1,307 of the
6,123 complaints filed about the Jeep Compass
are about the engine —
21% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2018.
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.
When driving it will randomly stall out/shut off in the middle of an intersection or just while driving in general. While also giving a message about the coolant temperature
NHTSA complaint #11757536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact rented a 2025 Jeep Compass. While the contact’s husband was driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a burning odor and an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road, and the contact and her husband observed whitish gray smoke that eventually turned black coming from the engine compartment. The hood was opened and immediately there were flames coming from the engine compartment. The contact and her husband removed personal belongings from the vehicle. During the failure, three sheriffs pulled up behind the burning vehicle. A Police report was filed. The Fire Department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate, shuddered, and the air conditioner was inoperative, and the vehicle coasted before coming to a complete stop. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle returned to normal operation. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was suggested that the contact should take the vehicle to a dealer and that the crank shaft position sensor wiring connector or sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the crankshaft position sensor wiring connector or sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
NHTSA complaint #11754005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited for approximately 20 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The contact stated that at the residence, the vehicle remained running but failed to operate properly. No warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the vehicle was repaired, but the failure occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The vehicle has stalled in traffic multiple times, it sends emergency messages while operating that the vehicle must pull off of the road or shut down, it is constantly displaying "service stop/ start system" messages and service lights, it sometimes doesn't start after having gotten to a location but will start up without having the vehicle jump started later, it drains the batteries quickly, as well. I was on the highway with my son in the vehicle, not near any exit and in thick traffic, when it told me to pull off the road or it may shut down. On a separate occasion, I had my family in the car, we stopped for an event and the vehicle randomly didn't restart, stranding us until we could reach another ride. Another time I was driving to work and it the engine shut off and when I tried to go it randomly did not go and I had to shut the vehicle down while in traffic, restart the engine and put it back into drive before I could allow traffic to move again. I took it to an authorized Jeep/ Chrysler Dealership for these issues and no recalls were put out for my vehicle, despite these exact issues being a part of a recall of nearly 13,000 Fiat Chrysler vehicles under NHTSA 18V524000 (Chrysler recall U87).
NHTSA complaint #11748167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2018 Jeep Compass, with approximately 107,000 miles, has developed symptoms consistent with the oil pump/oil pressure defects reported in other recalled Jeep Compass vehicles. The vehicle frequently struggles to start, runs rough with noticeable vibration, and has displayed an oil pressure warning light. In addition, the vehicle frequently stalls or suddenly loses power/slows while driving. The stalling and loss of power have created a serious safety concern because they can occur while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. These symptoms have become recurrent and appear to be worsening over time. The vehicle was evaluated by a Jeep dealership. The dealer scanned the vehicle but did not provide a repair for the underlying issue and instead advised us to continue adding coolant as needed. Despite this, the vehicle continues to exhibit the same dangerous symptoms, including the oil pressure warning light and stalling while driving. I am aware that certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles were recalled for oil pump-related defects; however, my vehicle was not included in the recall population. Because my vehicle is experiencing similar symptoms, I believe additional 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles outside the current VIN range may be affected. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA can investigate whether the scope of the recall should be expanded. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11742915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2020 Jeep Compass experiences sudden, unexpected engine shut-offs while driving. The engine loses power and stalls without warning, and shortly afterward the dashboard displays a 'Coolant Temperature Too High' warning. The vehicle has stalled while in motion, including at highway speeds, creating a serious safety hazard. After the stall, the vehicle restarts and behaves normally, but the problem has recurred multiple times. This matches the engine-stalling and coolant-temperature issue described in the NHTSA investigation of 2019–2020 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine.
NHTSA complaint #11742922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle caught on fire while sitting in a parking lot. This vehicle had just over 13,000 miles, serviced by jeep dealer, and health reports did not surface any problems. The fire impacted other vehicles around it.
NHTSA complaint #11743004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The reason for the recall on this make and model is what I'm experiencing now. The whole car will shutdown power while driving with no warnings. In traffic the car will just roll to a stop with cars closely behind me. I bought the call September 2016 yet I just saw a recall when I signed up for triple a. The last 12 months I have been on n and out of shops trying to find the reason. Starter was fixed. Battery replaced. Cables replaced. Throttle body replaced yet the car still shutdown in traffic. I don't want to cause an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11742017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
As I was driving my vehicle, it stalled on me and my parking brake engaged. I had to put my vehicle in park, open my door to dis-engage the brake to restart. it has happened twice now, once on Saturday May 30th and June 2nd 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11741610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.