Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Jeep Compass - part 1

I have a 2018 Jeep Compass that is experiencing an intermittent engine stall while I am driving. The engine cuts off, particularly when I am sitting in traffic or maintaining the same speed for an extended period of time. There is currently no check-engine light illuminated. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle is losing power while being operated on the road. I do not consider this a normal drivability issue, and I need the vehicle properly diagnosed for an intermittent stalling/loss-of-power condition. Please check my VIN for all open safety recalls, including any pcm/powertrain-control-module recalls or campaigns, and check whether there are any applicable technical service bulletins or known issues related to this symptom. I would also like the concern documented on my repair order exactly “vehicle intermittently stalls/cuts off while driving, causing loss of motive power. ” because this is a safety-related issue, I would like the service department to advise whether the vehicle should be driven or towed in for diagnosis. Please do not simply tell me there are no codes or that the check-engine light is not on. The vehicle is actually shutting off while I am driving.

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I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass limited due to repeated coolant loss, overheating/high-temperature warnings, and eventual engine failure. The vehicle began losing coolant and required frequent refilling. The problem progressively worsened until coolant would immediately leak out underneath the vehicle when added. I paid approximately $1,400 to have the radiator replaced, but the same problem returned approximately two weeks later. The vehicle subsequently developed additional problems including shaking, a check-engine light, cylinder 1 misfire, and diagnostic code p0117 related to the coolant temperature sensor/circuit. The vehicle also displayed a warning that the oil temperature was too high and the engine needed to cool down. The vehicle eventually became undrivable, and I believe the engine may have locked up. The progression from severe coolant loss and overheating to misfire, high-temperature warnings, and possible catastrophic engine failure is concerning. This vehicle is used to transport my children, including daily school transportation. I am concerned that a sudden loss of coolant, overheating, loss of power, or engine failure while driving could create a serious safety hazard. The radiator replacement did not resolve the underlying problem, which makes me concerned there may be a larger defect involving the cooling system, temperature control, or related engine components. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether similar coolant-loss, overheating, temperature-warning, and engine-failure problems are occurring in 2021 Jeep Compass vehicles and whether a safety defect may exist.

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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.

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On August 25, 2026, my 2018 Jeep Compass equipped with the 2. 4l engine became inoperable approximately five months after I purchased it. The vehicle had approximately 68,000 miles. An independent repair shop initially found no fuel pressure and replaced the fuel pump and spark plugs. The vehicle remained mechanically compromised, and testing showed only 99 psi compression in cylinder 3. The shop recommended engine replacement at an estimated cost of $9,221. 49. Jeep confirmed that the vehicle was associated with customer satisfaction notification w20 concerning excessive oil consumption and potential engine stalling, as well as xb1, the 2. 4l excessive-oil-consumption warranty extension. Jeep stated that xb1 expired on September 20, 2025. I am concerned that abnormal oil consumption or a related engine defect may have caused progressive internal engine damage and created a stalling or loss-of-power safety risk. I request that NHTSA document and investigate this failure. Jeep customer-care reference number: 97940025.

When driving it will randomly stall out/shut off in the middle of an intersection or just while driving in general. While also giving a message about the coolant temperature.

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The contact rented a 2025 Jeep Compass. While the contact’s husband was driving approximately 70 mph, there was a burning odor and an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road, and the contact and her husband observed whitish gray smoke that eventually turned black coming from the engine compartment. The hood was opened and immediately there were flames coming from the engine compartment. The contact and her husband removed personal belongings from the vehicle. During the failure, three sheriffs pulled up behind the burning vehicle. A police report was filed. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

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The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate, shuddered, and the air conditioner was inoperative, and the vehicle coasted before coming to a complete stop. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle returned to normal operation. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA campaign number: 16v907000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was suggested that the contact should take the vehicle to a dealer and that the crank shaft position sensor wiring connector or sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the crankshaft position sensor wiring connector or sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

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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 contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited for approximately 20 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The contact stated that at the residence, the vehicle remained running but failed to operate properly. No warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 16v907000 (engine and engine cooling); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the vehicle was repaired, but the failure occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

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 .

Engine stalled while driving. Battery is fine as all electrical functions remained operative.

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.

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.

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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.

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My 2018 Jeep Compass, with approximately 107,000 miles, has developed symptoms consistent with the oil pump/oil pressure defects reported in other recalled Jeep Compass vehicles. The vehicle frequently struggles to start, runs rough with noticeable vibration, and has displayed an oil pressure warning light. In addition, the vehicle frequently stalls or suddenly loses power/slows while driving. The stalling and loss of power have created a serious safety concern because they can occur while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. These symptoms have become recurrent and appear to be worsening over time. The vehicle was evaluated by a Jeep dealership. The dealer scanned the vehicle but did not provide a repair for the underlying issue and instead advised us to continue adding coolant as needed. Despite this, the vehicle continues to exhibit the same dangerous symptoms, including the oil pressure warning light and stalling while driving. I am aware that certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles were recalled for oil pump-related defects; however, my vehicle was not included in the recall population. Because my vehicle is experiencing similar symptoms, I believe additional 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles outside the current VIN range may be affected. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA can investigate whether the scope of the recall should be expanded. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

As I was driving my vehicle, it stalled on me and my parking brake engaged. I had to put my vehicle in park, open my door to dis-engage the brake to restart. It has happened twice now, once on Saturday may 30th and June 2nd 2026.

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.

I have to continually add motor oil to my engine. Every 1,000-1,500 miles I need a quart of oil added. There should be a recall to address this issue.

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.

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 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).

Upon driving on the highway the engine begins to make a hissing sound . Then the the car begins to feel like its slowly braking. From there it slowly loses power . The accelerator does nothing. This happened when my son I his [xxx] was drive me to airport through [xxx] mountains. Had to pull over many times eventually getting and uber from gas station to make flight. Very unsafe condition and is need of repairs information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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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.

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

Vehicle 2018 Jeep Compass, 2. 4 l tiger shark multi-air space safety defect summary, my vehicle is experiencing a severe recurring safety hazard causing unexpected vehicle stall and loss of power while driving at high speeds on the highway while operating normally the vehicle abruptly jerks and immediately forces itself into neutral or defensive lip mode leaving me unable to accelerate and placing me in immediate danger of a high-speed collision concurrently the dashboard displays severe failure messages including service electronic throttle control and service transmission the vehicle is also suffering from the documented 2. 4 l tiger shark excessive oil consumption defect burning oil at a rapid pace and shutting down without a low oil warning indicator light additionally the coolant levels behave erratically causing the vehicle to falsely signal overheating and the vehicle has previously dropped six active safety recalls from its public then history without the mechanical defects actually being repaired the manufacturers temporary software patches have failed to resolve the structural engine and powertrain failures. I have also going to attach a screenshot of the six open recalls I found with my specific VIN number from the kelley blue book website last July in 2025. And now searching my VIN number there’s no open recalls and this is very concerning. This has became a huge safety issue with me and I’ve tried reaching out to y’all before and y’all still have not tried to reach out to me, I’m taking it to the dealership this week.

After replacing both batteries in my Jeep Compass 2019. The “stop safely vehicle will shut down” message kept coming on. In traffic the car shut off completely and wouldn’t start. This is a reoccurring issue and Jeep doesn’t care. It needs to be fixed. To shut off completely during driving is a safety hazard!!!.

Radiator has anti freeze smell when driven long periods of time or sometimes when at idol , also start /stop system not working properly when making a stop vechiel does not want to turn back on.

-vehicle would not start several times, this occurred just after purchasing, then battery was replaced and it occurred again over the course of 8 months. -a few days ago after getting the Jeep to start, the rpm would not go >2 and the speed would not increase >20 mph. This happened on pa220 with speed limit of 40mph causing a near-wreck when pulling out onto the road and not being able to accelerate to the flow of oncoming traffic. My 6 year old child was in the vehicle with me. -yesterday I stopped for gas & turned the engine off, then it would not start up again. Another person used their vehicle to jumpstart the Jeep with jumper cables. The dash showed there was a “coolant issue” and to check the engine. The Jeep was inspected today and serviced with no issues to the battery, it was not the cause. -previously on multiple occasions the front screen for the radio would not turn on, has glitched and flickered, would not connect to cords plugged in for carplay, chargers will not charge the phone/connect inconsistently (multiple different chargers, worked in other vehicles/outlets), screen would be black but radio would play and unable to turn off/adjust the volume, screen “buttons” will not work/respond to touch often. I have video of this happening, unable to upload footage to this complaint. Can provide if necessary. -per the service dept at tyrone Ford dealership, the O2 sensor is on along with several other codes regarding this issue. This is a manufacturer’s defect, not a user error. It is a safety concern and is not something the consumer should be held accountable to pay for/fix. This is poor craftsmanship on Jeep’s part and needs resolved on their dime, not a single mother’s.

Failing component: transmission / powertrain. The transmission is jerking aggressively when shifting into gear. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. I currently have the vehicle in my possession. How was safety put at risk? the vehicle jerked violently into gear while accelerating from a stopped position at an intersection. The force was strong enough to physically jolt both the driver and passenger. This creates a safety risk due to unpredictable vehicle behavior during acceleration and could lead to loss of control or increased risk of collision. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed? yes – the issue has occurred after the vehicle was returned following transmission replacement. The dealership has attempted multiple transmission replacements, indicating an ongoing unresolved issue. Has the vehicle been inspected by anyone? yes – inspected and repaired multiple times by dealership service department. Transmission has been replaced multiple times, including a failed replacement while still at the dealership. Warning lights or prior symptoms? no warning lights were present. Prior to the failure, a whining noise was present, which was previously reported to the dealership as a suspected transmission issue. The vehicle was brought to a dealership for a transmission-related issue and has undergone multiple transmission replacements. After the most recent repair, the vehicle was returned with the issue unresolved. On March 22, 2026, while accelerating from a stopped position at an intersection, the vehicle jerked aggressively into gear. The force was significant enough to physically jolt both the driver and passenger. Despite multiple repair attempts, the transmission is still not operating correctly. This creates a safety concern due to unpredictable shifting behavior. Additionally, the dealership drove the vehicle approximately 3,000 miles while in their possession, yet the issue remains unresolved.

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!!!.

While driving at any time, the speedometer will instantly drop and the car feels like it's about to shut itself off. After a diagnostic with a mechanic, they stated this was the crankshaft issue; similar to a recall for other 2016 Jeep Compass. My VIN is not currently associated with this recall notice, however based on these safety defects, it seems it should be considered under the recall.