Recall 21V645 affects 304 2019-2021 Renegade Villagio and Vienna RVs because exhaust heat can melt storage boxes. Repair is free at a franchised Renegade dealer.
Renegade is recalling 304 2019-2021 Villagio and Vienna recreational vehicles because exhaust heat can melt the storage box or start a fire. The defect increases the risk of injury, and Renegade dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The heat shield kit on the 2019-2021 Renegade Villagio and Vienna recreational vehicles is meant to protect the storage compartment box above the exhaust. That box sits close enough to the exhaust path that it needs a barrier, exhaust insulation wrap, and mounting hardware to limit heat transfer during normal operation.
The problem happens during the diesel regeneration cycle, when exhaust temperatures rise to burn off soot in the emissions system. On affected vehicles in NHTSA campaign 21V645, that heat reaches the storage box without enough shielding. The box can melt or catch on fire, which turns an exhaust heat issue into a structure and fire risk near stored items.
Owners can notice a smell or smoke before the compartment box overheats. Treat either sign as a warning that heat is reaching the storage area, not as normal diesel operation.
Who's affected?
Covers the Villagio and Vienna lines across the 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years, all tied to the same heat shield kit.
| 2020 Renegade Villagio | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2019 Renegade Villagio | body or structural component |
| 2021 Renegade Villagio | body or structural component |
| 2019 Renegade Vienna | body or structural component |
| 2020 Renegade Vienna | body or structural component |
| 2021 Renegade Vienna | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 304 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorhome is included.
What's the safety risk?
An overheated storage box can melt or catch fire, increasing the risk of injury. Smell or smoke near the storage compartment is the warning sign to take seriously: stop using the vehicle and contact a dealer for repair guidance. Repair is free at any franchised Renegade dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Renegade Villagio or Vienna is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Renegade dealer to schedule the free heat-shield repair that protects the storage box from exhaust heat.
- Bring the recall notice if Renegade mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V645 when you call.
- Avoid using the affected storage box until the dealer installs the heat shield.
- Call Renegade customer service at 1-574-966-0196 with questions about the free repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Renegade technician adds a heat shield under the storage compartment box so exhaust heat is separated from that compartment. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Renegade also lists compensation for 2 hours of labor at the current labor rate for the heat shield install. If you already paid for this repair, submit the completed install payment request and repair paperwork to renegadewarrantyclaims@renegaderv.com.
| Estimated time at dealer | 120 minutes |
|---|---|
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
Timeline
| August 17, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 6, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| October 6, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 15, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 5, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V645?
Recall 21V645 covers 304 2019-2021 Renegade Villagio and Vienna recreational vehicles with a storage box near the exhaust that can melt or catch fire. Renegade dealers will add a heat shield under the storage compartment box for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Renegade Villagio or Vienna is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific recreational vehicle is included in recall 21V645. If it is, contact a franchised Renegade dealer to schedule the heat shield installation under the storage compartment box. Reference recall number 21V645 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and this remedy is listed as free of charge. A Renegade dealer will add the heat shield under the storage compartment box without charging for parts or labor.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V645?
The safety risk is fire or injury from heat near the storage box. Exhaust temperatures can melt the storage box or cause it to catch fire. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair and ask the dealer for guidance before your next trip.
When were owners notified about recall 21V645?
Owner notification letters were mailed on April 5, 2022. If you bought the recreational vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Kibbi customer service is listed at 1-574-966-0196.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V645000 |
|---|---|
| Renegade customer service | 1-574-966-0196 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V645 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V645000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →