Owners have filed 131 complaints
about the 2021 Jeep Compass with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 17 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 20
Against the median year of the Jeep Compass. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 43
8.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 40
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
211.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
15.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
211.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
529.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
423.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
317.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2020peak 13May 2026
Recalls on the 2021 Jeep Compass
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024548314,717 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Recall 202137234,324 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, the daytime running lamps (DRLs) will remain on when the driver switches the front fog lamps on. A recent change to Canadian regulations requires the DRLs to turn off when the fog lights are switched on. Safety Risk: Daytime running lamps that stay on in foggy conditions could cause glare and reduced visibility. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Action: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to reprogram the body control module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 118,000 milesJanesville, WIFire
FIRERELATED
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed black smoke coming from the front passenger side headlight. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as needed. The contact pulled over and safely exited the vehicle with her daughter. The vehicle then caught fire and was engulfed in flames. The firefighters arrived and extinguished the fire, but they were unable to determine the cause of the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #11725050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wadmalaw Island, SCCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
[XXX] nearly three minutes after dropping my kids off to school, driving near the [XXX] ! My jeep begin to accelerate, I couldn’t control the brakes or steering wheel! I became very scared as I approached a curve upon me reaching the curve, the dashboard and radio screen completely blacked out! I lose complete control of the vehicle, hit and embankment and tree! Cause injuries to my left wrist! I’m still in a splint and have a 5lbs restriction in place, with abrasions to my face as well! Found out from the adjuster yesterday they can’t even get the vehicle to start to retrieve any needed information! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11722645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wadmalaw Island, SCCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
[XXX] nearly three minutes after dropping my kids off to school, driving near the [XXX] ! My jeep begin to accelerate, I couldn’t control the brakes or steering wheel! I became very scared as I approached a curve upon me reaching the curve, the dashboard and radio screen completely blacked out! I lose complete control of the vehicle, hit and embankment and tree! Cause injuries to my left wrist! I’m still in a splint and have a 5lbs restriction in place, with abrasions to my face as well! Found out from the adjuster yesterday they can’t even get the vehicle to start to retrieve any needed information! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11722645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wadmalaw Island, SCCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
[XXX] nearly three minutes after dropping my kids off to school, driving near the [XXX] ! My jeep begin to accelerate, I couldn’t control the brakes or steering wheel! I became very scared as I approached a curve upon me reaching the curve, the dashboard and radio screen completely blacked out! I lose complete control of the vehicle, hit and embankment and tree! Cause injuries to my left wrist! I’m still in a splint and have a 5lbs restriction in place, with abrasions to my face as well! Found out from the adjuster yesterday they can’t even get the vehicle to start to retrieve any needed information! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11722645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trevose, PACrash
WHEELS
I bought the Jeep 2000 24 June 5th from Auto Lenders and Fairless hills vehicle had 34,632 miles on it took it back June 18th for inspection and that there was noise coming from the front end when you went over speed bump metal climbing I told him they said they found nothing took it back again July 10th with the same issues and everything they found nothing the miles on the car on July 10th in where 35,677 MI that was in going out $35,677 mi which they never moved the vehicle took it back again in September for the same issue so they found nothing I was going to take it back again on Christmas Eve I was taking donations to a church and I want to go straight the vehicle went right the ball joint snapped airbags came out and if there wasn't a pole to slide into I would have went into the store that was there they failed to find the issue that was wrong with the vehicle I could have been killed my grandson could have been killed the vehicle's now setting and a tow yard waiting for someone to go look at it and totaled because the airbags came out all on the passenger side the steering wheel went underneath the steering wheel. I'm waiting for a revised please report because the police officer misunderstood me when I said I walked around the car and slipped on black ice I didn't hit no ice with the car the wheel went right when the ball joint snapped and the car slid into a pole on each document that I have they only move the vehicle 2 mi on the 18th of June and September 25th on July 10th the vehicle had the same miles in and out
NHTSA complaint #11644249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trevose, PACrash
STEERING
I bought the Jeep 2000 24 June 5th from Auto Lenders and Fairless hills vehicle had 34,632 miles on it took it back June 18th for inspection and that there was noise coming from the front end when you went over speed bump metal climbing I told him they said they found nothing took it back again July 10th with the same issues and everything they found nothing the miles on the car on July 10th in where 35,677 MI that was in going out $35,677 mi which they never moved the vehicle took it back again in September for the same issue so they found nothing I was going to take it back again on Christmas Eve I was taking donations to a church and I want to go straight the vehicle went right the ball joint snapped airbags came out and if there wasn't a pole to slide into I would have went into the store that was there they failed to find the issue that was wrong with the vehicle I could have been killed my grandson could have been killed the vehicle's now setting and a tow yard waiting for someone to go look at it and totaled because the airbags came out all on the passenger side the steering wheel went underneath the steering wheel. I'm waiting for a revised please report because the police officer misunderstood me when I said I walked around the car and slipped on black ice I didn't hit no ice with the car the wheel went right when the ball joint snapped and the car slid into a pole on each document that I have they only move the vehicle 2 mi on the 18th of June and September 25th on July 10th the vehicle had the same miles in and out
NHTSA complaint #11644249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Carolina Beach, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine will shut off completely while traveling a a normal rate of speed. The temperature gauge will malfunction and report high temperature (when there is none) and the engine will shut off. It cannot be restarted without putting the car in park and pressing the brake while in the midst of moving traffic. This has happened to me multiple times. At first, turning off the auto stop/start feature would prevent this form happening but turning it off no longer prevents this. This happens randomly and cannot be reproduced manually. It is also extremely dangerous and upsetting when this happens in highway traffic at speed. The Jeep also seems to have a parasitic drain on the battery and both batteries had to be replaced by the dealer. My research shows that there have been alt least 15 similar complaints filed.
NHTSA complaint #11738824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carolina Beach, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine will shut off completely while traveling a a normal rate of speed. The temperature gauge will malfunction and report high temperature (when there is none) and the engine will shut off. It cannot be restarted without putting the car in park and pressing the brake while in the midst of moving traffic. This has happened to me multiple times. At first, turning off the auto stop/start feature would prevent this form happening but turning it off no longer prevents this. This happens randomly and cannot be reproduced manually. It is also extremely dangerous and upsetting when this happens in highway traffic at speed. The Jeep also seems to have a parasitic drain on the battery and both batteries had to be replaced by the dealer. My research shows that there have been alt least 15 similar complaints filed.
NHTSA complaint #11738824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carolina Beach, NC
ENGINE
The engine will shut off completely while traveling a a normal rate of speed. The temperature gauge will malfunction and report high temperature (when there is none) and the engine will shut off. It cannot be restarted without putting the car in park and pressing the brake while in the midst of moving traffic. This has happened to me multiple times. At first, turning off the auto stop/start feature would prevent this form happening but turning it off no longer prevents this. This happens randomly and cannot be reproduced manually. It is also extremely dangerous and upsetting when this happens in highway traffic at speed. The Jeep also seems to have a parasitic drain on the battery and both batteries had to be replaced by the dealer. My research shows that there have been alt least 15 similar complaints filed.
NHTSA complaint #11738824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hatillo, PR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was driving on the Arecibo. P.R. highway when suddently the car started acelererating..i wouldn't show down. There were a lot of cars on the road, so I had to swerve onto the grass and hit a tree car. I dind'd receive any help from highway patrol. The Police were show to arrive. I've done some research and this Jeep Compass has received many complaints about this factory defect.
NHTSA complaint #11730531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,972 milesSan Jose, CA
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light illuminated on the instrument panel with the message "Air Bags Wiring Fault" displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the passenger’s side seat belt latch was defective and failed to latch properly. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,972.
NHTSA complaint #11727245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,972 milesSan Jose, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light illuminated on the instrument panel with the message "Air Bags Wiring Fault" displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the passenger’s side seat belt latch was defective and failed to latch properly. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,972.
NHTSA complaint #11727245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bonita Springs, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The infotainment screen in my 2021 Jeep Compass has developed a display failure where the screen is glitching and unusable. The issue persists after restarting the vehicle and appears to be a hardware malfunction. This affects visibility of navigation, backup camera, and vehicle settings, which creates a potential safety concern while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11726595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesJanesville, WIFire
FIRERELATED
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed black smoke coming from the front passenger side headlight. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as needed. The contact pulled over and safely exited the vehicle with her daughter. The vehicle then caught fire and was engulfed in flames. The firefighters arrived and extinguished the fire, but they were unable to determine the cause of the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #11725050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Sterling, KY
STEERING
This first occurred on 3/10/2026 and then occurred again on 3/15/2026. When driving the coolant temp warning will randomly come on. This causes the car to lock up. After about 30-60 seconds it goes back to normal. This could very dangerous if I were on the interstate that I take every day to work. I am a mechanic, have hooked it up to a computer and there are no codes. I have tried to research it a learned that it is a consistent issue that seems to be common in the Jeep Compass, going back as far as the 2019 model.
NHTSA complaint #11724485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Sterling, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This first occurred on 3/10/2026 and then occurred again on 3/15/2026. When driving the coolant temp warning will randomly come on. This causes the car to lock up. After about 30-60 seconds it goes back to normal. This could very dangerous if I were on the interstate that I take every day to work. I am a mechanic, have hooked it up to a computer and there are no codes. I have tried to research it a learned that it is a consistent issue that seems to be common in the Jeep Compass, going back as far as the 2019 model.
NHTSA complaint #11724485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Sterling, KY
ENGINE
This first occurred on 3/10/2026 and then occurred again on 3/15/2026. When driving the coolant temp warning will randomly come on. This causes the car to lock up. After about 30-60 seconds it goes back to normal. This could very dangerous if I were on the interstate that I take every day to work. I am a mechanic, have hooked it up to a computer and there are no codes. I have tried to research it a learned that it is a consistent issue that seems to be common in the Jeep Compass, going back as far as the 2019 model.
NHTSA complaint #11724485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wadmalaw Island, SCCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
[XXX] nearly three minutes after dropping my kids off to school, driving near the [XXX] ! My jeep begin to accelerate, I couldn’t control the brakes or steering wheel! I became very scared as I approached a curve upon me reaching the curve, the dashboard and radio screen completely blacked out! I lose complete control of the vehicle, hit and embankment and tree! Cause injuries to my left wrist! I’m still in a splint and have a 5lbs restriction in place, with abrasions to my face as well! Found out from the adjuster yesterday they can’t even get the vehicle to start to retrieve any needed information! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11722645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wadmalaw Island, SCCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
[XXX] nearly three minutes after dropping my kids off to school, driving near the [XXX] ! My jeep begin to accelerate, I couldn’t control the brakes or steering wheel! I became very scared as I approached a curve upon me reaching the curve, the dashboard and radio screen completely blacked out! I lose complete control of the vehicle, hit and embankment and tree! Cause injuries to my left wrist! I’m still in a splint and have a 5lbs restriction in place, with abrasions to my face as well! Found out from the adjuster yesterday they can’t even get the vehicle to start to retrieve any needed information! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11722645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wadmalaw Island, SCCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
[XXX] nearly three minutes after dropping my kids off to school, driving near the [XXX] ! My jeep begin to accelerate, I couldn’t control the brakes or steering wheel! I became very scared as I approached a curve upon me reaching the curve, the dashboard and radio screen completely blacked out! I lose complete control of the vehicle, hit and embankment and tree! Cause injuries to my left wrist! I’m still in a splint and have a 5lbs restriction in place, with abrasions to my face as well! Found out from the adjuster yesterday they can’t even get the vehicle to start to retrieve any needed information! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11722645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pelham, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas pedal broke off while driving. It is made of plastic and the arm that attaches to the pedal snapped off. We towed to a shop to have repaired today. No warning lights or sounds. Thankfully I was going slow and not on a busy street. It could have been a bad outcome if I was merging into on coming traffic. My safety and others were at serious risk due to my car not being able to accelerate with no warning.
NHTSA complaint #11715296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hyde Park, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The LCD radio screen goes in and out, mostly out. Can't see information projected on infortainment screen hence can't see for back up camera situations. If it does come on fully meaning seeing all the controls, sometimes all the letters and numbers are projecting upside down. If the car is hugely warm enough from long term driving the screen will be normal. I have read some reviews and it seems like this is a jeep problem. This issue has never been with other cars I owned. This poses a safety risk especially because it makes a back up camera issue.
NHTSA complaint #11714793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Howard, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving, the 2021 Jeep Compass displays "Coolant Temperature High: Shutting Down" even though the car temperature gauge indicates normal engine temperature. Following the warning notification, the vehicle came to a complete stop. Fortunately, I was not going fast and was able to drift into a parking lot space. After several minutes, the vehicle started again and drove normally. If this was to happen at high speed or on a congested highway, someone could be seriously injured or killed. I have seen on other online forums that this is a somewhat common issue with the Jeep Compass. However, after many different service procedures have been attempted from reports online, it appears that no solution has been determined or suggested by the manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11714001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The high coolant temperature light cut on and turned my vehicle off while driving. This problem has been reported on older model Jeep compasses. The car never turned back on and I had to get my vehicle towed home.
NHTSA complaint #11713673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The high coolant temperature light cut on and turned my vehicle off while driving. This problem has been reported on older model Jeep compasses. The car never turned back on and I had to get my vehicle towed home.
NHTSA complaint #11713673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
ENGINE
The high coolant temperature light cut on and turned my vehicle off while driving. This problem has been reported on older model Jeep compasses. The car never turned back on and I had to get my vehicle towed home.
NHTSA complaint #11713673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chino Valley, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple times now at random, car will go from normal temp to overheating on the gauge for a moment. Shuts down in doing so regardless of being driven. Then will instantly think its cooling back down to normal. When it reaches normal it resumes normal driving abilities. While the temp is going up and down on the gauge the center of the cluster tells you "high coolant temperature". No codes or pending codes can be found. Thermostat housing and sensor have been replaced and still occurring at random. Researching online forms, lots of complaints of same issues with no resolve, spending thousands of dollars and trips to dealers and shops to not be resolved. This is a huge safety hazard as you can not move out of the way of others when it happens and occurs both when driving and stopped situations.
NHTSA complaint #11708664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chino Valley, AZ
ENGINE
Multiple times now at random, car will go from normal temp to overheating on the gauge for a moment. Shuts down in doing so regardless of being driven. Then will instantly think its cooling back down to normal. When it reaches normal it resumes normal driving abilities. While the temp is going up and down on the gauge the center of the cluster tells you "high coolant temperature". No codes or pending codes can be found. Thermostat housing and sensor have been replaced and still occurring at random. Researching online forms, lots of complaints of same issues with no resolve, spending thousands of dollars and trips to dealers and shops to not be resolved. This is a huge safety hazard as you can not move out of the way of others when it happens and occurs both when driving and stopped situations.
NHTSA complaint #11708664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livingston, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On November 1, 2025, while backing my 2021 Jeep Compass out of the driveway, I noticed the rearview camera started 'jumping' and displaying colored lines. I pulled the vehicle in front of my home, and suddenly there was loud banging and the engine light started flashing. I immediately turned the vehicle off, and it would not start again. I contacted the Jeep dealership Monday morning, November 3, 2025 to advise the vehicle started making loud noises, engine light flashing, rearview camera not displaying properly. The Jeep was subsequently towed to the dealer. I was advised by service tech that there was a fluid leak in the trans pump area. I was also told the vehicle did not pass a battery check, and gave authorization to replace the main battery. The service tech advised the radio needed to be replaced, I told him the radio played fine, but the rearview camera malfunctioned while backing the car out. He said the rearview signal is from the radio, I declined to replaced the radio. I have had several issues with the 2021 Jeep, included oil leakage, and now transmission leakage. I also note certain 2021 Jeep Compass models have rearview camera issues, and upon calling Stellantis November 24, 2025, they advise my particular vehicle is not affected. I disagree. The vehicle has regular maintenance (oil changes) and has 24,200 original miles. I believe this to be a defect and also a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11701512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chattanooga, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Back up camera goes blank
NHTSA complaint #11695522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My vehicle information screen is not working. I cannot connect my phone; therefore cannot talk hands free. So this seems like a safety issue. I do not have access to my back up camera.
NHTSA complaint #11692737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.