NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
160 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Apr 8, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed ControlCrash
On my way to work my 2019 Jeep compass all of a sudden started flashing all these error messages while I was driving (check shifter, service transmission, service ESC, AWD warnings, check coolant, car shutting down) my car seemed to be stuck in 1st gear, and my parking brake came on. While panicking trying to get off the road, I…
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On my way to work my 2019 Jeep compass all of a sudden started flashing all these error messages while I was driving (check shifter, service transmission, service ESC, AWD warnings, check coolant, car shutting down) my car seemed to be stuck in 1st gear, and my parking brake came on. While panicking trying to get off the road, I turn left but my car is going so slow a truck comes over the hill and slams into my passenger side. I've had my car less than 2 years and it did this exact same thing a few days after I bought it , I took it back to the dealership I bought it from, but they couldn't replicate the issue, the car corrected itself and was fine until April 6 when it started again while I was driving and caused me to be in an accident. This has been very traumatic, I've never been in a automobile accident, and I feel like it's all because of my car wouldn't accelerate so I could get off the road safely
NHTSA ODI #11516138
Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
Engine shut down in an intersection due to “high coolant temperature” This was a false error and almost caused me to get into an accident. Once I could get power back, I moved over the the side of the road and inspected my coolant further. There were no leaks and reservoir had adequate pressure and fluid. Coolant temps read reg…
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Engine shut down in an intersection due to “high coolant temperature” This was a false error and almost caused me to get into an accident. Once I could get power back, I moved over the the side of the road and inspected my coolant further. There were no leaks and reservoir had adequate pressure and fluid. Coolant temps read regular. I continued to drive to work while monitoring the digital coolant temps. The temperature fluctuated between 192 and 198. I reached my destination safely, but following this event, I do not feel this vehicle is safe to drive. Vehicle is up to date on maintenance and has 34k on the odometer
NHTSA ODI #11514479
Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineService BrakesCrash
We were stopped at a traffic light, began to move when the driver instrument display went red, said coolant was high, the car stalled, and we were hit from behind by another SUV. After we were able to restart it, the display returned to normal. We waited for the police to arrive, got an accident report and now the car is at the …
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We were stopped at a traffic light, began to move when the driver instrument display went red, said coolant was high, the car stalled, and we were hit from behind by another SUV. After we were able to restart it, the display returned to normal. We waited for the police to arrive, got an accident report and now the car is at the dealer. Also, before that the radio display was acting up with lines in i like a bad television then it would shut off. The dealer says it needs a new radio (on a 4-year-old Jeep), and they want to apply updates that SHOULD fix the issue.
NHTSA ODI #11514066
Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine
Multiple instances of power loss in the vehicle with the warning stating that coolant temperature is too high. Car doesn't power more than 20mph in such instances and needs to be parked on the side for a restart.
NHTSA ODI #11513847
Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine
dashboard message stating “High Coolant Temperature” while driving on highway. I had to stop on the shoulder of the highway after seeing a warning that the vehicle would soon shut off. I was driving the car with my child and the situation was very tense. I had to park the car on the shoulder of highway and wait for it to sett…
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dashboard message stating “High Coolant Temperature” while driving on highway. I had to stop on the shoulder of the highway after seeing a warning that the vehicle would soon shut off. I was driving the car with my child and the situation was very tense. I had to park the car on the shoulder of highway and wait for it to settle down. This actually threatened the lives of me and my child.
NHTSA ODI #11513798
16,000 miles · Mar 21, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, or while stopped at a traffic light the vehicle would suddenly shut off. The failure had occurred while driving 70 MPH, and while stationary at a traffic light. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer several times, but the mechanic …
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The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, or while stopped at a traffic light the vehicle would suddenly shut off. The failure had occurred while driving 70 MPH, and while stationary at a traffic light. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer several times, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 16,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA ODI #11512937
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2023
EngineService Brakes
The engine start/stop light turned on saying it needed serviced. While driving. Then another message popped up on the screen and suddenly disappeared then my emergency brakes came on while driving and put me in a complete stop in the middle of the road.. have not yet contacted anyone about this issue yet. Im worried that it will…
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The engine start/stop light turned on saying it needed serviced. While driving. Then another message popped up on the screen and suddenly disappeared then my emergency brakes came on while driving and put me in a complete stop in the middle of the road.. have not yet contacted anyone about this issue yet. Im worried that it will happen again and cause someone to rear end me.
NHTSA ODI #11512869
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT I AM WRITING THIS LETTER ON THIS 2019 JEEP COMPASS WHEN DRIVING THE LIGHTS START GOING CRAZY CHECK ENGINE,SERVICE TRANSMISSION,POWER STEERING NEEDS SERVICED, SMELL OF GAS AND ANTIFREEZE AND PARKING BRAKE COMES ON AND MUCH MORE. I HAVE HAD THIS JEEP IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES WITH NO HELP I NEED HELP AS SOON…
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THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT I AM WRITING THIS LETTER ON THIS 2019 JEEP COMPASS WHEN DRIVING THE LIGHTS START GOING CRAZY CHECK ENGINE,SERVICE TRANSMISSION,POWER STEERING NEEDS SERVICED, SMELL OF GAS AND ANTIFREEZE AND PARKING BRAKE COMES ON AND MUCH MORE. I HAVE HAD THIS JEEP IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES WITH NO HELP I NEED HELP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ON THIS JEEP IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AT ALL I AM DISABLED AND ON A LIMITED INCOME NEED HELP PLEASE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH [XXX][XXX] e-mail [XXX] TODAY DATE IS 03/20/2023 INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11512835
Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
While driving in 33 degree weather my Jeep Compass randomly shuts off flashing a high coolant temp on the dash. This has happened twice while operating on the roadway, one of which was in the middle of navigating a 4 way traffic light. My significant other is a licensed mechanic therefore all maintenance is always up to date. T…
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While driving in 33 degree weather my Jeep Compass randomly shuts off flashing a high coolant temp on the dash. This has happened twice while operating on the roadway, one of which was in the middle of navigating a 4 way traffic light. My significant other is a licensed mechanic therefore all maintenance is always up to date. This vehicle isn’t low on antifreeze and is a significant safety threat to myself and my two children 3 and under.
NHTSA ODI #11509151
Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2023
Engine
Driving at highway speeds today "high coolant temp" message appeared and vehicle lost power briefly, luckily not completely as I was in the far left lane with no shoulder to pull onto. I made my way to the right shoulder and realized my temp was just fine - just below 200 degrees - and vehicle operated normally the rest of the w…
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Driving at highway speeds today "high coolant temp" message appeared and vehicle lost power briefly, luckily not completely as I was in the far left lane with no shoulder to pull onto. I made my way to the right shoulder and realized my temp was just fine - just below 200 degrees - and vehicle operated normally the rest of the way to work. After giving it a google search and seeing all of the other complaints about this issue, I figured I better report my issue as well in an effort to get this looked into and resolved. Had my car completely shut off like so many of the other complaints I've seen, there would have been an interstate pile up with me at the bottom.
NHTSA ODI #11508133
NHTSA investigations
1PE22013 · False Overheat Leading To Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Dec 2, 2022 · Closed Dec 10, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling
On December 2, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE22-013 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power accompanied by high coolant temperature messages on the dashboard of Model Year 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles. At the time this investigation was opened, ODI was aware of fifteen Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) for Model Year (MY) 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles alleging a loss of motive power (LOMP) while driving. The LOMP events were often accompanied by a high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high message appearing on the dashboard of the vehicle. In most incidents, the high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high dashboard messages spontaneously self-corrected or were corrected after the vehicle was stopped and restarted. One complainant alleged no immediate restart, and the vehicle was towed. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) was opened to assess the frequency and potential safety consequences of these engine shut down events. On January 19th, 2023, ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler US LLC (FCA) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles. FCA provided its full response on March 2nd, 2023. ODI has reviewed the information FCA provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database. Based on a review of available information, ODI has identified 173 subject vehicles that likely experienced a shutdown event associated with the high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high dashboard messages. ODI found the 2019 Model Year (MY) Jeep Compass as having the highest failure rate while also being the oldest group of vehicles in this investigation. The 2019 Jeep Compass vehicles that experienced a failure represent an incident rate of about 0.09%. The 2020 Jeep compass vehicles that experienced a failure represent an incident rate of about 0.04%. After reviewing the information available at this time, ODI identified one allegation of a crash and no allegations of injury, fire, or fatality. The alleged crash occurred at a stop light and was able to be restarted immediately. In its response to ODI, FCA provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. FCA believes the alleged defect does not pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. FCA stated that allegations related to this investigation involve the vehicle notifying the driver of an overheat condition, via a message and telltale lights, followed by an engine shutdown. FCA goes on to say that once the engine shuts down, the driver is instructed via an instrument cluster message to place the vehicle in park. After the vehicle is placed in park, it can then be restarted and immediately driven with no issues. This is consistent with ODI’s observations. Based on the analysis conducted by ODI indicating a low failure rate and given that the vehicles normally can be re-started immediately after the shutdown event, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling
On December 2, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE22-013 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power accompanied by high coolant temperature messages on the dashboard of Model Year 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles. At the time this investigation was opened, ODI was aware of fifteen Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) for Model Year (MY) 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles alleging a loss of motive power (LOMP) while driving. The LOMP events were often accompanied by a high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high message appearing on the dashboard of the vehicle. In most incidents, the high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high dashboard messages spontaneously self-corrected or were corrected after the vehicle was stopped and restarted. One complainant alleged no immediate restart, and the vehicle was towed. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) was opened to assess the frequency and potential safety consequences of these engine shut down events. On January 19th, 2023, ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler US LLC (FCA) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles. FCA provided its full response on March 2nd, 2023. ODI has reviewed the information FCA provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database. Based on a review of available information, ODI has identified 173 subject vehicles that likely experienced a shutdown event associated with the high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high dashboard messages. ODI found the 2019 Model Year (MY) Jeep Compass as having the highest failure rate while also being the oldest group of vehicles in this investigation. The 2019 Jeep Compass vehicles that experienced a failure represent an incident rate of about 0.09%. The 2020 Jeep compass vehicles that experienced a failure represent an incident rate of about 0.04%. After reviewing the information available at this time, ODI identified one allegation of a crash and no allegations of injury, fire, or fatality. The alleged crash occurred at a stop light and was able to be restarted immediately. In its response to ODI, FCA provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. FCA believes the alleged defect does not pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. FCA stated that allegations related to this investigation involve the vehicle notifying the driver of an overheat condition, via a message and telltale lights, followed by an engine shutdown. FCA goes on to say that once the engine shuts down, the driver is instructed via an instrument cluster message to place the vehicle in park. After the vehicle is placed in park, it can then be restarted and immediately driven with no issues. This is consistent with ODI’s observations. Based on the analysis conducted by ODI indicating a low failure rate and given that the vehicles normally can be re-started immediately after the shutdown event, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Engine
On December 2, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE22-013 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power accompanied by high coolant temperature messages on the dashboard of Model Year 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles. At the time this investigation was opened, ODI was aware of fifteen Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) for Model Year (MY) 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles alleging a loss of motive power (LOMP) while driving. The LOMP events were often accompanied by a high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high message appearing on the dashboard of the vehicle. In most incidents, the high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high dashboard messages spontaneously self-corrected or were corrected after the vehicle was stopped and restarted. One complainant alleged no immediate restart, and the vehicle was towed. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) was opened to assess the frequency and potential safety consequences of these engine shut down events. On January 19th, 2023, ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler US LLC (FCA) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles. FCA provided its full response on March 2nd, 2023. ODI has reviewed the information FCA provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database. Based on a review of available information, ODI has identified 173 subject vehicles that likely experienced a shutdown event associated with the high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high dashboard messages. ODI found the 2019 Model Year (MY) Jeep Compass as having the highest failure rate while also being the oldest group of vehicles in this investigation. The 2019 Jeep Compass vehicles that experienced a failure represent an incident rate of about 0.09%. The 2020 Jeep compass vehicles that experienced a failure represent an incident rate of about 0.04%. After reviewing the information available at this time, ODI identified one allegation of a crash and no allegations of injury, fire, or fatality. The alleged crash occurred at a stop light and was able to be restarted immediately. In its response to ODI, FCA provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. FCA believes the alleged defect does not pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. FCA stated that allegations related to this investigation involve the vehicle notifying the driver of an overheat condition, via a message and telltale lights, followed by an engine shutdown. FCA goes on to say that once the engine shuts down, the driver is instructed via an instrument cluster message to place the vehicle in park. After the vehicle is placed in park, it can then be restarted and immediately driven with no issues. This is consistent with ODI’s observations. Based on the analysis conducted by ODI indicating a low failure rate and given that the vehicles normally can be re-started immediately after the shutdown event, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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