Renal/kidney failure is often caused by an infection-related sickness in most cases. Patients with an intrinsic renal illness or a low-grade chronic blockage would not present any symptoms. With diabetes or high blood pressure, a person is more likely to have renal failure.   Renal failure may be caused by a variety of things, including: A number of acute and long-term illnesses Dehydration to a dangerous degree Trauma to the kidneys Toxic or over-the-top medications