This subcompact SUV, the Jeep Renegade, has been making waves since its introduction in 2015. So, it’s no surprise that it’s become increasingly popular due to its versatility in handling both on and off-road terrain.
However, not too long after the Jeep Renegade’s original launch, reports started pouring in about a common issue related to the vehicle burning through oil at an alarming rate. Weirdly enough, Jeep is well aware of this problem but has yet to do anything about the matter.
Some Jeep Renegade owners have reported losing as much as 1-2 quarts of oil every 600 miles and have experienced random stalling while driving.
Jeep Renegade Engine
Unfortunately, the Renegade isn’t the only vehicle with this problem. In fact, all the Chryslers with the 2.4L Tiger Shark engine have the same identical issue.
At first, dealers were telling drivers that this was a software issue, which soon turned out inaccurate, as the problem persisted even after the update.
Random stalling is one of the first signs of an oil burn situation, especially when accelerating and going around corners.
Jeep Renegade Oil Leak – So What’s The Cause?
While Jeep might not acknowledge the problem as a fault they should be responsible for, they insist on telling everyone that this issue occurs because of how the vehicle is being used/treated by the owner. I presume this is to get out of having to recall them all, which would come at a high price to the company, not to mention the paperwork involved.
The leading cause, in short, is an engine fault. But the technical explanation behind it all boils down to the fact that the control rings are faulty, allowing oil to pass the combustion chamber.
As it stands, the only prevention method is to simply keep an eye on it. Keep the oil topped up, and ensure to check after any long journeys. The oil needs to remain over 3.5 quarts to remain safe to drive.
What Else Can Cause an Oil Leak in The Jeep Renegade?
If you’re experiencing an oil burn in a brand-new vehicle, chances are you’re one of the unlucky owners being told it’s a problem you’ll simply have to learn to live with. Not ideal, I know.
However, if you’ve had your off-roader sometime, and until now, everything’s been fine, then the chances are, there’s something else going on that your local car shop can take a look at.
1. Piston Failure/Worn Piston Rings
Piston rings are a common denominator for an oil burn problem. The rings are there to seal the gap between the cylinder walls and the pistons themselves. After a time, the pistons can become worn down, which will cause oil to leak into the combustion chamber, resulting in a faster oil burn than normal.
2. Oil Leak
Another common cause for fast oil burn is a leak. This can happen when the gaskets have deteriorated. These leaks will usually start small and worsen over time, but before you know it, you’ll burn more oil than you should.
3. Prolonged Idling
If you have a habit of leaving your Jeep idle for long periods, the oil will eventually start to break down. Then, when you finally come to drive your vehicle, the engine won’t be sufficiently lubricated, causing a faster oil burn. It’s advised not to leave your Jeep idle for prolonged periods.
4. Wrong Oil
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often I’ve heard of people experiencing rapid oil burn because they’ve used the wrong oil grade. Using a lower-grade oil than is recommended for your car means it will break down quicker and burn out faster.
5. Bad Habits
Lastly, your lousy driving habits could increase the oil burn rate in your Jeep if you’re a bit of a reckless driver. This is because of the constant stress you’re putting on the engine, meaning it has to work overtime, therefore burning oil faster.
Oil Burn – The Effects and Consequences
If you don’t address the oil burn as soon as you notice it, it can lead to severe and hazardous consequences.
When the oil is burning at such a rapid rate, it means the engine isn’t receiving a sufficient amount of oil, damaging its internal components, which could eventually lead to engine failure—an expensive outlay for any car owner.
Aside from that, the oil burn itself will be pretty costly, as you’ll be going through way more than you should be. Although it might sound like a hindrance, I highly recommend regularly checking the oil level and topping it up regularly.
What Can You Do?
There are a few possible solutions that owners can do to address the oil burn issue.
- Check Levels – The first is what we’ve already covered and basically requires you to keep an eye on the oil level after every journey. This will prevent you from running low on oil.
- Thicker Oil – Using more viscous oil can reduce the rate at which the oil burns. However, doing this on a regular basis could lead to other potential problems.
- Contact Jeep – You could try to contact Jeep about this issue or file an official complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You never know; if enough people complain, they may have to recall after all.
The Outcome So Far
The Jeep Renegades oil burn problem is undoubtedly something that should be addressed by the company directly. However, due to the amount of hassle this would be and the cost, for the time being, it’s a problem you’ll have to deal with for the time being.
Hopefully, if enough people put in complaints about this problem, that will push Jeep to come up with a solution and perhaps even recall the affected vehicles.
The be-all and end-all is that Jeep’s response to this whole situation has been highly disappointing, especially for those who’ve owned Jeeps for many years. There is even a rumor that some extremely disgruntled owners have already filed a lawsuit against the company, claiming they knew about the problem before the car’s release.