Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Jeep Renegade owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that after his daughter had driven the vehicle, parked, and powered off, 7 hours later, the interior passenger side panel of the door was engulfed in flames, which had by that time blackened the glass. The driver's boyfriend witnessed the flames originating from the glove compartment and attempted to extinguish the fire by hand, which failed but resulted in him sustaining injury to his right hand. The boyfriend was eventually able to extinguish the flames by disconnecting the battery. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard but had yet to be deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A fire report was not filed. A police report was not filed, but injuries were reported. …
The contact owned a 2018 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she smelled a burning odor and noticed dark smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that as she opened the driver's side door to exit the vehicle, the engine exploded, and the hood opened and caught on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with assistance. The contact sustained an injury to the ankle but did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,400.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled for several seconds and then restarted. The contact stated that prior to the vehicle stalling, while stopped at a traffic light, several unknown warning lights illuminated and then turned off. The failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure and occurred whether driving in a straight line or turning left or right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an alternator check was performed, and the contact was informed that the alternator was functional. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Recently, the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated and remained illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that the screen on the instrument cluster was delaminating. The contact also stated the Bluetooth and USB ports were non-functional. The contact stated that the heater would engage independently and was unable to be turned off. The contact stated that the radio made an abnormal sound and the instrument cluster would make calls independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she had to turn off and restart the vehicle for the instrument cluster to work properly. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the instrument cluster to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that the check engine light had initially appeared on the instrument panel as the dynamic steering torque service, Service ESC system, Service HiIl-Start and the Traction Control warning lights would all appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a hissing sound would emit from the brake pedal as the pedal became firm and difficult to depress. In addition, the contact also stated that the steering wheel was loose while both idle and when steered. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was made to have it serviced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while opening the driver's side door water was leaking from underneath the door, causing electrical issue with the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the computer was replaced; however, the failure persisted. On another occasion, while starting the vehicle, the contact smelled an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but no cause for the issue was found. The contact also stated that the trunk would independently open. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 1,300.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that many different electrical features controlled by the infotainment center were activated independently. The contact stated that the AC/Heating System, defroster, Bluetooth, and several other systems occasionally activated without driver intent. The dealer was informed of the failures; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,202.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the center display screen turned black. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was distorted and changed into different colors. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 84,000.
UNKNOWN Running lights and blinkers. Continually replace bulbs and either burn out black or just stop working. Possible wiring /electrical issues? Dashboard computer works at random. Ongoing for about a year. Last 3 months the dashboard lightning bolt light flashes along with the service engine light. it will lose power to move forward while in motion and at times loses steering power as well. Speed doesn't seem to matter. Can be going 65 mph or 25 mph and happens at random. Usually flashing bolt light disappears after vehicle is turned off and restarted but service engine light remains on for a few days but then disappears after that. Vehicle has been brought in to be repaired and diagnosed several times at different locations but since the warning lights on the dash disappear, the scan device doesn't detect an issue. …
Car has 66,000 miles. Description of the Safety Defect and Incident:Component Malfunction: The radiator cooling fan motor and the low-speed resistor circuit suffered a complete internal electrical failure. The defective part is being removed and is available for inspection upon request.Safety Risk: While idling stationary in live traffic, the vehicle unexpectedly and severely overheated. This created an immediate, dangerous traffic-stall hazard that put my personal safety and the safety of surrounding drivers at risk of a collision.Professional Confirmation: The problem has been fully reproduced, diagnosed, and confirmed by a certified independent service center. …
Related recalls
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Electrical complaints in other Renegade years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2018 Jeep Renegade?
NHTSA has 131 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Jeep Renegade, 30% of the model year's 444 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Jeep Renegade electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-524 (front underhood, Aug 9, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2018 Jeep Renegade electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 15,000 miles, and 64% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.