Jeep Compass electrical problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

After making a stop at a stop light the start/stop feature turned the vehicle off. When releasing the break instead of the car restarting, the vehicle stalled and applied the parking break.

NHTSA complaint #11764223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I drove myself and my passenger to our destination without issue. After the vehicle was parked for approximately three hours, I started it and drove toward the exit lane leading to the main road. I stopped completely before exiting and was traveling approximately 10 mph as I crossed toward the leftmost turning lane. Suddenly, the dashboard displayed a “High Coolant Temperature” warning, the check engine light illuminated, and the accelerator pedal became resistant/unresponsive. The vehicle slowed to a stop and the engine completely shut off. Without me shifting the transmission out of Drive or selecting Reverse, the vehicle then began rolling backward on its own. The road was not inclined or sloped. The brake pedal and steering wheel became extremely hard to operate. I had no choice but to allow the vehicle to roll backward into the exit lane. I was extremely concerned that it could cause a collision or strike a pedestrian or building, seriously injuring myself, my passenger, or others. The vehicle eventually stopped, but it was left partially in the exit lane and partially in the main roadway. I was in the right-turn lane, and approaching traffic could not easily see my hazard lights due to the vehicle’s position. I exited the vehicle and opened the hood to signal that the vehicle was disabled. I attempted to shift into Neutral so the vehicle could be moved out of the roadway, but the emergency brake switch would not disengage. The only warning displayed before the incident was “Oil Change Required,” which had appeared approximately three weeks earlier. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. I have previously had similar breakdowns, and each time I was told the auxiliary battery had failed. After this incident, the dealership again stated that the auxiliary battery was the cause. I am skeptical that this adequately explains the vehicle rolling backward while still in Drive. I am reporting this incident so the underlying cause can be investigated.

NHTSA complaint #11763674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle 2018 Jeep compass, 2.4 l tiger shark multi-air space safety defect summary, my vehicle is experiencing a severe recurring safety hazard causing unexpected vehicle stall and loss of power while driving at high speeds on the highway while operating normally the vehicle abruptly jerks and immediately forces itself into neutral or defensive lip mode leaving me unable to accelerate and placing me in immediate danger of a high-speed collision concurrently the dashboard displays severe failure messages including service electronic throttle control and service transmission the vehicle is also suffering from the documented 2.4 l tiger shark excessive oil consumption defect burning oil at a rapid pace and shutting down without a low oil warning indicator light additionally the coolant levels behave erratically causing the vehicle to falsely signal overheating and the vehicle has previously dropped six active safety recalls from its public then history without the mechanical defects actually being repaired the manufacturers temporary software patches have failed to resolve the structural engine and powertrain failures. I have also going to attach a screenshot of the six open recalls I found with my specific Vin number from the Kelley Blue Book website last July in 2025. And now searching my VIN number there’s no open recalls and this is very concerning. This has became a huge safety issue with me and I’ve tried reaching out to y’all before and y’all still have not tried to reach out to me, I’m taking it to the dealership this week.

NHTSA complaint #11762479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Screen glitching can’t use touch screen and rear view camera not available when screen is glitching.

NHTSA complaint #11762302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The central Uconnect infotainment display completely failed, went black, and is entirely inoperable. Because the screen is dead, the rear backup camera fails to display an image when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse. This creates a severe safety hazard, drastically reduces rearward visibility, and places the vehicle in direct violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (FMVSS 111) regarding mandated rear visibility.Furthermore, this total hardware failure completely locks out access to all internal vehicle safety, climate, and driving settings that are exclusively controlled via the touchscreen. The system failed prematurely roughly one year after purchase under normal operating conditions. This issue mirrors the symptoms of major backup camera recalls issued by Stellantis for newer model years, but my 2019 VIN is currently excluded. The manufacturer has quoted over $2,000 to repair this known component defect, which consumer data shows is linked to inadequate internal thermal management and overheating design flaws. I am filing this report to urge the NHTSA to investigate and mandate an expansion of the backup camera recall to include vulnerable 2019 vehicle batches. The Uconnect screen failure occurred simultaneously with a total loss of the Engine Stop/Start (ESS) system and a complete loss of illumination on the electronic gear shifter assembly, indicating a critical cascading failure within the vehicle's low-voltage electrical distribution network

NHTSA complaint #11760980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

There have been multiple instances where the engine has locked up in the middle of me driving (usually at stop lights) where the only fix is to completely shut the car off and on again which has resulted in me almost being in an accident. This poses an extreme safety risk.

NHTSA complaint #11761145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Several safety warning lights continue to appear while driving. Car slows down on its own at times. Media screen glitches as well. Dealer has worked on the car about 4-5 times. Currently, the car is with the dealer for a 3rd straight week and they claim to not have any loaners. Dealer has continuously stated that the sensor needs to be kept clean, but this is just a distraction. These cars are not safe on the road and should all be recalled as lemons. The manufacturer is using subpar systems and master technicians have been unable to completely fix the issue. These issues began to appear before car had 8k miles. This issue is frustrating and scary.

NHTSA complaint #11760658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Warning message in dash stating that the drive mode is unavailable. Emergency and safety features are not functioning as they should. The emergency braking and forward collision warning doesn’t work. When driving, the warnings will go off independently and disengage. Byers Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership in Columbus serviced the vehicle May 2026-August 2026 with support from Stellantis replaced multiple components and the harness to repair the drive system, with all failed attempts to correct the problem. On August 10, 2026 the dealership returned my car to me, citing no repair available and that a software update should correct the issue. Dealership advises the car is safe to operate.

NHTSA complaint #11760238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Safety defects: Forward collision braking system indicates OFF while driving automatic emergency braking unavailable related lane assistance failure history. This is intermittent safety system disablement. Fuel system: Fuel level gauge inaccurate. Gauge indicated almost empty, then after 81 miles of driving indicated half tank before refuel gauge increased while driving, should decrease. Risk of being stranded due to false reading. Vehicle was driven 81 miles from indicated empty to indicated half. Fuel consumption / range: Full-to-full test documented 81 miles driven between two complete fills second fill required 5.807 gallons calculated 13.95 MPG versus expected EPA rating of approximately 27/32 MPG. Range after full fill measured only 224.9 miles, then 206.9 miles on next full fill, versus expected approximately 364 miles for full tank. Range decreased 18 miles in 9 days despite full fills. Indicates excessive consumption. Parked fuel loss: While parked with odometer unchanged, indicated range decreased from 179 miles to 162.8 miles loss of 16.2 miles while vehicle not moving. Suggests possible evaporative system leak or fuel leak potential fire and stall hazard. Additional finding: While at dealer service since August 25 for same existing problems, technician identified additional gear seal / transmission seal leak repair order pending risk of loss of motive power. Request investigation for fuel level sender, fuel trim, evaporative system, forward collision system, and transmission seal leak.

NHTSA complaint #11760440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass, particularly concerning recurring mechanical, electrical, and safety-related problems that have created serious concerns about the vehicle's reliability and safe operation. The most concerning issue is the vehicle's unexpected stalling at low speeds, particularly associated with the 2.4L engine. Unexpected loss of power while driving at low speeds creates a significant safety concern because it can occur when entering intersections, turning, maneuvering through traffic, or attempting to accelerate from a stopped or slow-moving position. In addition to the stalling issue, I have experienced or am concerned about the following problems: 1. Transmission Problems The vehicle has demonstrated concerning transmission behavior, including: Rough or abnormal shifting Delayed acceleration Delayed engagement Unresponsive or delayed gear changes Hesitation when attempting to accelerate Behavior that may contribute to the vehicle unexpectedly losing power or momentum These symptoms raise concerns regarding the transmission's proper operation and the possibility that transmission performance may be contributing to the vehicle's stalling and delayed acceleration. 2. Electrical System Problems The vehicle has also experienced significant electrical concerns, including: Infotainment screen freezing or becoming unresponsive Battery becoming completely or significantly discharged after sitting overnight Suspected parasitic battery drain Random or unexplained dashboard warning lights Electrical/electronic systems intermittently malfunctioning These issues are particularly concerning because intermittent electrical problems can be difficult to diagnose and may affect other vehicle systems, including safety-related components. 3. Backup Camera and Safety Concerns I am also concerned about failures involving the vehicle's backup camera and safety-related wiring, including poten

NHTSA complaint #11759991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Unknown. Vehicle has been inspected prior for electrical issues while under warranty. Dealer claims no issue. Backup camera does not work, vehicle temperature settings are not accessible on screen.

NHTSA complaint #11759558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message that the vehicle would shut off was displayed several times, requiring the driver to pull over. Additionally, while the contact's husband was driving, the vehicle stalled. The driver pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle restarted after several attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11758451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have had this car for a little over a year and it has given me nothing but problems they won’t let me out of my contract. It’s a 2018 Jeep compass and I’ve already had to replace the thermostat. My service transmission light is coming on all of a sudden, I’m having to put the oil in all the time it has completely shut down on the highway. Just stopped moving turned off on is own! So dangerous and I

NHTSA complaint #11758044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Component: Engine / Electrical System / Power Train VIN [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of engine power and completely shut off while traveling at highway speeds. This total engine failure disabled the vehicle on an active highway, forcing an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder. This incident occurred less than four months after an authorized manufacturer dealership charged over $3,400 to repair the engine's air-induction vacuum and fuel systems. The sudden stalling on a high-speed roadway directly endangered the driver and a [XXX] passenger who were left stranded on the highway shoulder in extreme weather conditions. The vehicle was completely inoperable and required an emergency flatbed tow from the highway back to the repair facility. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11757293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My odometer flashes since buying. Bluetooth connection causing screen to glitch and jump between settings. Screen turns blue and back up camera doesn’t work randomly. Overheating issue came out of nowhere. No check engine lights. The jerking is a hazard while driving. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired by multiple shops. All these issues have been hazardous to me and my family.

NHTSA complaint #11756084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

automatic start-stop system causing actual engine stalls instead of a smooth restart is commonly triggered by failing auxiliary/main batteries, a dirty throttle body, or faulty charging sensors It has stalled on highway in stand still traffic. Issues with getting it to go. Have to turn off the car and restart. Has occurred 3 times - downtown of a major city in traffic, on a busy highway and at an exit of a highway. Due to its nature we are stand still as traffic is moving Problem has been confirmed by dealer and has occurred to other compass owners Not inspected by insurance There is an error that appears on the dash right before it stalls.

NHTSA complaint #11753185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving through a tunnel in Boston, MA, the vehicle shut off completely without warning and could not be restarted. The dashboard displayed multiple warning lights and the engine would not crank (clicking sound only). I was stranded inside an active tunnel in live traffic, requiring a Massachusetts State Police response and a tow. The dealer diagnosed a shorted starter, and during the same repair found the radiator leaking from its lower corner seam with no coolant remaining in the system (dealer repair order 316800, at 66,453 miles). An independent repair shop had documented dried coolant residue under the radiator three months earlier at 63,656 miles, indicating the leak had been developing. This vehicle also has a history of auxiliary battery failures affecting the stop/start system: the auxiliary battery failed at 22,517 miles and was replaced under warranty, and failed again at 58,094 miles. A sudden engine shutdown in a tunnel with no ability to restart is a serious safety hazard, and I am filing this complaint to document the failure. Repair invoices are available and can be uploaded.

NHTSA complaint #11751519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Stop/Start function malfunctions frequently. On multiple ocassions, the computer system glitches causing the automatic parking brake to engage, the gear shift to lock, and the vehicle to become stuck. This has happened several times while the car was idling at a stop light, causing traffic safety issues each time. There is no warning light or system notification. Regular mechanics are not able to diagnose or fix these issues because of the computer system, requiring a specialist that is not always accessible. There is no notification when the auxillary battery is dead or dying, the car just won't turn on.

NHTSA complaint #11751065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am writing to request immediate assistance with our Jeep, which has become a serious safety hazard for our family. We purchased the jeep less than 2 years ago and over the past three months it has repeatedly failed to start or has stalled unexpectedly, leaving us stranded on multiple occasions. Despite taking the vehicle to dealership and other service centers four times, no one has been able to diagnose or repair the issue. The vehicle often starts normally for technicians after being towed, only to fail again once we have it back. On our most recent visit to a dealership, we were charged $180 for diagnostics, yet the 3 of 5 XXX 3:01 PM XXX Claim Form [XXX]!!production\customer\customer_c... problem persists. When I called today for further help, we were turned away. This ongoing issue has created significant safety risks. The Jeep has stalled at traffic lights on multiple occasions, including one near-miss with a tractor-trailer. My husband works in a high-risk environment, and reliable transportation is essential for our family’s safety. As a registered nurse, I have already missed work due to these breakdowns and am at risk of jeopardizing my career. We have also been forced to miss important family events and cancel vacation plans. The financial burden has been devastating. We have spent a substantial amount of money on repeated towing, diagnostics, and repairs, leaving us struggling to cover basic household bills. For the safety of our children and our family, we urgently request that you repurchase or replace this vehicle under your responsibilities as a dealership. We can no longer accept the ongoing risk and unreliability. I kindly ask for a prompt response and a resolution within the next few business days. Please contact me at [XXX] or [XXX] to discuss next steps. Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11751079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car stalls turns off by itself could be at red lights or even while driving twice already!! Needs to be recalled as well and repaired pls repairs cost thousands!!! Not safe!! I have owned it for 4-5 years and it has happened maybe 7-8 times but most recently this week twice!!

NHTSA complaint #11750726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.