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2019 Jeep Compass

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Compass years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Jeep Compass are substantially higher than the model-year median of 126.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

103 reports with mileage · 226 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 160 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 143 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports2 fire reports4 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

11 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion System

GOING INTO A TURN OIL LIGHT FLASHED BRIEFLY AND CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN MID TURN THIS HAPPEND 2 TIMES IN A MONTH I HAVE PREVIOUSLY LOGGED A COMPLAINT WHERE THE START STOP DID A SIMILAR SHUTDOWN IN MIDDLE OF DRIVING THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS THE ISSUE IS ALL OVER THE FORUMS ON JEEP SOMEONE WILL DIE AS A RESULT OF THIS…

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GOING INTO A TURN OIL LIGHT FLASHED BRIEFLY AND CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN MID TURN THIS HAPPEND 2 TIMES IN A MONTH I HAVE PREVIOUSLY LOGGED A COMPLAINT WHERE THE START STOP DID A SIMILAR SHUTDOWN IN MIDDLE OF DRIVING THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS THE ISSUE IS ALL OVER THE FORUMS ON JEEP SOMEONE WILL DIE AS A RESULT OF THIS AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ITS A REAL LIFE SAFTEY ISSUE!!!

NHTSA ODI #11725720

Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

There is a large system failure in the Jeep Compass, in which the oil is getting mixed with fluid, causing the transmission fluid to become like chocolate milk. This failure is all in the way the vehicle is manufactured that it causes damage to both the transmission and engine costing approximately more than 14k in repairs. The …

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There is a large system failure in the Jeep Compass, in which the oil is getting mixed with fluid, causing the transmission fluid to become like chocolate milk. This failure is all in the way the vehicle is manufactured that it causes damage to both the transmission and engine costing approximately more than 14k in repairs. The problem has been confirmed at a dealership, as well as too other 2019-2020 Jeep Compass owners and Jeep has done nothing. It is a safety issue as the vehicle stopped in the middle of the fwy, and needed to be towed. All oil changes and maintenance done at dealership on time and nothing was ever caught, was told this is a common problem for this year's models. A warning lamp popped up the same day I had an oil change appointment. It has not been inspected as no one seems to care to help. I was even charged for the oil change that I didnt get and was never refunded. Car is still not drivable as no repairs have fixed issue.

NHTSA ODI #11705651

Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

My 2019 Jeep Compass (VIN: omitted per instructions) experienced a serious powertrain issue where coolant leaked into the transmission, causing overheating and vehicle failure. The car became inoperable without warning at 74,000 miles. There were no prior signs or symptoms. A certified Jeep dealership confirmed a mechanical fail…

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My 2019 Jeep Compass (VIN: omitted per instructions) experienced a serious powertrain issue where coolant leaked into the transmission, causing overheating and vehicle failure. The car became inoperable without warning at 74,000 miles. There were no prior signs or symptoms. A certified Jeep dealership confirmed a mechanical failure involving a faulty internal part that allowed transmission fluid and coolant to mix. Jeep denied full coverage despite it being a known issue among other owners. This is a significant safety risk, especially if the vehicle were to fail while driving. I am the original owner and the vehicle has been well-maintained with no accidents. A case was filed with Jeep, and a partial repair discount was offered, but the out-of-pocket cost is still unaffordable. This defect needs to be addressed as it renders the vehicle unreliable and unsafe.

NHTSA ODI #11667256

Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

Stopped at stoplight. Engine start/stop was selected on and stopped engine per usual. Released brake and engine didn’t restart leaving vehicle un-powered in traffic. Shifted to park. Let vehicle recycle on/off power a few times. Engine was able to be restarted several minutes later. This happened before ~1 year ago and dealer …

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Stopped at stoplight. Engine start/stop was selected on and stopped engine per usual. Released brake and engine didn’t restart leaving vehicle un-powered in traffic. Shifted to park. Let vehicle recycle on/off power a few times. Engine was able to be restarted several minutes later. This happened before ~1 year ago and dealer replaced aux battery and torque sensors but couldn’t replicate failure and never disclosed any actual fault found.

NHTSA ODI #11633269

Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System

When filling the gas tank and it gets near full, the gas will splash back onto the side of the car, the ground and can get on my clothes, shoes, etc. Jeep vehicles have a long history of this specific problem. No recalls for this VIN. Please help. This is dangerous and scary. It happens every time I fill the tank.

NHTSA ODI #11594474

Mileage unknown · May 15, 2024
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSteering

It is not allowing me to check everything but the bottom line is this. It is highly inappropriate to know that there were three recalls on this vehicle it says 2 were completed there were investigations done and I do not have the ability to view them as a consumer especially whrn I was trying to buy it and now when I am trying …

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It is not allowing me to check everything but the bottom line is this. It is highly inappropriate to know that there were three recalls on this vehicle it says 2 were completed there were investigations done and I do not have the ability to view them as a consumer especially whrn I was trying to buy it and now when I am trying to find out if it is related to a problem I am having. I need the full detailed list. I have asked the dealership and not received the documentation, please provide them. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11588999

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

This 2019 Jeep Compass, has mixed the coolant and oil causing a blown head gasket, according to the dealership, it needs a new engine, and something that is too common on the Jeep Compass, as mine is shy over 8k it is not covered under warranty. No warning lights came on, no lights of high temperature in the transmission, oil or…

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This 2019 Jeep Compass, has mixed the coolant and oil causing a blown head gasket, according to the dealership, it needs a new engine, and something that is too common on the Jeep Compass, as mine is shy over 8k it is not covered under warranty. No warning lights came on, no lights of high temperature in the transmission, oil or coolant. The car did stall in the middle of the road, causing risk for myself and the child I had in the car. As this is a common problem with the Jeep Compass, how is this major issue not a recall? Why is Jeep/ Chrysler waiting and endangering many of their consumers lives, and not fixing this issue??? The vehicle is available for inspection, with towing being invovled as I am terrified to drive this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11574234

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion System

While driving, the Jeep Compass lurched forward several times rather than having smooth acceleration. Within 5 minutes, the vehicle was sputtering and the engine just shut down completely. the "BRAKE" light illuminated on the dashboard, but no check engine light has ever been on. I was able to restart 4 times as I was trying to …

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While driving, the Jeep Compass lurched forward several times rather than having smooth acceleration. Within 5 minutes, the vehicle was sputtering and the engine just shut down completely. the "BRAKE" light illuminated on the dashboard, but no check engine light has ever been on. I was able to restart 4 times as I was trying to get to a mechanic. The last time I restarted it was struggling to start. Mechanic has since looked at it, and there are no codes to indicate what is going on. I did notice online that there are other complaints of Jeep Compass shutting off while driving, so I wanted to file a complaint.

NHTSA ODI #11542718

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 · Oct 16, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering

On at least three separate occasions, without warning, the coolant sensor suddenly goes in to a false coolant temperature alarm as if the temperature has climbed to maximum heat. While the alarm is active, you are unable to accelerate and have no power steering. After a second, the alarm vanishes and coolant temperature gauge sh…

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On at least three separate occasions, without warning, the coolant sensor suddenly goes in to a false coolant temperature alarm as if the temperature has climbed to maximum heat. While the alarm is active, you are unable to accelerate and have no power steering. After a second, the alarm vanishes and coolant temperature gauge shows temperature back at normal operational level. This has happened while driving 65 MPH on a highway. This also happened while trying to make a left-hand turn at a busy intersection. This is quite frightening and if this were to occur at the wrong moment could easily result in an accident. Other owners of the same model vehicle have reported this exact same issue in online forums such as MyJeepCompass.com. In all reported cases, dealers and mechanics are unable to determine the problem after replacing the coolant sensor and trying every possible solution. I believe this is a software or firmware issue causing a false coolant temperature alarm to trigger. I reported this to Jeep and they only recommended bringing the vehicle to a local dealer.

NHTSA ODI #11436997

Official recalls

2

20V208000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

Apr 9, 2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass vehicles. The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W25.

18V523000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper

Aug 9, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE22013 · 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.