2018 Jeep Renegade Electrical System Problems
NHTSA has logged 135 electrical system complaints for the 2018 Jeep Renegade, 31% of all complaints filed for the year, including 5 fires and 2 injuries. A related recall (18V524000) covers a powertrain control module replacement.
- Electrical System complaints
- 135
- 31% of 442
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 5
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 15,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report vehicles catching fire while parked, sometimes hours after the engine was shut off, with smoke described as smelling like an electrical fire.
- Multiple complaints describe a burning odor and dark smoke from under the hood or from the glove compartment area, in some cases followed by visible flames.
- Some owners report sudden stalling or loss of acceleration while driving, along with the check engine and transmission warning lights turning on at the same time.
- Several complaints describe the power steering locking up or the steering wheel becoming immovable, accompanied by hill assist and traction control warning lights.
- Owners describe a cascade of dashboard warnings appearing at once (airbag, coolant, fuel, radio) along with power windows and key fob stopping to work.
- Some report the radio and center console controls failing to power on for a few minutes after starting the vehicle.
When 2018 Jeep Renegade electrical complaints were filed
First complaint May 15, 2018, latest Jul 13, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2018 Jeep Renegade
- NHTSA 18V524000Aug 9, 2018Electrical System12,779 vehicles
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 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Electrical System complaints by Renegade model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Jeep Renegade?
- NHTSA lists 135 electrical system complaints for the 2018 Renegade, which is 31% of all 442 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2018 Jeep Renegade's electrical system?
- Yes. Recall 18V524000, reported August 9, 2018, covers the powertrain control module. Chrysler dealers replace the module free of charge, and this recall is not a do-not-drive or park-outside notice.
- Did the electrical problems cause fires?
- NHTSA data shows 5 fires and 2 injuries tied to electrical system complaints for the 2018 Renegade, along with 1 crash.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2018 Renegade is 15,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Is the 2018 Renegade worse than other years for electrical complaints?
- The 31% share of electrical complaints in 2018 is similar to 2016 (30%) and 2017 (29%), but lower than the 34%-50% shares seen in 2019-2023 model years.