Jeep Compass Power Train Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 529 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 529 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Jeep Compass across 19 model years. The 2018 model year has the most (151).

At what mileage do power train problems happen?

Based on 322 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles70 · 22%
10k–25k miles38 · 12%
25k–50k miles72 · 22%
50k–75k miles49 · 15%
75k–100k miles39 · 12%
100k–150k miles47 · 15%
150k+ miles7 · 2%

How serious are the reports?

Of 529 complaints, 23 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 7 an injury.

Jeep Compass power train complaints by model year

Peak: 2018, with 151 complaints
2007: 292007292008: 12122009: 4200942010: 442011: 372011372012: 26262013: 272013272014: 35352015: 102015102016: 44442017: 422017422018: 1511512019: 372019372020: 29292021: 9202192022: 19192023: 6202362024: 662025: 220252

n = 529 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearPower Train complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2025 Compass27%—
2024 Compass611%17,724
2023 Compass613%2,840
2022 Compass198%5,193
2021 Compass911%86,000
2020 Compass2920%66,000
2019 Compass3711%22,000
2018 Compass15116%21,000
2017 Compass4218%39,082
2016 Compass4415%55,000
2015 Compass109%62,000
2014 Compass3511%69,000
2013 Compass2734%63,500
2012 Compass2614%79,000
2011 Compass3720%70,000
2010 Compass46%100,000
2009 Compass49%67,100
2008 Compass1213%90,658
2007 Compass2911%70,393

When owners reported it

Peak: 2019, with 93 complaints
2008: 1200812009: 112010: 5201052011: 662012: 9201292013: 882014: 182014182015: 15152016: 122016122017: 21212018: 442018442019: 93932020: 622020622021: 40402022: 422022422023: 48482024: 362024362025: 39392026: 29202629

n = 529 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Power train:axle assembly:axle shaftMay 9, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V301000 · 4,705 vehicles

Model years: 2017

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with a 6-speed transmission. The left front halfshaft may not be properly seated, and, as a result, it may disengage from the transmission and/or break.

Risk: If the left front halfshaft disengages or breaks, the vehicle will have a loss of drive. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without using the parking brake, the vehicle may roll, despite being in 'Park.' Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will inspect the left front halfshaft for engagement and replace any that are not properly engaged in the transmission, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T26.

Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Oct 9, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V528000 · 712 vehicles

Model years: 2009

Problem: Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, dodge caliber, avenger, journey, jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (pcm) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.

Risk: This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning.

Fix: Dealers will replace the pcm free of charge. The recall began on november 10, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. While driving for 5–10 minutes at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated, and a "Pressure Overheating" message was displayed. The Automatic Emergency Braking feature activated. The contact called…

Received Oct 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770212

While driving my 2025 Jeep Compass, the vehicle displayed a “Service 4x4” warning and began producing a loud engine/drivetrain noise accompanied by severe physical jerking and you could hear the car having difficulty shifting gears once the transmission got hot enough (over 130 degrees). The…

Received Oct 6, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769373

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled in the middle of the highway. The vehicle lost power, but was able to be restarted, and the vehicle drove in LIMP Mode to the dealer. The "D" on the instrument panel was flashing…

Received Sep 14, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11764065

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…

Received Sep 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11763674

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

Received Aug 17, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11757536
Jeep Compass
Jeep_Compass_(J4U) in Stuttgart. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Jeep Compasss have power train problems?

No. NHTSA has 529 owner complaints about power train 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 power train?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

Other Jeep Compass problems

See all Jeep Compass problems.