245 of the
6,123 complaints filed about the Jeep Compass
are about the braking system —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2018.
I own a 2019 Jeep Compass with approximately 72,000 miles. For the past two years, I have experienced intermittent electrical and brake system failures that have become more frequent and severe despite multiple repair attempts. While driving, especially when turning, braking, or driving over potholes or uneven roads, the vehicle suddenly displays multiple warning lights, including ABS, traction control, brake, check engine, and service transmission warnings. At the same time, the digital speedometer changes to "--" and stops displaying vehicle speed. On one occasion, the analog speedometer also dropped unexpectedly. The most serious incident occurred after these warnings appeared while I was driving. I pulled over, shifted into Park, and attempted to turn the vehicle off, but it would not shut down for approximately 30 seconds. During that time, the brake warning light flashed continuously, indicating a possible electrical or communication failure. After restarting, some warnings cleared, but the check engine light remained on. Although the brake pedal still felt normal, I temporarily lost multiple electronic safety systems, including ABS, traction control, and the vehicle speed display. These failures occurred on a public roadway without warning, creating a significant safety risk and reducing my confidence that the vehicle will respond properly during an emergency. A diagnostic scan retrieved multiple communication-related fault codes, including U0002-00 (CAN Bus Off), U0121-00 (Lost Communication with ABS Module), U0129-00 (Lost Communication with Brake System Control Module), U1110 (Lost Vehicle Speed Message), U1120 (Lost Wheel Distance Message), U1141 (Lost Brake and Torque Message), and U12A8 (Lost Communication with Master Cylinder Pressure Sensor). The problem is intermittent, often clears after restarting, and is difficult to diagnose. Because it affects critical safety systems while the vehicle is in motion, I believe this represents a serious safety
NHTSA complaint #11748014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While cruising at 36mph, we decided to initiate the cruise control. Upon reaching a slow-down traffic ahead, the brakes were applied to slow the vehicle, however the cruise control did not disengage and the brakes did not stop the vehicle. The brakes were pressed three times and still the car could not stop. We were in a two-lane road with an opposite direction lane on the other side of the grassy median. We saw an opening in between the stopped vehicles and crossed over from right to left lane into the grassy median, hit a ditch, and did a sharp turn into opposing traffic, almost hitting another vehicle as they moved out of way, and stopped the vehicle on the opposite side of the road. When the vehicle hit the ditch crossing the median, the right front tire popped and helped in stopping the vehicle. Four family members including myself were in the vehicle and there were several cars already stopped in the lanes. This incident caused great safety concerns for my family and the vehicles around us. Had we hit the cars while crossing over, it would have caused a chain reaction of "hits" as the cars were already lined up and stopped. We brought the car to the Jeep dealership and they did confirm that the internal valve body failure and TCM fault contributed to improper communication within the transmission. They did replace the TCM and valve body assembly, reprogrammed the module and road tested the vehicle. The auto stop/start warning light came on after the incident. They performed a battery test for the main and auxiliary, and both failed load test and read at low voltages. Both batteries were replaced and fault codes cleared. Upon receiving the vehicle, I tested the cruise control component and it has been working for the past three months now.
NHTSA complaint #11737303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact's husband owns a 2025 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop on several occasions. The ABS and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure could not be diagnosed, but an unknown recall repair was performed; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was caused by a defective steering module. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the dealer had recently diagnosed the vehicle with an electric parking brake system failure, a stuck electric parking brake switch, and a potential signal failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and denied the contact’s request for buyback assistance. A case number was provided. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
NHTSA complaint #11735105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact's husband owns a 2025 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop on several occasions. The ABS and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure could not be diagnosed, but an unknown recall repair was performed; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was caused by a defective steering module. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the dealer had recently diagnosed the vehicle with an electric parking brake system failure, a stuck electric parking brake switch, and a potential signal failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and denied the contact’s request for buyback assistance. A case number was provided. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
NHTSA complaint #11735105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On around 5 occasions beginning since late 2025 I have been driving and my emergency brake has turned on automatically while driving. Yesterday, while at a stop light the light turned green and my emergency brake turned on which caused traffic to be halted I had to turn my car on and off repeatedly to have my car work. When I turned right at the intersection this happened again. I was able to slowly pull over and once again turn my car off and on. Then it did it again today at the same intersection I was able to slowly pull over and turn my car off and on. I went to the Jeep dealership today and they could not find anything wrong. No codes indicated anything they said I had a small oil leak but that is all they could find.
NHTSA complaint #11734295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After replacing both batteries in my jeep compass 2019. The “Stop safely vehicle will shut down” message kept coming on. In traffic the car shut off completely and wouldn’t start. This is a reoccurring issue and jeep doesn’t care. It needs to be fixed. To shut off completely during driving is a safety hazard!!!
NHTSA complaint #11727899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle and the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off, and exited the vehicle to inspect the brakes. The brakes on the vehicle and the brakes were extremely hot. The contact reentered and started the vehicle after five minutes, and the vehicle operated as intended. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the brake caliper needed to be replaced. The brake caliper, rotors, and brake pads were replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V301000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11727337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle and the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off, and exited the vehicle to inspect the brakes. The brakes on the vehicle and the brakes were extremely hot. The contact reentered and started the vehicle after five minutes, and the vehicle operated as intended. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the brake caliper needed to be replaced. The brake caliper, rotors, and brake pads were replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V301000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11727337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle and the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off, and exited the vehicle to inspect the brakes. The brakes on the vehicle and the brakes were extremely hot. The contact reentered and started the vehicle after five minutes, and the vehicle operated as intended. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the brake caliper needed to be replaced. The brake caliper, rotors, and brake pads were replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V301000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11727337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Note: The vehicle is totaled, and GEICO Insurance is in possession. A month ago, we received Brake warnings. We brought the vehicle to a mechanic to get checked and it passed. We did not get the warning again. 2 weeks ago, while turning into our driveway, as we were almost stopped, but still in the turn, the vehicle made a noise similar to the Auto Stop/Start feature. The power brakes and steering stopped working (everything was stiff). The car accelerated, and we hit the corner of our garage (because we did not complete the turn into the driveway). The vehicle then hit a tree where it came to rest. The collision avoidance, didn't kick in. Unsure about the final speed of the vehicle, but it was fast enough to deploy the airbags and total the vehicle. There is a police report with the Closter, NJ Police.
NHTSA complaint #11726640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights illuminated, and the steering wheel and the front passenger’s side of the vehicle were shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stopped the vehicle to inspect it and became aware that the front passenger’s side wheel was extremely hot to the touch. The contact deactivated the Traction Control light, and the failure was temporarily corrected before recurring. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V301000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 61,000.
NHTSA complaint #11719884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
3 times the Emergency Braking has shut off during braking. The Emergency braking system goes offline and displays a “Needs Service Indicator” It has been to the dealer for repair 3 times. Each time I was told that there is no current repair solution. They simply reset the system and send me off. Each time the reset works for a few miles but does not solve the problem. The indicator is on again for a 4th time! I have only owned this car for 9 months! This is a major braking problem and needs to be addressed as I feel the company cares little for this safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11708377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upon engine start up at the home of my S/O, [XX], the warning "Service Automatic Throttle Control" appeared on the dashboard. Placing the vehicle into gear first in reverse, then in drive resulted in sudden acceleration and erratic lurching. I had no brakes whatsoever. At one point my S/O nearly hit on the dash per signed affidavit. I had to place my 2024 Jeep Compass in Park in order to stop and then slowly maneuver it into a safe parking spot before having it towed to Golling Jeep Ram Dodge in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Tech diagnosis two days later showed Error Code 2299. But the vehicle started and operated as normal. Nothing wrong. After a test drive the next day to be sure, they had me get my vehicle. Although my door sticker gives a manufacturing date of 6/2024, I call your attention to NHTSA Recall 24V-240 over throttle control system software. Strangely enough, this exact same malfunction occurred at the same address on [XXX], almost a year earlier. It was towed at that time to Suburban JDR in Farmington, MI where, again, my vehicle showed the same 2299 Code but otherwise, performing well, advising me to come get my Compass. So, both times my 2024 Jeep Compass took control away from me, this time with no brakes, almost injuring my S/O. Fortunately, both incidents happened in her gated community with no pedestrians or traffic. In addition to this intermittent, dangerous malfunction, I owned both a 2018 and a 2021 Compass one of which, like the Dodge Ram recall, had a horribly malfunctioning turn signal. The VINs: 2018 [XXX] ; and the 2021 #[XXX]. This is real and dangerous. That I can attest to. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11703536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2022 Jeep Compass has been experiencing engine stalling/shutting off and problems with surging or jerking and cutting off. Surging forward when coming off the brake. Engine shutting down while stopped or at low speeds, at stop signs, or traffic lights. Jerking sensation, when slowing down or accelerating at low speeds. Me and my passengers have been at risk on several occasions of being rear ended or other collisions. I have ask the dealers (Sons Chrysler Jeep) service department to look at this issue on several occasions but they have said they cannot find any issues. My vehicle is currently at the dealer for this issue as it stopped 3 times in the past 2 days.
NHTSA complaint #11703020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The forward crash detection detects objects on the side of the road that do not present a hazard. The vehicle then automatically, abruptly brakes causing temporary loss of control in the vehicle. In one instance the system detected the barriers in a construction zone causing me to almost lose control of the vehicle and crash into the barrier. The problem has been confirmed by both the dealership as well as Jeep. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacture, police, or insurance. There are no lights or indicators of the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11693042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
check engine light came on after starting to back out of my driveway,Dashboard lights flashing. car just turned off, turned car back on emergency brake turned on by itself, all exterior lights were flashing. car turned off, I called roadside assistance and they towed to nearest dealership, that was September 4, dealership said they replaced sensor and to come pick up the car,that was Sept 16, when I went to pick up the car, when I started it warning lights came on and all exterior lights were flashing. had to leave the car for dealership to check out, they called and said another sensor was bad, car only has 2013 miles .Still without a car it is now Sept 18, . but I still get to pay my lease payment for the whole month. Also car is due for NYS inspection but dealership cant do because warning lights are still on.
NHTSA complaint #11688244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN. Saw there was recall in past for rear piston but mine was not affected. But I’m having issues with the brakes. When slowing down or coming to stop when using the brake, the whole car shakes and rattles.
NHTSA complaint #11685485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stop/start system malfunction this is the 2nd time I've had to fix this problem the first time was with dealership in Henderson ky and it will cause more problems later big expenses and a whole vehicle failure so before im out to much money and left with no working vehicle that I still got to pay for i will be returning it this system failure has almost caused a major crash and has caused missed days at work
NHTSA complaint #11683557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.