Jeep Compass Engine Problems
Owners have filed 1,248 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Jeep Compass across 19 model years. The 2018 model year has the most (473). The words owners use most often: “low oil” (7% of reports).
- 1,248engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 18mention a crash
- 9mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $550typical repair cost reported by owners
- 30%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Low oil: mentioned in 89 of 1,248 complaints (7%)
- Start stop: mentioned in 72 of 1,248 complaints (6%)
- Coolant temperature: mentioned in 69 of 1,248 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the Jeep Compass at $550, and half of them between $350 and $1,050.
Based on 8 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2013–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 678 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 1,248 complaints, 18 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 9 an injury.
Jeep Compass engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Compass | 3 | 11% | 8,650 |
| 2024 Compass | 7 | 13% | 13,000 |
| 2023 Compass | 7 | 15% | 5,600 |
| 2022 Compass | 37 | 17% | 8,724 |
| 2021 Compass | 18 | 22% | — |
| 2020 Compass | 79 | 55% | 6,500 |
| 2019 Compass | 161 | 49% | 7,598 |
| 2018 Compass | 473 | 50% | 19,000 |
| 2017 Compass | 71 | 31% | 29,000 |
| 2016 Compass | 135 | 46% | 55,000 |
| 2015 Compass | 30 | 27% | 53,000 |
| 2014 Compass | 91 | 30% | 67,893 |
| 2013 Compass | 10 | 13% | 100,000 |
| 2012 Compass | 36 | 20% | 90,000 |
| 2011 Compass | 30 | 16% | 68,500 |
| 2010 Compass | 5 | 7% | 90,000 |
| 2009 Compass | 5 | 11% | 95,000 |
| 2008 Compass | 13 | 14% | 125,000 |
| 2007 Compass | 37 | 14% | 98,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2018
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.
Risk: If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2016
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.
Engine
Model years: 2014
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.
Risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I purchased my 2022 Jeep Compass Latitude FWD brand new on April 4, 2022, from AutoNation Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Houston. Just eight days later, on April 12, 2022, I began reporting serious engine stalling and Auto Stop/Start malfunctions. The vehicle repeatedly shuts off in traffic and fails to…
In July 2024 the engine blew a rod causing catastrophic engine failure causing our daughters Jeep while driving down [XXX] in San Antonio to lift off the ground from the force and leaving her no where to get to safety with no shoulder. Only being some months and 1505 miles out of warranty they…
I have a 2018 Jeep Compass that is experiencing an intermittent engine stall while I am driving. The engine cuts off, particularly when I am sitting in traffic or maintaining the same speed for an extended period of time. There is currently no check-engine light illuminated. This is a serious…
I have a 2018 Jeep Compass that is experiencing an intermittent engine stall while I am driving. The engine cuts off, particularly when I am sitting in traffic or maintaining the same speed for an extended period of time. There is currently no check-engine light illuminated. This is a serious…
I have a 2018 Jeep Compass that is experiencing an intermittent engine stall while I am driving. The engine cuts off, particularly when I am sitting in traffic or maintaining the same speed for an extended period of time. There is currently no check-engine light illuminated. This is a serious…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Jeep Compasss have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 1,248 owner complaints about engine for the Jeep Compass. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Jeep Compass engine?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the Jeep Compass?
Owners report a typical cost of $550 (half paid between $350 and $1,050), from 8 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Jeep Compass?
The most frequent phrase is “low oil”, in 89 of 1,248 complaints, followed by “start stop” (72).
Other Jeep Compass problems
- Electrical System problems (1,077)
- Power Train problems (529)
- Air Bags problems (273)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (269)
- Suspension problems (235)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (216)
- Service Brakes problems (213)
- Steering problems (203)
See all Jeep Compass problems.