Recall 16V545 affects 8,581 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade vehicles with trailer hitches missing fasteners. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 8,581 2015-2016 Renegade SUVs because the factory trailer hitch was installed with only one fastener per side instead of three. With too few fasteners, the hitch assembly can separate from the vehicle and leave a trailer improperly connected, which raises crash risk; Jeep dealers will inspect and repair the hitch free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The trailer hitch on a 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade is the rear-mounted metal assembly that connects the vehicle to a trailer or hitch-mounted accessory. It is supposed to be bolted firmly to the rear structure so towing loads stay spread across the mounting points on both sides of the vehicle.
On affected Renegades with the factory-installed optional trailer hitch package, the hitch assembly was not secured with all of the required hardware. The filing says the assembly was installed with only a single fastener per side instead of three per side. With fewer attachment points than designed, the hitch can loosen because the load is concentrated where the missing fasteners should have carried it.
Owners can notice a rattling noise from the rear of the vehicle while driving. That noise is the warning sign to take seriously, especially if the vehicle has a trailer hitch installed.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2015 and 2016 model years with the same trailer-hitch component.
| 2015 Jeep Renegade | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| 2016 Jeep Renegade | Trailer hitches |
| Units affected | 8,581 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the trailer hitch lacks the proper fasteners, the hitch assembly can separate from the Jeep, leaving the towed vehicle no longer properly connected and increasing crash risk. A rattling noise from the rear while driving is the warning sign to take seriously; avoid towing until the dealer repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free trailer-hitch fastener repair that secures the hitch to the vehicle.
- Reference recall number 16V545 and Jeep recall S62 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Jeep mailed one.
- Avoid towing until the dealer installs the additional trailer-hitch fasteners.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jeep technician installs two additional fasteners on each side of the trailer hitch assembly, bringing the attachment points to the required setup. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. If you've already paid out of pocket for this trailer hitch attachment repair, the owner letter asks customers to send the original receipt or other proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 20, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 13, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V545?
Recall 16V545 covers 8,581 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade vehicles with the factory-installed optional trailer hitch package. The hitch assembly was attached with one fastener per side instead of the required three, which can let the hitch separate while towing. Jeep dealers will add the missing fasteners for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Renegade is included in recall 16V545. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer and ask for recall S62. The dealer will install two additional fasteners per side on the trailer hitch assembly at no cost.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 16V545, a franchised Jeep dealer will install the missing trailer hitch fasteners free of charge, including parts and labor.
Is it safe to tow with my 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade before the repair?
If your VIN is included, avoid towing until the recall repair is complete. The trailer hitch assembly was not secured with the required fasteners, so the hitch can separate from the vehicle and leave the towed vehicle improperly connected, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought my Jeep Renegade used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Renegade is included, then call a franchised Jeep dealer and reference recall 16V545 or Jeep recall S62.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V545000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V545 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V545000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →