No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Jeep Renegade powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Jeep Renegade have filed 58 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 25,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
58
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Renegade | 163 |
| 2016 Renegade | 70 |
| 2017 Renegade | 93 |
| 2018 Renegade (this page) | 58 |
| 2019 Renegade | 7 |
| 2020 Renegade | 7 |
| 2021 Renegade | 6 |
| 2022 Renegade | 6 |
When does it fail?
Of the 58 powertrain complaints filed for the 2018 Jeep Renegade, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 58 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
Customer Satisfaction Notification W20 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Powertrain Control Module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: P1D7F-00 - ETC Self-Learning Failure.(North America only). P0456-00 - EVAP Purge System Small Leak.(North America only). P0441-00 - EVAP Purge System Performance.(North America only). P0440-00 - General EVAP System Failure. (North America only). P0455-00 - EVAP Purge System Large Leak.(North America only). P1CEA-00 - Boost Side EVAP Purge System Performanc
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: P1D7F-00 - ETC Self-Learning Failure.(North America only). P0456-00 - EVAP Purge System Small Leak.(North America only). P0441-00 - EVAP Purge System Performance.(North America only). P0440-00 - General EVAP System Failure. (North America only). P0455-00 - EVAP Purge System Large Leak.(North America only). P1CEA-00 - Boost Side EVAP Purge System Performanc
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Renegade's powertrain is plagued by complete engine shutdowns that occur without warning at highway speeds, in traffic, and during routine driving. Owners describe losing all power, steering, and brake boost, with the dash ordering "vehicle must be in park to shift gears" before the engine can be restarted. These stalls happen repeatedly even after dealership service, debris removal from the transmission pan, and transmission replacement. One owner was stranded three times in one week and forced to pay for two unplanned hotel nights; another's vehicle failed four more times after a transmission replacement and oil service.
Tied to these shutdowns is aggressive oil consumption—the 2.4L engine burns a quart or more every 1,500 miles, causing low oil pressure warnings that trigger immediate shutdown. Owners report adding 3–5 quarts between oil changes despite no visible leaks. Dealers confirm the consumption, tell owners it's "by design," and offer no fix.
Transmission issues range from lockups to hard jerky shifts and failure to engage. One manual transmission owner faced a $2,500–$5,000 repair for clutch and transmission replacement at 54,000 miles with no prior warning. Automatic transmissions shift roughly or go into neutral mid-drive, and PCM/TCM software updates have not stopped recurrence.
Electrical failures compound the hazard: the 15A fuse blows repeatedly, batteries drain or leak, and one owner's vehicle lost all power in traffic. Infotainment screens fail completely. In wet weather, multiple service lights illuminate and the vehicle refuses to move. Dealers cannot replicate most issues once the vehicle leaves the lot, leaving owners stuck paying for diagnostics that go nowhere.
Same Jeep Renegade powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Complete engine shutdown/stalling while driving
Engine cuts power completely and shuts down without warning at various speeds (highway, city, parking lot transitions). Dashboard displays 'shift to park' message, loss of steering power, and need to restart. Occurs intermittently and repeatedly even after dealer service.
When: Across all mileages from 1,300 to 76,000 miles; commonly reported between 2,500-54,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while in motion; Check engine light or service transmission light (sometimes); Loss of steering power during shutdown; 'Vehicle must be in park to shift gears' dashboard message; Speedometer drops to zero; Vehicle requires brake pedal press and push-button restart; No warning before shutdown in most cases
Codes mentioned: P1DD2 (torque request signal from TCM denied), U0402 (implausible data received from TCM), Transmission warning codes (unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate or diagnose; one case involved transmission replacement and fluid service; some owners report debris found in transmission pan; TSB/reprogram attempts on PCM and TCM in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V524000 (electrical system) cited by some owners; one dealership stated problem is well-known but FCA not remedying it; some owners mention prior recalls that allegedly addressed this issue but problem persists
Low oil pressure warning and oil consumption
Vehicle burns excessive amounts of oil between service intervals. Low oil pressure warning light appears and vehicle shuts down. Dealers confirm high oil consumption rates (1 quart per 1,500 miles reported) but claim this is normal for the 2.4L engine design.
When: As early as 2,500 miles; commonly between 12,000-16,000 miles; continues throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure warning light on dashboard; Engine shutdown after low oil pressure warning; Oil level drops 1+ quarts between oil changes; No external oil leaks visible; Engine runs rough or shakes
Codes mentioned: Low oil pressure indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers perform oil consumption monitoring tests; owners report replacing battery, adding oil repeatedly (3-5 quarts at a time); one owner reported battery leaking after extended low-oil driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership advised this is a known issue but FCA not addressing it; dealers have recommended dealership-monitored oil consumption test; no recall identified in VIN searches by owners; some mention computer updates for oil issue released January 2021
Transmission failure and hard shifting
Transmission locks up, shifts hard, fails to engage properly, or goes into neutral without driver input. Occurs under acceleration, during downshifts, or at higher RPM/incline. Clutch pressure plate fracture reported on manual transmission.
When: Early ownership (108 miles reported) to 68,000 miles; manual transmission clutch failure at 54,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission locks up in motion; Hard jerky shifts or grinding noise; Vehicle lunges forward during shifts; Failure to go into gear properly; Transmission goes into neutral without input; Burning smell from clutch (manual transmission); Harsh whining noise on cold start (manual transmission); Clutch pedal pinned to floor (manual transmission)
Codes mentioned: Transmission module fault (replaced in at least one case), Ground failure in transmission (unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: One manual transmission owner faced $2,500–$5,000 repair for new transmission/flywheel replacement at 54,000 miles; PCM/TCM flash updates performed at dealer but failures recurred; transmission module replaced in at least one automatic case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 20V-124 cited for manual transmission clutch; some dealers mentioned Technical Service Bulletins; PCM/TCM software updates attempted; no fix successful in reported cases
Electrical system/power loss and battery drain
Vehicle loses all electrical power, fuse blows repeatedly (15A in fuse box), battery drains when parked or during operation, battery leaks or fails prematurely. Headlights and taillights flash erratically when key fob locked.
When: From a few weeks after purchase to 76,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power; Interior lights dim or go out; No starter/ignition response; No power to dashboard or gauges; 15A fuse blows repeatedly; Battery leaks (smells bad); Headlights/taillights flash on and off erratically; Unable to start vehicle
Codes mentioned: ETC (electronic throttle control) warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse replacements (15A fuse blown multiple times); battery replacement required; jump-starting partially effective; one owner replaced battery and continued having drain issues
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V524000 (electrical system) mentioned by one owner; no manufacturer response documented in narratives
Infotainment/UConnect screen failure
UConnect touchscreen display goes black or becomes unresponsive, cutting off access to climate controls, backup camera, Android Auto, navigation, and audio.
When: Variable; one case reported under 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Screen turns black but remains touch-responsive; Backup camera not functional; Climate control readout unavailable; Android Auto/music controls unavailable; Navigation display gone
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided; owner still seeking resolution
Transmission fluid leak/contamination
Transmission fluid level low without observable leak; debris found in transmission pan requiring full transmission replacement.
When: Within first year of ownership; as early as 2,700 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid quart low; Debris in transmission pan
Codes mentioned: Transmission code (unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement required; transmission removed and replaced after debris inspection
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler advised full transmission replacement per dealer request
Stalling on acceleration/deceleration and loss of drive
Vehicle stalls when accelerating from stop, decelerating, or coming to a stop. D light flashes before stall. Loss of fuel delivery or transmission response.
When: Various mileages; as early as 6 miles; reported at 17,500 miles, 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling when accelerating from dead stop; Stalling when decelerating or coming to stop; D light flashing on dashboard; Loss of fuel flow to engine; No power to move forward; Vehicle rolls backward on incline even with brakes applied; Rough restart with high idle
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs documented; dealer unable to replicate in most cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB for transmission mentioned in one case; no effective recalls identified
Lighting system malfunction
Running lights, blinkers, and fog lights burn out or stop working repeatedly despite bulb replacement. Passenger-side fog light intermittent despite working fog light and bulb/wiring replacement.
When: Ongoing issue over approximately one year; reported under 95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Bulbs burn out black or stop working; Repeated bulb replacements required; Running lights and blinkers fail intermittently; Fog light (passenger side) works inconsistently despite bulb/wiring changes
Codes mentioned: Dashboard lightning bolt indicator flashing (electrical)
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb replacements, wiring inspections, and connector checks performed without resolution
Electrical failure in rain/wet conditions
Vehicle shuts down or severely limits operation only when it rains or after car wash. Multiple service warning lights illuminate. No fuel flows to engine or transmission won't engage.
When: Intermittent, weather-dependent
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine light on; Service transmission light on; Service hill assist light on; Service parking brake light on; Vehicle won't go into drive; No fuel flow to engine; Hard transmission shifts after drying; Transmission won't fully engage
Repairs/costs cited: Issue resolves after 30–45 minutes of drying time; no repair documented
Synthesized from 58 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
While driving, my Jeep renegade will just turn off. I have to pull off to the side of the road and put the car in park and try to restart the car a couple of times. This will cause a major accident to someone someday. It just shuts off without warning. It's a 2018 Jeep renegade with 5k miles! Why would it just shut off? I was driving both times this happened to me. Once last week and once today…
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Jeep renegade. The contact stated that the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard several times when the brake pedal was depressed. There was no warning indicator illuminated. While on an incline, the vehicle rolled in reverse while the brake pedal was applied. The contact was concerned that the failure could result in a crash. In addition, the vent control function…
Had an oil change around 2 months before the issue occured. When pulling out of my drive way the Jeep stopped and shut off. Upon inspection I was low on oil. After adding 3 quarts of oil I found where other people online had similar issues with specifically the 2018 Jeep renegade 2.4 liter motor consuming copious amounts of oil. Others had they're renegades stop while driving down the highway…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2018 Jeep Renegade?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 58 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 32 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 5,000 and 45,000 miles, with the median around 25,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 45,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.