Jeep Compass transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped, and the transmission failed to shift gears in the middle of the road. The contact pulled over at the side of the road and attempted to reset the “Service Transmission” warning light. Additionally, while attempting to drive to the parents’ residence, the contact drove at a slower speed to prevent the failure from reoccurring. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA complaint #11751039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle shuts off randomly. Restarts after stopping but it’s consistent as if the car over heated yet the coolant temperature reads 194-200

NHTSA complaint #11747773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The transmission cooling system failed causing immediate failure of the transmission. The vehicle has less than 60k miles and is still covered by the manufacturer powertrain warranty. Dash lights for service engine and service transmission only came on at the immediate time of failure (10 min prior to full transmission failure). No issues were noted in the vehicles prior service 7 months prior to failure. The dealer has confirmed the cause of transmission failure is due to failure of the cooling system.

NHTSA complaint #11746120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Brake caliphers went bad 2 days after I purchased, now a heavy humming sound that I literally feel vibration in my seat, loud weird noise when making sharp turns, turning the wheel while in park grinding noise, loud rumbling when air conditioner is on, jerking forward when press on gas. This car is horrible

NHTSA complaint #11745995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

POWER TRAIN

Experienced countless "high coolant temp" followed by power loss and engine shutoff, yes—while driving—like everyone else. NHTSA CAMPAIGN: PE22013 Search it and read. They investigated it already & ruled it not dangerous enough. It took me spending so much money trying different fixes, then countless hours searching for a solution to finally realize that full investigation case was tucked away years ago. No big deal apparently. The conclusion gets it wrong of course. Part of the ruling claiming no safety risk is based on implying the car starts back right after engine loss and that's simply not true. Twice mine wouldn't start back after the incident, not immediately not within 30 minutes. Only once did it fail, then restart after. I've read through the hundreds of similar complaints and many are stranded after it happens as well. But there's definitely one thing in common EVERYONE'S DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN IT HAPPENS. This is a severely dangerous issue, putting peoples lives at risk. This is 100% on the manufacturer to bring to light and shamefully haven't. This started last summer for me and I didn't post about it but seeing brand new report still being added irks me. It didn't happen over the winter. And no it wasn't the alternator, battery, fuses, radiator, or injector.. I (understandably) heard it all and tried it all. Honestly I let it sit for a while and it stopped. The issue is unpredictable and undetectable by mechanics. Not sure what else you need.

NHTSA complaint #11741196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While turning out of a parking lot, onto a side street, a suspension component failed without warning, causing the front axle to pull out of the transmission. The vehicle immediately became unsafe, as I was unable to turn the wheel (it wasn't connected) to get me out of the middle of the road. This was a sudden, catastrophic mechanical failure with no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms. It had to be towed. I called a corporate phone number, to create a case number, and heard back from Jeep Autonation immediately. The gentleman who spoke to me, was extremely rude, and told me this was a normal wear and tear situation, and just to "bring it in so they could get to fixing it." I believe a full diagnostic report is necessary, and I'd like to know WHY this failed. I was on the highway just earlier the morning that this happened. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE, to which I'm not getting any traction on. Unfortunately, it needs to be towed there, and I was told the tow would be $100, which I won't be paying, as this was a safety failure. I have also been renting a car for the last three weeks, when this happened. I'm out $1200 for that, and still have no answers. This failure created a significant safety risk to me and other drivers on the road. I am filing this report because the dealership and manufacturer have been unresponsive, and I am concerned this may be a defect that could affect other vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11739927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle stopped acceleration at highway speeds on way to work in narrow highway stopping traffic and semitrucks narrowly missing collision. Dealership states the transmission cvt was leaking and therefore caused the issue that costly repairs are unaffordable for me. Bought used from private party a month before the incident now leaving me no funds to repair and no transportation to return to work.

NHTSA complaint #11736068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2007 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH the vehicle stop accelerating. The vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehilce local dealer where it was due to the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a opened case. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11735852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle has a major safety defect unknown as to component causing. While driving at freeway speeds the vehicle suddenly has sudden jolt as if vehicle switched into park suddenly. This causes seatbelt tensioner to lock and for the 0.5 to 1 second speed reduced instantly as if slamming on brakes causing vehicles behind to almost hit me. This has now happened on 3 separate occasions but cannot be replicated on demand by anyone. No warning lamps no indicators of anything like open door, parking brake, or any forward collision system showing on instrument panel.

NHTSA complaint #11735697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Upon driving on the highway the engine begins to make a hissing sound . Then the the car begins to feel like its slowly braking. From there It slowly loses power . The accelerator does nothing. This happened when my son I his [XXX] was drive me to airport through [XXX] mountains. Had to pull over many times eventually getting and Uber from gas station to make flight. Very unsafe condition and is need of repairs INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11731873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

At approximately 35,900 miles, vehicle failed a block test indicating combustion gases in the cooling system. Cylinder head gasket was replaced, cylinder head was machined, and exhaust valves were replaced at an independent shop at a cost of over $5,000. Shortly after, at approximately 36,300 miles, vehicle was towed in with sudden loss of power and would not accelerate. Diagnostic codes P1064 (cylinder 4 oil supply solenoid stuck), P0171 (fuel system lean), and P0304 (cylinder misfire) were found. The MultiAir/VVT actuator was confirmed to have an internal failure. Both the independent shop and a Jeep dealership parts department confirmed the component was on indefinite national backorder due to high demand caused by widespread failures of this part. At approximately 37,500 miles, vehicle failed a second block test. The cylinder head was found warped again and required a second full replacement along with motor mount replacement. The vehicle has had its cylinder head replaced twice in under seven months. Total out-of-pocket repair costs exceed $8,000. The sudden loss of power while driving created an unsafe condition. The failure has been confirmed and documented by both an independent repair facility and an authorized Jeep dealership. Check engine light was present prior to each failure event.

NHTSA complaint #11730900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The collision alert warning lights have been coming on since the DAY I drove out of the dealership! They tried to dismiss it as my fault - I got too close to something (I was simply passing another car). This has been a constant issue and I’ve told the dealership every time I’ve had it serviced. I’ve had about four times that I’ve been driving at high speeds and the vehicle suddenly slams on the brakes because it’s “thinking I’m gonna hit something.” Usually it’s if I’m passing another car, but it’s also happened when there is nothing near at all. This past week was the last straw!! I was going 70 mph down the highway, had just passed a semi, and all hell broke loose. Jerked me from side to side, the brakes engaged and were jolting me, smoking, grinding, and screeching horribly because they would not give up in trying to stop me. Oil dumped all over and a burning smell, shaking and jerking, couldn’t steer, etc.. during this scary time, the service 4WD light and crash alert lights all come on. Thankfully the semi I was passing was paying attention and did not hit me. I was two hours from home so the Jeep was towed to the nearest dealership. I later learned there is a service recall that JUST came out early March 2026. It’s called 12D and is a software update related to all these codes it’s been throwing and how myJeep has been behaving for TWO years. Software needs to be updated or can have all this stuff that happened to me… because the systems don’t know what to do?? There is also a service bulletin out there that service techs SHOULD be aware of that addresses known issues with the PTU (power transfer unit). I just learned from the dealership that has my Jeep - the PTU is shot!! Imagine that! They have a PTU unit ordered but will not know what else is damaged until they tear into it. It shouldn’t take an injury or death to get notices out there when there are known issues. Thank you! This dealership where my Jeep is finally seems to know what they are doing!

NHTSA complaint #11730684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it remained for approximately one month; however, the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The dealer requested that the contact drive with a mechanic to pinpoint the failure experienced with the vehicle. The mechanic requested to drive the vehicle on the parkway, but the contact declined. The contact returned the rental vehicle and drove the vehicle back to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11726728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

failing component: Transmission / Powertrain. The transmission is jerking aggressively when shifting into gear. yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. I currently have the vehicle in my possession. How was safety put at risk? The vehicle jerked violently into gear while accelerating from a stopped position at an intersection. The force was strong enough to physically jolt both the driver and passenger. This creates a safety risk due to unpredictable vehicle behavior during acceleration and could lead to loss of control or increased risk of collision. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed? YES – the issue has occurred after the vehicle was returned following transmission replacement. The dealership has attempted multiple transmission replacements, indicating an ongoing unresolved issue. Has the vehicle been inspected by anyone? YES – inspected and repaired multiple times by dealership service department. Transmission has been replaced multiple times, including a failed replacement while still at the dealership. Warning lights or prior symptoms? NO warning lights were present. Prior to the failure, a whining noise was present, which was previously reported to the dealership as a suspected transmission issue. The vehicle was brought to a dealership for a transmission-related issue and has undergone multiple transmission replacements. After the most recent repair, the vehicle was returned with the issue unresolved. On March 22, 2026, while accelerating from a stopped position at an intersection, the vehicle jerked aggressively into gear. The force was significant enough to physically jolt both the driver and passenger. Despite multiple repair attempts, the transmission is still not operating correctly. This creates a safety concern due to unpredictable shifting behavior. Additionally, the dealership drove the vehicle approximately 3,000 miles while in their possession, yet the issue remains unresolved.

NHTSA complaint #11726255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized, and the parking brake independently activated. No warning lights were illuminated. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The failure had occurred while the [XXX] was an occupant of the vehicle. The failure reoccurred. While attempting to start the vehicle, the battery warning light illuminated; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with PCM failure. The contact was informed that the PCM needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11721368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.