2020 Jeep Compass

141 complaints on file, page 1 of 8.

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026Failure Aug 10, 2026Philadelphia, PAService brakes, Steering, Suspension

   My 2020 Jeep Compass develops significant shaking and vibration when I apply the brakes while traveling above approximately 70 mph. The vibration affects the vehicle’s stability and makes me concerned about maintaining control and stopping safely at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and serviced by an authorized Jeep dealership after I reported the shaking. The dealership identified problems involving the inner tie rods and steering system. Before the repair, I specifically questioned whether the brake rotors could be contributing to the shaking. The dealership assured me that it was completely certain the problem had been corrected. The vehicle rides somewhat better following the repair, but the same high-speed braking vibration remains. The vehicle now has new tires, but the shaking continues. The problem occurs primarily when the brakes are applied at highway speed, which raises concerns involving the brake rotors, hubs, calipers, steering rack, tie rods, wheel bearings, or related suspension components. There are no warning lights before the shaking occurs. The vehicle and its components are available for inspection. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether recurring high-speed braking vibration, premature steering-component wear, or related brake and suspension problems constitute a safety defect in Jeep Compass vehicles.

   NHTSA complaint 11768127
2. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Sep 23, 2026Schenectady, NYElectrical system

   My start/stop battery keeps dying , causing my regular battery to die !

   NHTSA complaint 11766445
3. Filed Sep 11, 2026Failure Sep 4, 2026Garland, TXElectrical system, Power train, Service brakes

   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 leftmost turning lane. Suddenly, the dashboard displayed a “High Coolant Temperature” warning, the check engine light illuminated, and the accelerator pedal became resistant/unresponsive. The vehicle slowed to a stop and the engine completely shut off. Without me shifting the transmission out of Drive or selecting Reverse, the vehicle then began rolling backward on its own. The road was not inclined or sloped. The brake pedal and steering wheel became extremely hard to operate. I had no choice but to allow the vehicle to roll backward into the exit lane. I was extremely concerned that it could cause a collision or strike a pedestrian or building, seriously injuring myself, my passenger, or others. The vehicle eventually stopped, but it was left partially in the exit lane and partially in the main roadway. I was in the right-turn lane, and approaching traffic could not easily see my hazard lights due to the vehicle’s position. I exited the vehicle and opened the hood to signal that the vehicle was disabled. I attempted to shift into Neutral so the vehicle could be moved out of the roadway, but the emergency brake switch would not disengage. The only warning displayed before the incident was “Oil Change Required,” which had appeared approximately three weeks earlier. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. I have previously had similar breakdowns, and each time I was told the auxiliary battery had failed. After this incident, the dealership again stated that the auxiliary battery was the cause. I am skeptical that this adequately explains the vehicle rolling backward while still in Drive. I am reporting this incident so the underlying cause can be investigated.

   NHTSA complaint 11763674
4. Filed Aug 25, 2026Failure Aug 15, 2026Bountiful, UTElectrical system

   Unknown. Vehicle has been inspected prior for electrical issues while under warranty. Dealer claims no issue. Backup camera does not work, vehicle temperature settings are not accessible on screen.

   NHTSA complaint 11759558
5. Filed Jul 27, 2026Failure Jul 27, 2026Morrisville, VTSteering, Suspension, Wheels

   Within the first month of ownership I began hearing a noise from the right front of the vehicle consistent with a brake or suspension issue. I reported this to the selling dealer repeatedly during that first month; it was not resolved. The noise continued and worsened over the following year, eventually also affecting the right rear. At approximately 20,000 miles, an independent licensed inspection mechanic found that the right front inner tie rod required replacement due to significant wear, and the right rear wheel bearing also required replacement. The vehicle failed state safety inspection as a result of these findings. The mechanic noted the repair scope required disassembly of the steering column, indicating a defect beyond routine wear for the vehicle's age/mileage. Given that these are safety-critical steering and wheel components, the vehicle has been taken off the road entirely pending repair, out of concern that continued driving could result in loss of steering control. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. A written statement from the inspecting mechanic documenting these findings is available.

   NHTSA complaint 11752965
6. Filed Jul 1, 2026Failure Jul 1, 2026Bedford, OHElectrical system, Power train

   Vehicle shuts off randomly. Restarts after stopping but it’s consistent as if the car over heated yet the coolant temperature reads 194-200

   NHTSA complaint 11747773
7. Filed Jun 24, 2026Failure Jun 20, 2026Hanahan, SCPower train

   The transmission cooling system failed causing immediate failure of the transmission. The vehicle has less than 60k miles and is still covered by the manufacturer powertrain warranty. Dash lights for service engine and service transmission only came on at the immediate time of failure (10 min prior to full transmission failure). No issues were noted in the vehicles prior service 7 months prior to failure. The dealer has confirmed the cause of transmission failure is due to failure of the cooling system.

   NHTSA complaint 11746120
8. Filed Jun 9, 2026Failure Jun 9, 2026Dexter, MIEngine

   My 2020 Jeep Compass experiences sudden, unexpected engine shut-offs while driving. The engine loses power and stalls without warning, and shortly afterward the dashboard displays a 'Coolant Temperature Too High' warning. The vehicle has stalled while in motion, including at highway speeds, creating a serious safety hazard. After the stall, the vehicle restarts and behaves normally, but the problem has recurred multiple times. This matches the engine-stalling and coolant-temperature issue described in the NHTSA investigation of 2019–2020 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine.

   NHTSA complaint 11742922
9. Filed May 25, 2026Failure May 5, 2026Denver, COPower train, Suspension

   While turning out of a parking lot, onto a side street, a suspension component failed without warning, causing the front axle to pull out of the transmission. The vehicle immediately became unsafe, as I was unable to turn the wheel (it wasn't connected) to get me out of the middle of the road. This was a sudden, catastrophic mechanical failure with no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms. It had to be towed. I called a corporate phone number, to create a case number, and heard back from Jeep Autonation immediately. The gentleman who spoke to me, was extremely rude, and told me this was a normal wear and tear situation, and just to "bring it in so they could get to fixing it." I believe a full diagnostic report is necessary, and I'd like to know WHY this failed. I was on the highway just earlier the morning that this happened. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE, to which I'm not getting any traction on. Unfortunately, it needs to be towed there, and I was told the tow would be $100, which I won't be paying, as this was a safety failure. I have also been renting a car for the last three weeks, when this happened. I'm out $1200 for that, and still have no answers. This failure created a significant safety risk to me and other drivers on the road. I am filing this report because the dealership and manufacturer have been unresponsive, and I am concerned this may be a defect that could affect other vehicles.

   NHTSA complaint 11739927
10. Filed Apr 17, 2026Failure Feb 27, 2026Wake Forest, NCEngine

    We have been without our 2020 JEEP since the end of February 2026 due to an engine issue (had the car only 6-7 months). The first company thought there might be coolant in the head gasket causing the issue. After our extended warranty company wanted the engine opened to confirm, we had to send the car to Precision Tune at the end of March to do this (prior place didn't open engines or repair them and recommended Precision Tune). Based on the engine codes of P0301 and P1061, as well how the car started, Precision Tune knew that the multi air actuator had failed. We both kept asking the extended warranty company how opening the engine would tell them that the multi air actuator failed (Precision Tune and JEEP dealer both said it would not show them that). 5 days later the extended warranty company said that the part was not covered. By that time the multi air actuator was on backorder. On April 10, I called up JEEP to ask about the part and when it might be back in stock. I was told that JEEP is doing an engineering review on the part because of the various issues and until that is resolved there is no timetable on when the part will be available leaving customers without a vehicle. This may not seem like something the NHTSA cares about but there is defiantly an issue. In fact, there was a case investigated by the NHTSA about this issue that was closed in 2023. It seems like the issue was never resolved by JEEP and is continuing to the point that the part has to go back through engineering.

    NHTSA complaint 11731850
11. Filed Apr 15, 2026Failure Apr 9, 2026Minneapolis, MNElectrical system, Engine

    Car stalls out when driving. Car also stalls when I dont press the automatic start button.

    NHTSA complaint 11731409
12. Filed Apr 13, 2026Failure Sep 19, 2025Long Beach, CAEngine, Power train

    At approximately 35,900 miles, vehicle failed a block test indicating combustion gases in the cooling system. Cylinder head gasket was replaced, cylinder head was machined, and exhaust valves were replaced at an independent shop at a cost of over $5,000. Shortly after, at approximately 36,300 miles, vehicle was towed in with sudden loss of power and would not accelerate. Diagnostic codes P1064 (cylinder 4 oil supply solenoid stuck), P0171 (fuel system lean), and P0304 (cylinder misfire) were found. The MultiAir/VVT actuator was confirmed to have an internal failure. Both the independent shop and a Jeep dealership parts department confirmed the component was on indefinite national backorder due to high demand caused by widespread failures of this part. At approximately 37,500 miles, vehicle failed a second block test. The cylinder head was found warped again and required a second full replacement along with motor mount replacement. The vehicle has had its cylinder head replaced twice in under seven months. Total out-of-pocket repair costs exceed $8,000. The sudden loss of power while driving created an unsafe condition. The failure has been confirmed and documented by both an independent repair facility and an authorized Jeep dealership. Check engine light was present prior to each failure event.

    NHTSA complaint 11730900
13. Filed Feb 18, 2026Failure Mar 8, 2020Santa Ana, CAElectrical system, Engine

    I’ve had this car since March 8, 2020 and from the very beginning I’ve had electrical issues at first. It started with just my lights flickering the dashboard as well and it progressed overtime and also gave my different messages on my dashboard. The radio would shut off making it impossible to use my backup camera as well, I wasn’t able to take it to the dealer because when I called they said that it all had to come out of my pocket, even though I had just bought the car so it was a little impossible for me to be able to afford that at the moment so I put it all off overtime. It did progress and I had to get the battery switched out twice as well as the second battery this happened while I was pregnant and it actually was because the car stalled out on me. I was out in Palmdale visiting my parents when the car completely turned off all the electrical options were nonexistent. I was at a stoplight and when the car didn’t turn back on, it was dark because Palmdale is a desert area. I had no lights, and I had no way of telling the rest of the drivers I was having an emergency if I got out the car, I was putting myself at risk as well as my babies. My car stalling happened a few times over the years which also exposed extended family members. I repeatedly asked Jeep to help me and they have possession of the car at the moment. I still have payments on this car and I have the tags due in two weeks. I’ve called them and they are giving me the runaround and it’s very disheartening and very frustrating. I’m a full-time mom, I work, I go to school and I have a home to run. They never offered for a replacement car or any type of temporary help, they said they would run the diagnostics free of charge and now the dealership wants to charge me as well. I can’t afford it after paying a private mechanic for that diagnosis as well. Jeep is unwilling to help me at this point and I need further assistance.

    NHTSA complaint 11718918
14. Filed Feb 2, 2026Failure Sep 1, 202554,000 milesLula, GABack over prevention, Electrical system

    The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the infotainment screen began to display a pixilated and distorted image. Due to the failure, the rear-view camera failed to operate while in reverse(R). The failure persisted, and several lines appeared on the infotainment screen before the screen went blank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the radio was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure on several occasions, and the contact was provided with a case number. The dealer offered to cover half the cost of the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11714920
15. Filed Jan 3, 2026Failure Jan 2, 2026Strongsville, OHElectrical system, Engine

    I tried the auto start on the fob car would not start I tried to the push start nothing again . Did get warning coolant temp high Had to tow car They are investigating

    NHTSA complaint 11708586
16. Filed Jan 2, 2026Failure Dec 22, 2025Waxhaw, NCEngine, Unknown or other

    My vehicle’s engine has shut off completely in the middle of the road TWICE, both on busy highways. The first time, I was turning left and the engine shut off as I was turning into oncoming traffic and was stuck in the middle of two lanes. Second time, I was stopped at a red light and the engine shut off again. Once the car is turned off and back on, the light for the Auto Stop/Start came on and said to service the Stop/Start feature. The first incident, I had the car brand new for maybe a week. The second incident just happened last week.

    NHTSA complaint 11708267
17. Filed Dec 22, 2025Failure Apr 1, 2025Charleroi, PAElectrical system

    My engine light kept on coming on esc failure I replaced the aux battery then reg battery then alternator went bad then the u connect is not working at all it will not load the maps on the screen it’s doesn’t recognize my phone I bought this jeep brand new

    NHTSA complaint 11706643
18. Filed Dec 15, 2025Failure Dec 9, 2025Brookeville, MDEngine, Unknown or otherFire

    On December 9th, my Jeep compass caught fire in Tyson’s corner parking lot (1750 Tysons BLVD). The fire department believes it came from the engine. No warning signs such as engine lights or temperature overheating prior. The car was parked in a spot when this occurred. My daughter was in the car and smelled smoke, car was turned off, got out and it was smoking and sparking then caught fire. 911 was called during this process and came to the scene. The insurance is aware and deemed it total loss. The police and fire department have records we are trying to obtain. The fire spread to other cars.

    NHTSA complaint 11705159
19. Filed Dec 1, 2025Failure Nov 30, 2025Caro, MIUnknown or other

    Driving home at night car flashed a hi temp coolant warning and shut down..Waited a couple minutes and it started right up. I have never had any issues before this.

    NHTSA complaint 11702180
20. Filed Nov 21, 2025Failure Nov 20, 2025Milton, WVUnknown or other

    I bought my 2020 Jeep Compass from Moses Factory Outlet in Teays Valley WV 2/1/25. The whole time I have had and operated the vehicle it has had this safety issue. It shuts down unexpectedly with a "high coolant temperature warning" displayed on the dash then resets and turns back on. Sometimes I have to physically turn the vehicle back on. This happens on the interstate randomly when I am going 65 mph or sitting at a red light. I spoke to Moses about it, and they told me I would have to take it to a jeep dealership because this is something they would not be able to fix. I took it to the Walker Jeep dealership in Hurricane WV they inspected it and said they could not find anything wrong with it. This is very scary when it happens, and I have no idea how to get it fixed because the dealership I bought it from nor an actual jeep dealership can fix it. I drove it to Columbus Ohio one time, and it done it six times that's a 5hr round trip.

    NHTSA complaint 11700885