Last updated: 2026-07-25

2018 Jeep Renegade
RELIABILITY SCORE: 65/100 (GOOD)

2018 Jeep Renegade Reliability Report

The 2018 Jeep Renegade scores 65/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 440 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

2

Complaints

440

Complaint Rate

45.3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$498

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,400–$2,850

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity41/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity70/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (112)
  • ENGINE (104)
  • POWER TRAIN (58)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 4)

2018 is year 4 of the First generation (BU).

  • Redesigned for the 2015 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • A refresh arrives in 2019.
  • 1st generation Renegade (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2015: First generation (BU) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is year 4 of the First generation (BU).

2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2018 Jeep Renegade?

At 65/100, the 2018 Jeep Renegade lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2018 is year 4 of the First generation (BU).

Its complaint rate of 45.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the SUV segment average of 27.1. The most common reports involve electrical system (112).

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (112). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2019 Jeep Renegade, which scored 10 points higher.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (9%)
  • +Low recall count

Cons

  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (112 complaints)
  • ENGINE issues reported (104 complaints)

Compare 2018 Jeep Renegade With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (112)
  • ENGINE (104)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2018 Jeep Renegade carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

45.3

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 27.1

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

16

Crashes

8

Fires

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Jeep Renegade Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Jeep Renegade. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

18V7310002018-10-17

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Jeep Renegade 4X2 flex fuel/E85 vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine. In certain operating conditions such as high power demand in conjunction with high altitude and/or high ambient temperatures, a manufacturing error in the fuel pump assembly may result in a loss of fuel pressure.

Consequence

A loss of fuel pressure can cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UB2.

18V5240002018-08-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Consequence

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Jeep Renegade? Check its history first

Every 2018 Jeep Renegade has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2018 Jeep Renegade NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 23.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Pelvis/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Jeep RenegadeRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$498

vs $466 avg for subcompact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

9%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Renegade
$498
Category Avg
$466
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Jeep Renegade Resale Value

The Jeep Renegade is estimated to retain about 69.7% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Jeep Renegade model overall and is not specific to the 2018 model year.

Value Retained
69.7%

after 5 years

Depreciation
30.3%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
258

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore Jeep Renegade depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

24–26 MPG

Running cost: $2,900–$3,350/yr

Fuel + repair

21–24 city / 29–31 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Renegade 2WD 2.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd223025$2,400
Renegade 2WD 2.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd223025$2,400
Renegade 4WD 2.4L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd212924$2,500
Renegade 2WD 1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd243126$2,850
Renegade 4WD 1.4L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd243126$2,850

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Jeep Renegade.

  • Check for excessive oil consumption by monitoring oil levels over a few weeks

  • Test infotainment system for screen delamination and random setting changes

  • Inspect for any signs of fuel pump issues, such as stalling or difficulty starting

  • Verify that all recalls have been addressed, especially those related to engine and fuel systems

  • Test drive the vehicle to check for any unexpected stalling or loss of power

  • Inspect brake rotors for grooves and ensure brake system functions properly

2018 Jeep Renegade Common Problems by Component

440 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

112
104
60
58
50
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (112)ENGINE (104)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (60)POWER TRAIN (58)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (25)STEERING (11)SERVICE BRAKES (11)FUEL SYSTEM (9)Other (50)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

112 complaintsSafety-related

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.

112 complaints total1 crash5 fires2 injuries

ENGINE

104 complaints

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.

104 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

60 complaintsSafety-related

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.

60 complaints total1 crash1 injury
POWER TRAIN (58 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

58 complaints

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.

58 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (25 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

25 complaints

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.

25 complaints total
STEERING (11 complaints)

STEERING

11 complaintsSafety-related

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.

11 complaints total1 crash
SERVICE BRAKES (11 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

11 complaintsSafety-related

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.

11 complaints total2 crashes2 fires
AIR BAGS (9 complaints)

AIR BAGS

9 complaintsSafety-related

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.

9 complaints total9 crashes1 fire9 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 complaints

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.

6 complaints total
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (5 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 complaints

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.

5 complaints total

When Do 2018 Jeep Renegade Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

1,000–20,000 milesExcessive oil consumption
19,000–50,000 milesInfotainment system failures
42,000–60,000 milesFuel pump failures

Best & Worst Jeep Renegade Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Jeep Renegade Years to Buy

The best Jeep Renegade year is 2023 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2022 (76/100) and 2021 (75/100).

Jeep Renegade Years to Avoid

The worst Jeep Renegade year is 2018 with a score of 65/100, primarily due to electrical system (112) issues.

65
Good

2018

(Current Model)

2Recalls
440Complaints

Jeep Renegade Reliability Score Trend

Jeep Renegade reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 74/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Jeep Renegade reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201865/100Good
201975/100Good
202075/100Good
202175/100Good
202276/100Good
202377/100Good

Jeep Renegade Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202377/100+1Good220
202276/100+1Good224
202175/1000Good264
202075/1000Good362
201975/100+10Good477
2018(selected)65/100Good2440

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Jeep Renegade reliable?
The 2018 Jeep Renegade has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 65/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 440 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Jeep Renegade?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Jeep Renegade include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (112 complaints), ENGINE (104 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (60 complaints), POWER TRAIN (58 complaints), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (25 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2018 Jeep Renegade have?
The 2018 Jeep Renegade has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2018 Jeep Renegade expensive to maintain?
The 2018 Jeep Renegade has estimated annual repair costs of $498/year, which is $32 more than the subcompact SUVs average of $466. With a reliability score of 65/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2018 Jeep Renegade without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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