — annual fluid testing recommended.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service: ZF 8HP fluid every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — never substitute.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Wrangler driven in dust or sand: inspect at every oil change and replace early.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: 16 spark plugs total, replace at 100,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: 16 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Mopar HOAT Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple) for gas engines: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolants.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Compass: behind the glove box. Wrangler/Gladiator: optional cabin filter on later models only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

5 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Jeep Renegade reflects Jeep's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.