Electrical System Problems of Jeep Compass - part 1

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

See all problems of the 2020 Jeep Compass 🔎.

After making a stop at a stop light the start/stop feature turned the vehicle off. When releasing the break instead of the car restarting, the vehicle stalled and applied the parking break.

See all problems of the 2019 Jeep Compass 🔎.

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.

There have been multiple instances where the engine has locked up in the middle of me driving (usually at stop lights) where the only fix is to completely shut the car off and on again which has resulted in me almost being in an accident. This poses an extreme safety risk.

See all problems of the 2022 Jeep Compass 🔎.

Screen glitching can’t use touch screen and rear view camera not available when screen is glitching.

See all problems of the 2021 Jeep Compass 🔎.

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.

Several safety warning lights continue to appear while driving. Car slows down on its own at times. Media screen glitches as well. Dealer has worked on the car about 4-5 times. Currently, the car is with the dealer for a 3rd straight week and they claim to not have any loaners. Dealer has continuously stated that the sensor needs to be kept clean, but this is just a distraction. These cars are not safe on the road and should all be recalled as lemons. The manufacturer is using subpar systems and master technicians have been unable to completely fix the issue. These issues began to appear before car had 8k miles. This issue is frustrating and scary.

See all problems of the 2025 Jeep Compass 🔎.

Aux battery failed; start/stop, stopped at a red light car shut off in start/stop mode, when I went to drive my car went into limp mode and emergency break engaged and every single light on my dash came on. I had to turn car off in the intersection. Once I turned the car back on every light came back on and when I shifted it into drive the transmission slammed so hard it jerked the entire car. This has issue started around 60,000 miles. I have 131,000miles now. Being broke down in the middle of an intersection is extremely dangerous especially with a new born in the car and it reoccurs every couple of months. Also wheel speed sensor has frequently loosen since 60,000 miles. This caused every light to come on the dash and car go into limp mode. It happened the first time on the highway going 70mph. The car lost drivetrain we almost lost control. It’s has not been inspected by a “certified tech” but a backyard tech has. No accidents have been caused. Also oil leaks where the dipstick meets the block and has since I purchased the car at 34,000 miles. I’ve spent well over $1000 in main batteries and auxiliary batteries since 2020 (year of purchase) to fix the stalling issues each time they occur. If I don’t catch the aux battery dying in time it kills my main battery and I have to purchase both just so my car doesn’t stall in the middle of the road and possibly cause a life threatening accident.

See all problems of the 2018 Jeep Compass 🔎.

Safety defects: forward collision braking system indicates off while driving automatic emergency braking unavailable related lane assistance failure history. This is intermittent safety system disablement. Fuel system: fuel level gauge inaccurate. Gauge indicated almost empty, then after 81 miles of driving indicated half tank before refuel gauge increased while driving, should decrease. Risk of being stranded due to false reading. Vehicle was driven 81 miles from indicated empty to indicated half. Fuel consumption / range: full-to-full test documented 81 miles driven between two complete fills second fill required 5. 807 gallons calculated 13. 95 mpg versus expected epa rating of approximately 27/32 mpg. Range after full fill measured only 224. 9 miles, then 206. 9 miles on next full fill, versus expected approximately 364 miles for full tank. Range decreased 18 miles in 9 days despite full fills. Indicates excessive consumption. Parked fuel loss: while parked with odometer unchanged, indicated range decreased from 179 miles to 162. 8 miles loss of 16. 2 miles while vehicle not moving. Suggests possible evaporative system leak or fuel leak potential fire and stall hazard. Additional finding: while at dealer service since August 25 for same existing problems, technician identified additional gear seal / transmission seal leak repair order pending risk of loss of motive power. Request investigation for fuel level sender, fuel trim, evaporative system, forward collision system, and transmission seal leak.

Automatic start-stop system causing actual engine stalls instead of a smooth restart is commonly triggered by failing auxiliary/main batteries, a dirty throttle body, or faulty charging sensors it has stalled on highway in stand still traffic. Issues with getting it to go. Have to turn off the car and restart. Has occurred 3 times - downtown of a major city in traffic, on a busy highway and at an exit of a highway. Due to its nature we are stand still as traffic is moving problem has been confirmed by dealer and has occurred to other Compass owners not inspected by insurance there is an error that appears on the dash right before it stalls.

The stop/start function malfunctions frequently. On multiple ocassions, the computer system glitches causing the automatic parking brake to engage, the gear shift to lock, and the vehicle to become stuck. This has happened several times while the car was idling at a stop light, causing traffic safety issues each time. There is no warning light or system notification. Regular mechanics are not able to diagnose or fix these issues because of the computer system, requiring a specialist that is not always accessible. There is no notification when the auxillary battery is dead or dying, the car just won't turn on.

Car stalls turns off by itself could be at red lights or even while driving twice already!! needs to be recalled as well and repaired pls repairs cost thousands!!! not safe!! I have owned it for 4-5 years and it has happened maybe 7-8 times but most recently this week twice!!.

See all problems of the 2016 Jeep Compass 🔎.

Component: engine / electrical system / power train VIN [xxx] description of safety defect: the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of engine power and completely shut off while traveling at highway speeds. This total engine failure disabled the vehicle on an active highway, forcing an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder. This incident occurred less than four months after an authorized manufacturer dealership charged over $3,400 to repair the engine's air-induction vacuum and fuel systems. The sudden stalling on a high-speed roadway directly endangered the driver and a [xxx] passenger who were left stranded on the highway shoulder in extreme weather conditions. The vehicle was completely inoperable and required an emergency flatbed tow from the highway back to the repair facility. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

To whom it may concern: I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass, particularly concerning recurring mechanical, electrical, and safety-related problems that have created serious concerns about the vehicle's reliability and safe operation. The most concerning issue is the vehicle's unexpected stalling at low speeds, particularly associated with the 2. 4l engine. Unexpected loss of power while driving at low speeds creates a significant safety concern because it can occur when entering intersections, turning, maneuvering through traffic, or attempting to accelerate from a stopped or slow-moving position. In addition to the stalling issue, I have experienced or am concerned about the following problems: 1. Transmission problems the vehicle has demonstrated concerning transmission behavior, including: rough or abnormal shifting delayed acceleration delayed engagement unresponsive or delayed gear changes hesitation when attempting to accelerate behavior that may contribute to the vehicle unexpectedly losing power or momentum these symptoms raise concerns regarding the transmission's proper operation and the possibility that transmission performance may be contributing to the vehicle's stalling and delayed acceleration. 2. Electrical system problems the vehicle has also experienced significant electrical concerns, including: infotainment screen freezing or becoming unresponsive battery becoming completely or significantly discharged after sitting overnight suspected parasitic battery drain random or unexplained dashboard warning lights electrical/electronic systems intermittently malfunctioning these issues are particularly concerning because intermittent electrical problems can be difficult to diagnose and may affect other vehicle systems, including safety-related components. 3. Backup camera and safety concerns I am also concerned about failures involving the vehicle's backup camera and safety-related wiring, including poten.

The crankshaft position sensor is throwing a code , and the car want turn over .

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

I own a 2019 Jeep Compass with approximately 72,000 miles. For the past two years, I have experienced intermittent electrical and brake system failures that have become more frequent and severe despite multiple repair attempts. While driving, especially when turning, braking, or driving over potholes or uneven roads, the vehicle suddenly displays multiple warning lights, including abs, traction control, brake, check engine, and service transmission warnings. At the same time, the digital speedometer changes to "--" and stops displaying vehicle speed. On one occasion, the analog speedometer also dropped unexpectedly. The most serious incident occurred after these warnings appeared while I was driving. I pulled over, shifted into park, and attempted to turn the vehicle off, but it would not shut down for approximately 30 seconds. During that time, the brake warning light flashed continuously, indicating a possible electrical or communication failure. After restarting, some warnings cleared, but the check engine light remained on. Although the brake pedal still felt normal, I temporarily lost multiple electronic safety systems, including abs, traction control, and the vehicle speed display. These failures occurred on a public roadway without warning, creating a significant safety risk and reducing my confidence that the vehicle will respond properly during an emergency. A diagnostic scan retrieved multiple communication-related fault codes, including u0002-00 (can bus off), u0121-00 (lost communication with abs module), u0129-00 (lost communication with brake system control module), u1110 (lost vehicle speed message), u1120 (lost wheel distance message), u1141 (lost brake and torque message), and u12a8 (lost communication with master cylinder pressure sensor). The problem is intermittent, often clears after restarting, and is difficult to diagnose. Because it affects critical safety systems while the vehicle is in motion, I believe this represents a serious safety.

The vehicle advanced warning stystems are all failing. After multiple repair attempts this continues. Previously it resulted in failure where vehicle would not move due to advanced brake assist.

My odometer flashes since buying. Bluetooth connection causing screen to glitch and jump between settings. Screen turns blue and back up camera doesn’t work randomly. Overheating issue came out of nowhere. No check engine lights. The jerking is a hazard while driving. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired by multiple shops. All these issues have been hazardous to me and my family.

Dash warning came up “stop safely, vehicle will shut off soon” towed it to Jeep dealer took them over a week to get a diagnosis, they said they had to communicate with detroit office. The issue is “probably” an alternator.

The vehicle caught on fire while sitting in a parking lot. This vehicle had just over 13,000 miles, serviced by Jeep dealer, and health reports did not surface any problems. The fire impacted other vehicles around it.

See all problems of the 2024 Jeep Compass 🔎.

Abs module is faulty causing other issues including problems with electronic stability, no speedometer, no cruise control, no abs brakes. Apparently Jeep is no longer making this part as it has been on backorder for months. I feel it is unsafe as winter weather is nearing and abs brakes would be essential for safe driving. At [xxx] old I feel it is an essential part of safe driving for myself and my wife. I've been communicating with Jeep customer care for several weeks with absolutely no resolve. It appears they are not even producing the part that would seem essential for safe driving. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2014 Jeep Compass 🔎.

Experienced countless "high coolant temp" followed by power loss and engine shutoff, yes—while driving—like everyone else. Nhtsa campaign: pe22013 search it and read. They investigated it already & ruled it not dangerous enough. It took me spending so much money trying different fixes, then countless hours searching for a solution to finally realize that full investigation case was tucked away years ago. No big deal apparently. The conclusion gets it wrong of course. Part of the ruling claiming no safety risk is based on implying the car starts back right after engine loss and that's simply not true. Twice mine wouldn't start back after the incident, not immediately not within 30 minutes. Only once did it fail, then restart after. I've read through the hundreds of similar complaints and many are stranded after it happens as well. But there's definitely one thing in common everyone's driving down the road when it happens. This is a severely dangerous issue, putting peoples lives at risk. This is 100% on the manufacturer to bring to light and shamefully haven't. This started last summer for me and I didn't post about it but seeing brand new report still being added irks me. It didn't happen over the winter. And no it wasn't the alternator, battery, fuses, radiator, or injector. . I (understandably) heard it all and tried it all. Honestly I let it sit for a while and it stopped. The issue is unpredictable and undetectable by mechanics. Not sure what else you need.

While driving through a tunnel in boston, MA, the vehicle shut off completely without warning and could not be restarted. The dashboard displayed multiple warning lights and the engine would not crank (clicking sound only). I was stranded inside an active tunnel in live traffic, requiring a massachusetts state police response and a tow. The dealer diagnosed a shorted starter, and during the same repair found the radiator leaking from its lower corner seam with no coolant remaining in the system (dealer repair order 316800, at 66,453 miles). An independent repair shop had documented dried coolant residue under the radiator three months earlier at 63,656 miles, indicating the leak had been developing. This vehicle also has a history of auxiliary battery failures affecting the stop/start system: the auxiliary battery failed at 22,517 miles and was replaced under warranty, and failed again at 58,094 miles. A sudden engine shutdown in a tunnel with no ability to restart is a serious safety hazard, and I am filing this complaint to document the failure. Repair invoices are available and can be uploaded.

The engine will shut off completely while traveling a a normal rate of speed. The temperature gauge will malfunction and report high temperature (when there is none) and the engine will shut off. It cannot be restarted without putting the car in park and pressing the brake while in the midst of moving traffic. This has happened to me multiple times. At first, turning off the auto stop/start feature would prevent this form happening but turning it off no longer prevents this. This happens randomly and cannot be reproduced manually. It is also extremely dangerous and upsetting when this happens in highway traffic at speed. The Jeep also seems to have a parasitic drain on the battery and both batteries had to be replaced by the dealer. My research shows that there have been alt least 15 similar complaints filed.

Warning message in dash stating that the drive mode is unavailable. Emergency and safety features are not functioning as they should. The emergency braking and forward collision warning doesn’t work. When driving, the warnings will go off independently and disengage. Byers Chrysler Jeep Dodge ram dealership in columbus serviced the vehicle may 2026-August 2026 with support from stellantis replaced multiple components and the harness to repair the drive system, with all failed attempts to correct the problem. On August 10, 2026 the dealership returned my car to me, citing no repair available and that a software update should correct the issue. Dealership advises the car is safe to operate.

I am writing to request immediate assistance with our Jeep, which has become a serious safety hazard for our family. We purchased the Jeep less than 2 years ago and over the past three months it has repeatedly failed to start or has stalled unexpectedly, leaving us stranded on multiple occasions. Despite taking the vehicle to dealership and other service centers four times, no one has been able to diagnose or repair the issue. The vehicle often starts normally for technicians after being towed, only to fail again once we have it back. On our most recent visit to a dealership, we were charged $180 for diagnostics, yet the 3 of 5 xxx 3:01 pm xxx claim form [xxx]!!production\customer\customer_c. . . Problem persists. When I called today for further help, we were turned away. This ongoing issue has created significant safety risks. The Jeep has stalled at traffic lights on multiple occasions, including one near-miss with a tractor-trailer. My husband works in a high-risk environment, and reliable transportation is essential for our family’s safety. As a registered nurse, I have already missed work due to these breakdowns and am at risk of jeopardizing my career. We have also been forced to miss important family events and cancel vacation plans. The financial burden has been devastating. We have spent a substantial amount of money on repeated towing, diagnostics, and repairs, leaving us struggling to cover basic household bills. For the safety of our children and our family, we urgently request that you repurchase or replace this vehicle under your responsibilities as a dealership. We can no longer accept the ongoing risk and unreliability. I kindly ask for a prompt response and a resolution within the next few business days. Please contact me at [xxx] or [xxx] to discuss next steps. Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Car jerks and temp gadgets jumps too high. Message reads high coolant temperature.

The auto start/stop feature will fail at random when I come to a stop. My vehicle will shut off and the parking brake will turn on, leading to delays in traffic and unsafe traffic situations. I have had my battery replaced, so this has occured with new batteries and nothing wrong with my car.

On around 5 occasions beginning since late 2025 I have been driving and my emergency brake has turned on automatically while driving. Yesterday, while at a stop light the light turned green and my emergency brake turned on which caused traffic to be halted I had to turn my car on and off repeatedly to have my car work. When I turned right at the intersection this happened again. I was able to slowly pull over and once again turn my car off and on. Then it did it again today at the same intersection I was able to slowly pull over and turn my car off and on. I went to the Jeep dealership today and they could not find anything wrong. No codes indicated anything they said I had a small oil leak but that is all they could find.

The vehicle has stalled in traffic multiple times, it sends emergency messages while operating that the vehicle must pull off of the road or shut down, it is constantly displaying "service stop/ start system" messages and service lights, it sometimes doesn't start after having gotten to a location but will start up without having the vehicle jump started later, it drains the batteries quickly, as well. I was on the highway with my son in the vehicle, not near any exit and in thick traffic, when it told me to pull off the road or it may shut down. On a separate occasion, I had my family in the car, we stopped for an event and the vehicle randomly didn't restart, stranding us until we could reach another ride. Another time I was driving to work and it the engine shut off and when I tried to go it randomly did not go and I had to shut the vehicle down while in traffic, restart the engine and put it back into drive before I could allow traffic to move again. I took it to an authorized Jeep/ Chrysler dealership for these issues and no recalls were put out for my vehicle, despite these exact issues being a part of a recall of nearly 13,000 fiat Chrysler vehicles under NHTSA 18v524000 (Chrysler recall u87).

On 04/12/2026, I was stopped at a red light. The auto start/stop engaged. I removed my foot from the brake, the auto start kicked on, but did not reengage the engine. The notification panel suddenly started blinking, entire panel lit up. The parking brake automatically engage despite not being touched. The option for selecting terrain started toggling through all options. Vehicle then seemingly died. Put vehicle in park. Pressed button to restart engine. Car was successfully restarted.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the powertrain/engine control system. The vehicle suffers from a total loss of motive power while driving in traffic. It is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the vehicle unexpectedly enters "limp mode" while driving at various speeds in active traffic. When this happens, the accelerator pedal becomes completely unresponsive, forcing the vehicle to a crawl or a dead stop regardless of the flow of traffic around it. This creates a life-threatening risk of rear-end collisions and high-speed accidents, as the car cannot maintain speed or move to safety. I am forced to operate a vehicle that effectively "shuts down" while I am in the middle of the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. Multiple independent mechanics have confirmed the stalling and electrical instability. Despite replacing the crankshaft sensor and both batteries, the sudden loss of power in traffic persists. Shops have stated the issue is a manufacturer-level failure they cannot fix. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? it has been inspected by independent service centers. The manufacturer has not inspected it yet, as it is extremely hard to duplicate unless it is driven for a certain time at certain temperatures. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? the failure is temperature-dependent, occurring almost exclusively when ambient temperatures reach 71°f or higher. When the failure happens, the dashboard displays flashes the drive sign(limp mode). There are no other lights or anything triggered to display what the issue is related to. These symptoms began roughly one year ago, and has returned daily now that it is getting hot again.

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

Relay box underneath drivers side headlight prone to corrosion, causes Jeeps from this era to stall and die randomly.