Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems: The 2018 Jeep Renegade has been reported to have issues with its transmission, engine, and electrical system.
The NHTSA has issued two recalls for this model, addressing defects such as fuel delivery and electrical system problems.
Owners have also reported various problems that impact the overall reliability and performance of the vehicle.
Continue reading to learn more about the common issues with the 2018 Jeep Renegade and their effects on drivers.
Common 2018 Jeep Renegade Problems
- Engine: Stalling, loud engine noises, and hesitation during acceleration
- Electrical System: Sudden loss of power, and malfunctioning dashboard lights
- Transmission: Cracked fluid lines, leaky seals, bad gasket, broken drain plug, damaged torque converter pump, faulty transmission pan
2018 Jeep Renegade Engine Problems
Several 2018 Jeep Renegade models have encountered engine problems, notably issues related to fuel pressure loss, stalling, engine noises, and hesitation during acceleration.
Chrysler previously issued a recall involving 2018 4X2 flex fuel/E85 Jeep Renegade models equipped with 2.4L engines. The recall was due to a manufacturing defect in the fuel pump assembly.
This defect can lead to a loss of fuel pressure under specific conditions, such as high-power demand at high altitudes or in high temperatures. The NHTSA recall campaign number for this issue is 18V731.
2018 Jeep Renegade Electrical System Problems
Some owners of the 2018 Jeep Renegade have reported issues with their vehicle’s electrical systems, including sudden power loss and malfunctioning dashboard lights. These problems may originate from defective wiring or defective electrical components.
If not addressed, these problems can lead to significant vehicle damage, including the risk of an electrical fire. To ensure safety, it is crucial for a professional mechanic to resolve any electrical issues.
A recall was previously issued for certain 2018 Jeep Renegade units due to an electrical system defect involving the voltage alternator.
The powertrain control module in these vehicles may contain a voltage regulator chip that can fail, resulting in stalling or a no-start condition.
Chrysler will provide a free replacement of the powertrain control module through authorized dealers. The NHTSA recall campaign number for this issue is 18V524.
2018 Jeep Renegade Transmission Problems
The 2018 Jeep Renegade’s 9-speed automatic transmission has been known to be prone to various problems, including slow shifting, hard shifts, hesitation, shuddering, jerking, and even complete transmission failure.
Some drivers have found that updating or replacing the transmission software can mitigate these problems. If your vehicle experiences transmission issues, it’s crucial to take it to an authorized dealership for repair work as soon as you become aware of them.
‘18 Renegade Owner Complaints
“Engine is the big problem. When I drive the engine randomly shuts off without any warning. I’ve been on the freeway when it shuts down and I don’t have enough time to get over to safety. And I fear for my life every time it happens. It’s a safety hazard for others around me as well because my car stops without warning and others are going full speed around me. We have taken it do the dealership, service center, auto shops and no one has an answer or solution for us. We took it to the jeep service center and they didn’t know what was going on. Other than that we haven’t taken it to a manufacturer. There were so symptoms or warnings before this was happening.”
“When it is raining, the vehicle shuts down and service warning lights come on. The Service Engine, Service Transmission, Service Hill Assist, Service Parking Break lights come on. The vehicle will start, but won’t go into drive and no fuel flows into the engine to give enough power to move. After about 30 minutes, the vehicle might run, but it will shift very hard and the Transmission won’t fully engage. After 45 minutes, all the warning lights go off, except for the check engine light, and the car is driveable. This ONLY happens in the rain or after a car wash.”
“I bought a Jeep Renegade 4×4 2018 and it was absolute trash. It was constantly in the shop or having some type of issues. It looks nice on the inside and outside, but mechanically, it is awful. The transmission randomly jerks hard enough to throw your head into the steering wheel. The key fob does not work half the time to unlock the door or be connected to turn the vehicle on even after multiple key fob replacements. The headlights randomly shut off in the middle of the night. The sunroof only closes when it feels like it. These are cheaper vehicles and you might think you are getting a bargain, but they are made with very cheap parts. I ran across many many issues with this car, even after having many different parts replaced MULTIPLE times. Unless you want to stay in the shop or spend more money fixing it than it is worth, I would steer clear.”
Maximizing the Lemon Law Benefits
Most states in the United States have what is known as a “lemon law” that enables consumers to take action against manufacturers for defective vehicles.
Your 2018 Jeep Renegade may be considered a lemon and you might be entitled to compensation if it has an ongoing defect that cannot be resolved despite multiple repairs under the manufacturer’s original warranty.
To begin the lemon law process, you must identify a defect and attempt to repair it repeatedly at an authorized manufacturer dealership.
If the vehicle has undergone a reasonable number of repair attempts—typically between two to four—you might qualify for compensation, as your vehicle could be classified as a lemon. Under such circumstances, you are entitled to receive a refund or a replacement vehicle.
If successful in negotiations or court proceedings, you could receive a refund reimbursing you all money spent on the vehicle inclusive of the down payment, monthly payments, taxes and interest.
Incidental expenses such as registration renewal fees and costs related to the lemon such as rental car or tow car expenses may also be reimbursed.
With a replacement vehicle, the lemon is swapped for one that is substantially similar. Here, the consumer is typically responsible for any difference in price.
With both the refund and replacement remedies, the manufacturer is able to deduct a usage fee, which is the value for when the vehicle was first driven without problems causing it to be a lemon.
A skilled lemon law attorney can assist in your case and represent you effectively if legal action is necessary. Manufacturers often deploy strong legal teams to contest claims, making professional legal representation critical for securing rightful compensation.
Don’t Drive a Lemon! Get Help from Qualified Attorneys
Enlisting the help of a skilled attorney can streamline your case by organizing important documentation, ensuring deadlines are met, facilitating communication with the manufacturer, and providing court representation if necessary.
In California, consumers who win lemon law cases are not responsible for attorney fees or costs, making legal representation financially risk-free.
For those seeking lemon law legal representation, the Lemon Law Experts are leaders in the field. Since 2009, our team has secured millions in settlements for clients who purchased or leased defective vehicles in California. We regularly settle successful lemon law claims against Jeep and other major auto manufacturers.
Time is incredibly important in lemon law cases. Contact us at (877) 885-5366 or submit a form online for a complimentary case evaluation today.
