NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Jeep Renegade Safety Ratings
The 2021 Jeep Renegade scores 72 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 63 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Jeep Renegade achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100, placing it squarely in the Average safety band. This represents a four-point improvement over the 2020 model's 68, a notable gain. While the vehicle demonstrates solid crash protection, its rollover performance is a weaker point, and its suite of avoidance technologies remains limited.
The 2021 Jeep Renegade received a NHTSA Safety Index of 72/100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Jeep Renegade ranks 105 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 72 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 4 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 22.8% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 63 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 105 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Jeep Renegade?
The 2021 Jeep Renegade presents a 23 percent rollover risk, reflected in its 3 out of 5 stars for rollover protection. This figure stands as the most distinguishing crash-test result for the model, particularly in contrast to its stronger frontal and side impact ratings. The vehicle achieves a 72/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, an improvement from 68/100 in 2020, moving into the Average band. This four-point gain is largely attributed to a crash protection sub-score of 52 out of 70. However, the Renegade's avoidance technology sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 indicates a notable gap. Forward collision warning is an optional feature, and lane departure warning is entirely absent from the 2021 model. Two recall campaigns have been issued since its release, both in 2024, addressing issues with frontal airbags and reverse lighting. Prospective owners of a used 2021 Renegade should verify these remedies have been completed.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Jeep Renegade perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Jeep Renegade AWD SUV presents a notable discrepancy in its safety profile, with a 23 percent rollover risk contributing to a 3 out of 5 star rating in that category. This stands in contrast to its otherwise consistent performance, as the vehicle achieved an overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Both frontal and side impact protection also earned 4-star results. Despite the elevated statistical risk, dynamic tip testing indicated a No Tip outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15502
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Jeep Renegade have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2021 Renegade. The first targets the air bag system, specifically frontal air bags, across a broad range of FCA vehicles including this model year. The second addresses exterior lighting, specifically incorrect bumper reverse light assemblies. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available NHTSA data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS24V918000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-12-10
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL24V510000
Risk: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-07-03
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Jeep Renegade?
Sixty-three unverified consumer allegations have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Renegade. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System (26 reports), Unknown Or Other (18), Forward Collision Avoidance (9), Engine (8), Air Bags (7), and Power Train (6). Reported incidents include 3 alleged crashes and 2 alleged injuries. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects.
63 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Jeep Renegade?
Two recall campaigns were issued for the 2021 Renegade in 2024, addressing the airbag system and reverse lighting. Buyers of used models should verify completion of these remedies via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- The 2021 model year marks a four-point Safety Index improvement over the 2020 Renegade, moving from Below Average (68/100) to Average (72/100), a shift driven by crash protection scoring rather than avoidance technology.
- Both of the 2021 Renegade's recall campaigns were issued in 2024, covering frontal air bags and bumper reverse lighting, so used-market vehicles may still have open, uncompleted remedies.
- Forward collision warning is only optional on this model year and lane departure warning is not available at all, producing a low avoidance-tech sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 that meaningfully limits the overall Safety Index.
- The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars with a 23 percent rollover risk is the weakest individual crash-test result for this model year, contrasting with the 4-star frontal and side results.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Jeep Renegade places
The 2021 Jeep Renegade qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Jeep Renegade safety questions
Was the 2021 Jeep Renegade crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Jeep Renegade, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Jeep Renegade crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Jeep Renegade earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 4 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 22.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Renegade have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Jeep Renegade. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Jeep Renegade?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 63 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Jeep Renegade. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Renegade years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15502), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Jeep Renegade 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 105 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.