IllustrationI was driving to work at about 4:30am and was stopped at a stoplight. When the light turned green I tried to accelarate and the engine stalled. The engine temperature warning light came on. I waited a few minutes and the vehicle started right up.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Compass years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
630–25K
2225–50K
1050–75K
375–100K
5100–150K
0150K+
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
What owners actually said
329 reportsI was driving home from work and stopped at the stoplight. When the light turned green, I tried to accelerate and the engine stalled. The service engine, electronic throttle control and the stop/start system warning lights all came on. I waited a few minutes and restarted the engine.
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!!!
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while reversing from the driveway, the back-up camera failed to operate normally. The Uconnect system became disabled, which caused other navigational functions to fail to operate as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failur…
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The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while reversing from the driveway, the back-up camera failed to operate normally. The Uconnect system became disabled, which caused other navigational functions to fail to operate as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to update the software, but at the owner's expense. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.
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 failu…
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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)
2019 jeep compass, 65k miles Car started having misfires while accelerating and decreasing speeds.It stayed pretty consistent at all speeds! Shortly after the car overheated and stated coolant temperature too high. Had it diagnosed and it was confirmed oil is mixing in with the coolant meaning blown head gasket and more than lik…
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2019 jeep compass, 65k miles Car started having misfires while accelerating and decreasing speeds.It stayed pretty consistent at all speeds! Shortly after the car overheated and stated coolant temperature too high. Had it diagnosed and it was confirmed oil is mixing in with the coolant meaning blown head gasket and more than likely engine rebuild/new engine. All regular maintenance has ALWAYS been done. It is absolutely unacceptable that so many people are reporting this same exact issue and nothing is being done. Every other comment is someone stranded or the vehicle has shut off while driving, for the ones whose engine hasn’t failed they are on the verge of doing so. The investigation into this needs to be reopened, how is this not a major safety concern with an obvious engine defect. Is it gonna take several bad accidents, or worse a death ? This needs to be addressed immediately.
Rear back up camera goes to blue screen randomly. Uconnect system frequently freezes and is unresponsive. It has in the past attempted to dial 911 and I couldn't cancel it . It did not go through because my phone is not connected but it is still an issue.
While driving my Jeep Compass's emergency parking brake engaged on its own. I thought I was hit by another vehicle since it was so abrupt. I was able to disengage it after several minutes and as I turned my hazards on and drove home, the emergency brake engaged again on its own. This was a major safety issue and after getting th…
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While driving my Jeep Compass's emergency parking brake engaged on its own. I thought I was hit by another vehicle since it was so abrupt. I was able to disengage it after several minutes and as I turned my hazards on and drove home, the emergency brake engaged again on its own. This was a major safety issue and after getting the vehicle home, I was able to call and get it into a mechanic who was unable to find a code stored for the issue. He recommended I take it to a Jeep Dealership as they have softwares to run for the computer. The jeep dealership only was able to locate a code to replace the starter and replaced the starter but are unable to determine the issue for the e brake, unable to duplicate it, and are unable to tell me the Jeeps emergency brake won't turn on again on its own. I reached out to Jeep Cares on a jeep compass forum and was called by a representative who told me Jeep is aware of a rising number of people with the exact same issue as I stated.
My2019 Jeep Compass has a software problem with the radio in the dashboard. The screen is sometimes freezing.it is affecting my remote start,the screen turns black,then flashes vertical and horizontal lines.at times it shows octagon shapes ,altering settings,and losing all functionality.
I am submitting this formal complaint to report a serious and dangerous safety defect involving the auxiliary battery system in the 2019 Jeep Compass. Without sufficient warning, my vehicle suddenly lost power and shut down while driving in traffic due to auxiliary battery failure. This failure caused a loss of propulsion and s…
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I am submitting this formal complaint to report a serious and dangerous safety defect involving the auxiliary battery system in the 2019 Jeep Compass. Without sufficient warning, my vehicle suddenly lost power and shut down while driving in traffic due to auxiliary battery failure. This failure caused a loss of propulsion and significantly reduced vehicle control, leaving me vulnerable in active traffic with little to no time to safely react or pull over. This situation could easily result in a severe accident, serious injury, or loss of life. What makes this issue especially alarming is that this is not an isolated incident. There are thousands of documented complaints, forum posts, and consumer reports online describing the exact same failure pattern in the 2019 Jeep Compass. Many drivers report sudden stalling, warning lights appearing too late to prevent shutdown, and complete loss of power while driving at speed or in intersections. A vehicle that can unexpectedly stop in traffic due to a known battery system defect presents a catastrophic safety risk. The lack of adequate warning or fail-safe design places drivers, passengers, and surrounding motorists in immediate danger. This is particularly concerning given the widespread nature of the issue and the absence of an effective recall or permanent corrective action. Something must be done before someone is seriously injured or killed. I urge immediate investigation, accountability, and corrective measures- including a recall- before this defect results in a fatal accident. This defect undermines basic vehicle safety expectations and should be treated as a matter of urgency.
Official recalls
220V208000 · 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
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.