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2018 Jeep Renegade brakes problems

severe Owners of the 2018 Jeep Renegade have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →

Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
brakes complaints on the Jeep Renegade, by model year
Model yearbrakes complaints
2015 Renegade 10
2016 Renegade 4
2017 Renegade 11
2018 Renegade (this page) 11
2019 Renegade 4
2crashes
2fires
What stands out

Of the 5 model years of Jeep Renegade we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 11.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.

Service Bulletin 09-003-23 Jan 2023

2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the following: Oil pressure low indicator lamp illumination between oil changes. Excessive oil consumption. This bulletin involves performing an oil consumption verification test and possibly replacing the long block.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 08-064-21 Apr 2021

Flash: Radio Frequency Hub Module (RFHM) Enhancements This bulletin involves reprogramming the RFHM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) has been set:B1053-64 RFHM (Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) Communication) - Signal Plausibility Failure (Software has been updated to better address this DTC). In addition, the customer may notice the following condition(s): Service Passive Entry Light" on cluster and MIL code B1053-64. Vehicle will not shut off with DTC B1053-64. Vehicle may not start with DTC B1053-64. With the ignition i

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 0806421 Apr 2021

Flash: Radio Frequency Hub Module (RFHM) Enhancements This bulletin involves reprogramming the RFHM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) has been set:B1053-64 RFHM (Keyless Ignition Node (KIN) Communication) - Signal Plausibility Failure (Software has been updated to better address this DTC). In addition, the customer may notice the following condition(s): Service Passive Entry Light" on cluster and MIL code B1053-64. Vehicle will not shut off with DTC B1053-64. Vehicle may not start with DTC B1053-64. With the ignition i

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 05-001-20 Oct 2020

Replacement of Front and Rear Wheel Speed Sensors Due to Oxidation or Water Intrusion Setting Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) This bulletin involves replacing all four wheel speed sensors due to oxidation or water intrusion into the sensor. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).B1 vehicles may have the following DTCs:C0031-01 - Left front speed sensor - General electrical failure. C0031-29 - Left front speed sensor - Invalid signal. C0034-01 - Right front speed sensor - General electrical failure. C0034-29 - Right front speed sensor - Invalid sig

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 9004172 Nov 2019

ROTOR, Brake, Rear Counter bore hole on the original rotor is used during production to locate the rotor during assembly, it is not required for service. 2AMV8043A$ can be used for this application.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

The failure pattern owners describe

Owners of 2018 Jeep Renegades describe multiple distinct brake failures across the fleet. The most common complaint involves brake warning lights—particularly the Hill-Start Assist or parking brake service light—illuminating repeatedly or staying on even after dealer repair. Several owners report that dealerships cannot replicate the faults or find diagnostic trouble codes, yet the warnings recur.

Brake booster failure appears in at least one case, where the pedal became hard and unresponsive, requiring replacement. ABS module faults are also reported, with one owner experiencing vehicle stalling, inability to exceed 45 mph, and flashing ABS warnings. Automatic parking brake systems fail to disengage in at least one case, leaving the vehicle immobilized.

Rotor grooving is another pattern: multiple owners report severe grooving at very low mileage (24,000–28,000 miles) despite pads appearing unworn, with a grinding feel during braking. One owner reported brake ineffectiveness during braking in traffic, leading to a rear-end collision and a subsequent engine fire.

Owners describe dealerships dismissing early complaints, blaming temperature swings, or failing to diagnose issues. Warranty coverage disputes and out-of-pocket repair costs are common frustrations. At least one owner contacted corporate customer care and FCA after multiple repair attempts.

Same Jeep Renegade brakes reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017

Failure modes owners describe

Hill-Start Assist and parking brake warning lights recurring

Service lights illuminate repeatedly, often immediately after dealership repair. Owners report dealerships cannot replicate the fault or identify diagnostic codes, yet warnings return within days of pickup.

When: As early as 5 days post-repair; incidents reported across various mileages

Symptoms owners cite: Hill-Start Assist light coming on multiple times a day; Parking brake service light illuminating with loud beeps while driving; Lights turning off then returning during same drive; Vehicle becoming non-drivable when light appears

Codes mentioned:

Repairs/costs cited: Brake light switch replacement attempted; ABS module replacement proposed as recurring problem source; dealerships unable to replicate or diagnose in some cases

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty repair authorized in one case; owner contacted FCA corporate after multiple failures (Claim #57935124); ABS module replacement offered as eventual solution in one narrative

Brake booster failure

Brake booster loses function, causing pedal to become hard and unresponsive, then drops to floorboard with loss of braking pressure.

When: Approximately 30,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Hissing sound from brake pedal area; Brake pedal becomes firm and difficult to depress; Brake pedal goes to floorboard despite added pressure; Vehicle coasts to stop with no effective braking

Codes mentioned:

Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster replacement required

ABS module malfunction with vehicle stalling

ABS module fault causes vehicle to stall, limits acceleration to 45 mph, produces flashing ABS warning light, and leaves brake pedal stuck in depressed position.

When: Approximately 45,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls during driving; Vehicle fails to accelerate above 45 mph; Slow acceleration response; Brake pedal remains depressed; ABS warning light flashing on and off

Codes mentioned:

Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement required

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted; owner referred to NHTSA hotline

Automatic parking brake failure to disengage

Electronic parking brake shows as disengaged on display but fails to release mechanically, leaving vehicle immobilized. Owner reports this is a known problem and suspects a recall may be issued.

When: Not specified

Symptoms owners cite: Service automatic parking brake system message displayed; Parking brake will not disengage despite button actuation; Vehicle cannot be moved

Codes mentioned:

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; dealership had not completed diagnosis at time of report

Brake rotor grooving at low mileage

Deep, severe grooving appears on brake rotors at 24,000–28,000 miles despite brake pads appearing unworn and no evidence of hard braking or outside cause. Owners report grinding sensation during braking.

When: 24,000–28,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Deep grooves visible on both front rotors; Grinding feel when braking; No visible pad wear despite rotor damage

Codes mentioned:

Repairs/costs cited: Rotor replacement required; pads appear new; defective pads diagnosed by two technicians at different locations in one case

Brake ineffectiveness during driving/brake failure

Brake pedal fails to slow vehicle adequately during normal braking in traffic, resulting in rear-end collision and subsequent engine fire.

When: Not specified

Symptoms owners cite: Brakes did not effectively slow vehicle approaching traffic light; Vehicle rear-ended car ahead at low speed (10–15 mph); Engine fire followed

Codes mentioned:

Repairs/costs cited: Collision occurred; vehicle burned; no repair attempted

Brake pedal hissing and stiffness with multiple warning lights

Hissing sound from brake pedal area coincides with pedal becoming firm and difficult to depress. Multiple dashboard warnings appear simultaneously: check engine, ESC service, Hill-Start service, and traction control lights.

When: Approximately 60,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Hissing sound from brake pedal; Brake pedal firm and difficult to depress; Check engine light; Service ESC light; Service Hill-Start light; Traction control warning light; Loose steering wheel at idle and during steering

Codes mentioned:

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle pending dealer service at time of report; not yet repaired

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not yet notified

Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 0 most recent

Had brakes trouble with your 2018 Jeep Renegade? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the brakes problem on the 2018 Jeep Renegade?

It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.

At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?

Based on the 11 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 27,269 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to brakes?

No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.

Related

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Jeep/Renegade. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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