MODEL
Jeep Renegade
NHTSA safety across every Jeep Renegade model year we cover.
Across the 5 model years of the Jeep Renegade we cover (2019 to 2023), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2023 at 78 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2020 at 68. 13 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Jeep Renegade is a subcompact SUV that slots below the Compass in Jeep's lineup, targeting urban drivers and younger buyers who want trail-capable styling in a city-friendly footprint. Sold in both front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, it competes in one of the most crowded segments in the American market. From model years 2019 through 2023, its safety record deserves a close, honest look before you sign.
The Jeep Renegade's safety picture across the 2019 to 2023 model years is best described as middling, and shoppers should go in with clear eyes. The NHTSA Safety Index peaks at 78 out of 100 in the 2023 model year, which lands in the Average band - a number that is not alarming but is also not reassuring in a segment where rivals have pushed higher. Crash-test performance follows a similar pattern: the best results across covered years show a 4-out-of-5 in both frontal and side protection, which is respectable, but the rollover rating drops to 3 out of 5, a meaningful concern for a taller, narrower subcompact body style that carries a higher center of gravity by design. Earlier model years dipped into the Below Average band, so year of manufacture matters here. The recall count of 13 across five model years is elevated for a vehicle in this class and warrants careful VIN-specific checking through NHTSA's database before purchase. Owner complaint data, while unverified, adds texture: 245 complaints include 23 associated with crashes and 17 alleged injuries, figures that a cautious buyer should not dismiss outright. The Renegade has genuine personality and off-road credibility for its size, but its safety data trails stronger performers in the subcompact SUV space. If safety is your priority, the 2023 model year is your best starting point within this generation.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally find the Jeep Renegade charming and distinctive in a segment full of lookalike crossovers, praising its optional off-road capability and strong brand identity. However, they tend to note that it lags behind segment leaders in refinement and that its overall value proposition requires scrutiny when stacked against newer, more polished competitors.
- The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars is the weakest link in the Renegade's crash-test profile - a direct consequence of the model's taller, narrower subcompact SUV proportions, and a number that should factor heavily into your decision.
- Thirteen recalls across the 2019 to 2023 model years is a high count for this segment. Always run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm that any open recalls have been remedied before you buy.
- Safety scores improved notably by the 2023 model year, which reached a 78 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index. If you are shopping within this generation, prioritizing the most recent model year gives you the best safety baseline the Renegade offers.
- The 245 owner complaints on file include 23 associated with crashes and 17 alleged injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the volume and nature of those reports suggest real-world concerns worth discussing with a trusted mechanic during a pre-purchase inspection.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Jeep Renegade with 4 recalls.