Problems · by component

2018 Jeep Renegade electrical system problems

131 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Jeep Renegade cite electrical system, 30% of all 444 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
131
30% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Backup camera screen went out 2 months after purchasing. I googled and multiple forums including Reddit had 2018 renegade owners reporting the same thing Definitely a safety issue when half the screen is out. Unable to use backup camera as purposed for safe driving It also makes it diffCult and thus unsafe to make selections on the touch screen for radio Bluetooth and other important settings Screens and cameras are supposed to make it safer for drivers. In this case, it is a hazard! It only gets worse the while screen goes out the longer the jeep is in use”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 13, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11749992
“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. Their diagnostic scan tool commands failed, and electronic connector testing proved an open resistor and a faulty, high-resistance motor.Inspections: The vehicle and component have been inspected and verified by the independent service center. No police or insurance representatives were involved as I successfully safely towed the vehicle before a collision occurred.Warning Lamps & Symptoms: There were no symptoms prior to the failure. The problem appeared suddenly while idling. The dashboard cluster…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 24, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11746210
“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 failure mileage was approximately 79,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 20, 2026Electrical systemODI 11725758
“UConnect screen is out. Started glitching but now it is completely black yet the touch part of it is responsive?? Now if only i could remember EXACTLY where everything is located and in what order.. haha. Not. Also I have no backup camera view, not being able to see what temp my ac/heat is at or which mode it is on. What time is it even? How do i turn on the passenger heated seat for my daughter in the mornings and evenings when the temperature outside is below zero? How do i know where my next turn is when i am driving to a destination with my children and this is the first time i have ever seen, much less been on this road? It sucks!! And my android auto is no longer an option... music?? The safety i could put myself and others in by having to look at and use my phone to change songs, artists, podcasts, make a call or change a gps route... not cool! Also the "fog light" running light on my passenger side does not work at times despite having changed the bulb, wiring, even though the fog light works just fine? And i have often felt like my transmission was slipping when accelerating from stop signs or at other times and that is insane considering the vehicle…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 7, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11722730
“A faulty tail light connection to ground can cause a fire hazard, potentially affecting the circuit board. I noticed a burning plastic smell emanating from the back tail light one day, which I believe originated from this connection. If left unrepaired, this could potentially start a fire.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 21, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11712520
“While driving the moving vehicle on 3 occasions my vehicle has stalled out with me driving it, however there is a recall online for the same year, make and model of my vehicle for the same exact problems I am experiencing and I am being told that there are no recalls for my VIN. This is a problem since (let me repeat myself) online a recall for same year, make and model experiencing the exact problems with vehicle stalling and shutting off while driving. This is a serious issue and I keep getting the run around from Jeep corporation not insuring the safety of their vehicles and the people that own them.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 9, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11709893

Showing 6 of 131 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Electrical system: front underhood

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Aug 9, 2018NHTSA 18V524000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.