Owners have reported 16 crashes, 8 fires and 13 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Jeep Renegade. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints112
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Jeep Renegade frequently report issues with the infotainment system, particularly the Uconnect screen and backup camera, which often glitch, go partially blank, or fail completely. These problems typically manifest around 60,000 to 84,000 miles, with symptoms including a black or streaked screen, inability to use the backup camera, and erratic touchscreen behavior affecting controls for climate and audio systems. Additionally, multiple owners describe electrical fires linked to tail light assembly failures and interior panel fires, with one incident resulting in injury. Complaints also mention engine stalling without warning, which can occur at various speeds and poses a risk of collision. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, especially given their implications for safety and repair costs.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 5 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints104
ENGINE
Owners report that the 2018 Jeep Renegade frequently experiences excessive oil consumption, with many noting the need to add oil every 1,000 to 2,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention engine stalling, often without warning, which can occur at various speeds, including highway driving, and sometimes results in loss of motive power and steering lock-up. These issues are often linked to low oil levels, despite recent oil changes, with some owners indicating that oil consumption tests have failed to resolve the problem. Typical failure mileage ranges from approximately 20,000 to over 80,000 miles. The stalling and loss of power raise safety concerns, particularly when occurring at high speeds or in traffic. This information is critical for used car buyers considering this model year.
Owner complaints60
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Jeep Renegade frequently report issues with the infotainment touchscreen, including delamination, blank screens, and malfunctioning backup cameras. These problems often result in loss of control over vehicle settings and functions such as Bluetooth and climate control. Complaints typically describe the screen becoming unresponsive or displaying vertical lines, with some owners noting the onset of issues shortly after purchase or within a few years of ownership. Safety implications are noted, particularly concerning the inability to use the backup camera, which is crucial for reversing safely. Additionally, multiple owners mention stalling issues, often associated with high oil consumption and occurring in traffic, posing a risk of collisions.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints58
POWER TRAIN
Owners report frequent issues with the power train of the 2018 Jeep Renegade, with many describing the vehicle stalling or shutting down while driving, often without warning. Symptoms commonly include the vehicle losing power, dashboard warning lights activating, and the need to restart the engine, sometimes multiple times, to regain functionality. These incidents occur at various speeds, including highway conditions, and typically begin appearing around 50,000 to 75,000 miles. Several complaints mention safety implications, such as the risk of collisions due to sudden loss of control or power, especially in traffic or at high speeds. Additionally, a number of owners note issues with the transmission, including slipping gears and delayed shifting, which further contributes to concerns about the vehicle's reliability.
Owner complaints25
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Jeep Renegade frequently report issues related to the fuel system, primarily involving fuel pump failures. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling while in motion, difficulty starting, and inaccurate fuel gauge readings, with some owners noting the vehicle indicates fuel when it is actually empty. These problems often appear around 60,000 miles, though some are reported much earlier. Safety implications are notable, as multiple complaints describe the car stalling in traffic, sometimes at highway speeds, posing a risk of collision. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for unexpected vehicle shutdowns.
Owner complaints11
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Jeep Renegade frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly involving the power steering locking up or becoming stiff. Symptoms often include the steering wheel becoming difficult or impossible to move, sometimes accompanied by warning lights such as "Hill Assist Needs Service" and "Traction Control." These issues are reported by owners with vehicles at various mileage levels, including some as low as 4,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one report involving a crash due to the vehicle shutting off and causing the steering to stiffen. Buyers should be aware of the potential for sudden loss of steering control while driving, which poses a risk of accidents.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints11
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Jeep Renegade report several issues related to the service brakes, with a common problem being a hissing sound and a firm brake pedal, often making it difficult to depress. Some complaints describe the brake pedal going to the floorboard, leading to a loss of braking capability. Issues with the automatic parking brake system and grooved brake rotors are also frequently mentioned. The complaints reveal safety implications, including two crashes and two instances of fire, with failures typically occurring between 6,700 to 60,000 miles. These patterns suggest potential safety risks that prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 2 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints9
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 Jeep Renegade frequently report issues with airbag deployment during crashes, with numerous complaints indicating that airbags failed to deploy in various collision scenarios, including frontal, side, and rear impacts. Symptoms described by owners include airbags not activating during high-impact crashes, leading to injuries such as head trauma, knee injuries, and chest damage. These incidents often occur at highway speeds, and one report mentions a fire following a collision. The mileage at the time of these events varies, but one report specifies approximately 24,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with all complaints involving crashes and several resulting in injuries, highlighting a potential risk for buyers considering a used 2018 Jeep Renegade.
Severity signals: 9 crash, 1 fire, 9 injury reports
Owner complaints6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2018 Jeep Renegade frequently report issues with the vehicle unexpectedly stalling or losing acceleration, often at highway speeds. Typical symptoms include a sudden inability to accelerate, the vehicle stalling without warning lights, and instances where the cruise control fails to function. Complaints often mention these issues occurring at relatively low mileages, such as 5,200 miles and 42,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of vehicles stalling in traffic or on highways, posing risks of collisions. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially considering that some vehicles experiencing these issues are not covered under existing recalls.
Owner complaints5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2018 Jeep Renegade report several engine and cooling-related issues. Commonly described symptoms include sudden engine shut-offs while driving, overheating with associated warning lights, and oil leaks or consumption problems. Several complaints mention issues with the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) and coolant mixing with oil, leading to significant engine damage. These problems often occur at mileages ranging from approximately 41,000 to 131,350 miles. Safety implications are noted, such as engine stalling in traffic, which could pose risks during driving. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential issues and verify if repairs or recalls have been addressed.
