Power Train Problems of Jeep Compass - part 1

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph in the middle lane, the vehicle stopped unexpectedly. While accelerating, there was an abnormal grinding and clanking metallic sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. After three hours of being stranded on the roadway, the vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic determined that the failure was related to the drive shaft, transfer case, and driver’s side front half shaft. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,851.

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The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, and while stopped at a traffic light, several unknown warning lights illuminated with the message to “park the vehicle” displayed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was running and shifted from park into drive, the vehicle failed to move. The contact stated that while shifted into park, the vehicle failed to turn off. The failure persisted, and the contact made several attempts to move the vehicle. The contact was eventually able to start the vehicle and drove to a parking lot, after which the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

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Three times since 8/2025 the vehicle flashed a “coolant temperature too high” warning despite the gauge reading normal and no check engine light. Coolant reservoir was at appropriate line. This immediately caused the vehicle to enter limp mode after idling in the drive thru. The vehicle remained in drive with full power but would not allow me to drive or shift to park until I turned the vehicle off. It would restart and allow me to drive. The 4th incident happened 12/13/25. I was at a red light, idling, and when green light came my vehicle flashed the coolant temperature warning and would not allow me to drive. I was stuck in traffic for 5 mins and had to shut my car off to be able to drive. Thankfully in this situation the person behind me was paying attention and did not slam into me. I recently had the main battery replaced. On my way home last night the warning flashed and my car abruptly went into limp mode while I was actively driving in busy traffic. Thankfully it did not stall and I was able to turn right into a business parking lot. The last two situations could have resulted in accidents and / or injuries and should not be looked over.

See all problems of the 2019 Jeep Compass 🔎.

Am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2014 Jeep Compass. While driving, the vehicle feels as though the passenger-side front wheel is going to snap off at any moment. The sensation and noise appear to come from the wheel or axle area, and the instability is strong enough that the vehicle does not feel safe to operate. I have taken the vehicle to multiple mechanics for inspections and test drives. Despite these efforts, no one has been able to locate the source of the problem or identify any faulty components. Although the mechanics report finding nothing wrong, the issue remains and makes the vehicle extremely concerning to drive on public roads. Because the problem affects steering stability and overall safety, I believe this may be a potential defect. I am requesting that the national highway traffic safety administration review this issue, determine whether other drivers have reported similar complaints, and consider whether an investigation or recall may be necessary. I can provide additional information, videos, photographs, or repair documentation if needed. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

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1) the power take-off unit (ptu) in the drivetrain failed suddenly while driving at approximately 60 mph. This is a critical drivetrain component responsible for transferring power. The ptu is currently at the Jeep dealership where the repair order is open, and it is available for inspection upon request. 2) the ptu failure caused the vehicle to lose the ability to operate safely and became inoperable in the middle of travel on the highway. This placed my husband and son at risk of being stranded on the side of the road at highway speeds, vulnerable to collisions, limited ability to maneuver the vehicle, and potential loss of control. It also created risk to other drivers due to sudden deceleration and inability to move the vehicle to safety under its own power. 3) yes. An independent mechanic first confirmed that the issue was related to the drivetrain. The Jeep dealership later confirmed that the failed component is the power take-off unit and that it is covered under the powertrain warranty. A repair order is open, and the part is currently on backorder. 4) yes. The vehicle was inspected by a local independent mechanic immediately after the breakdown, and then by the authorized Jeep dealership after it was towed for warranty repair. No police or insurance inspection occurred because the incident was a mechanical failure without a collision. The manufacturer’s dealership has acknowledged the drivetrain failure. 5) no, there were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the sudden failure. The vehicle was operating normally up until the moment the ptu failed on November 27, 2024 at approximately 11:40 am. The failure was immediate and unexpected.

See all problems of the 2023 Jeep Compass 🔎.

I was driving and my car just stalled and I could not get it to start again. I have had this happen to me over 4 times. My car is currently at the Jeep dealer and they charged me over $700 telling me it was wiring. It happened again on 11/24/2025 and they have had my car since then and they keep telling me they cannot figure out what was wrong with it. Today they called me and said it was a circuit thing. There was a recall for exactly what was happening to my car. Nhtsa recall 18v-524 just that my car was not recalled. I am now going 2 weeks without a car and it clearly is experiencing exactly what the recall says. Over 3 times I was on the highway when the car stalled while I was driving. It just stopped in the middle of the highway the car behind me had to stop short. I had a bad panic attack. Why are they not doing the right thing and fixing what they know they have to fix. This is the second time I make a complaint through you.

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle stalled and started jerking, with the battery warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was shaking abnormally during the failure. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,000.

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Shifting assembly failed. When the service center went to order it, it was heavily backordered (meaning many people with this make / model experiencing the same failure at the same time). Service center showed me that a thin rubber gasket is all that failed … it is no more substantial than a rubber washer you put in a water hose). Why a $500 part for a $0. 50 failure? (perhaps that is the service center taking advantage. ) but even still why would Jeep put such a cheap part in such a critical location where it can break and become dislodged and result in you losing control of your vehicle drive train? something feels very wrong about this.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that intermittently, while driving 60 mph on the highway uphill, the vehicle suddenly lunged forward and backward. The vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed or released. The contact stated that the engine revved high. The vehicle was stopped and began to shake. The driver was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was restarted, and the malfunction, transmission, and service engine warning lights were illuminated. The message “start/stop not available” was displayed. The contact called the local dealer, but there was no answer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was called, but the phone hung up, and the automatic system confirmed there was no recall coverage. The contact attempted to use the website, but there was an error with the submission. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

Description of problem: since purchase, this vehicle has exhibited severe safety defects, including sudden and repeated engine shutdowns at highway speeds, loss of power while driving, dashboard malfunctions, steering lockups, service esc, dynamic steering torque service required, service hill holder, false fuel gauge readings, service airbag reading, transmission warming sign, and emergency brake engagement without command. These failures have occurred multiple times and forced me off the road to avoid collisions. They mirror known recalls on this model year and create a clear risk of injury or death. Attempts to repair: the selling dealer (coral springs pre-owned superstore) and an authorized Jeep dealer (arrigo Jeep in margate, FL and arrigo Jeep tamarac,FL) have repeatedly failed to identify or repair the issues despite video evidence. They claim they cannot replicate the malfunctions, though the vehicle continues to fail monthly. Safety concern: the Jeep Compass shuts down without warning at highway speeds, leaving me stranded in traffic. This is an immediate hazard and should be investigated as a systemic defect. Requested action: investigation into recalls/defects on the 2018 Jeep Compass, enforcement of repairs, and accountability for dealerships that continue to sell unsafe vehicles.

Since 20,000 miles I have had problems with my steering column. I first took it in back in August of 2023 due to a clunking noise coming from my steering wheel. When I first took it in my suspension was tightened but this did not resolve the issue. When I took it back in a week later I was told I needed to replace my rack and pinion. The rack and pinion was replaced but my car still had the faint clunking sound. The clunking came back a year later. At 30,000 miles I was told both of my front axles had failed and both were replaced. The clunking sound still remained but faint. Seven months later the clunking returned once again and much more aggressively (I was out of warranty at this point). I was told one of my axles failed once again prematurely and was replaced after sitting for nearly a month. When I got my car back after nearly 4 weeks I noticed the exact same aggressive clunking noise in my steering column. I returned my car back a week later for a new diagnosis after speaking with the service manager. The report came back stating that both of my lower control arms went bad and needed to be replaced. Also discovered was a bad intermediate shaft causing the clunking noise. The dealership decided to goodwill the service to fix my lower control arms since it was a dangerous situation to drive in and I had been driving my car like this for 20,000 miles since I originally took the car in. The dealership says they can not do anything about the intermediate shaft which could cause me to lose all steering abilities and cause a serious car accident. I no longer feel safe in this car and 100% believe this car is a lemon.

See all problems of the 2022 Jeep Compass 🔎.

Key fob not found, tpms not reading but sensors are good, backup camera beeping when things are not behind and continues to beep in drive, engine stalling, worn motor mounts due to no reason.

Driving down a busy street going about 40mph and the car spontaneously turned off and completely lost power while I was driving. It was off for less than a minute and when it turned back on the yellow “start/stop function “ dashboard indicator light was on. The car restarted on its own but that light remained on until I got home and turned the car off. When I turned the car back on the light was gone. It has not happened again, I took the car to a local Jeep dealership and they said it might be a battery issue. The car is available for inspection. Nobody was hurt but I am concerned because if this were to occur on the highway it in a location where I was not able to pull over it could cause a serious accident as the car was driving at 40mph at the time of the incident and then completely lost all power without warning.

See all problems of the 2020 Jeep Compass 🔎.

Vehicle does not start or starts and will not go into gear. Dash lights go crazy and various issues display on screen.

I have had problems with Jeep suddenly losing all power while driving with no warning! everytime ive had it checked they could not find anything wrong with it. Just recently it happened again and since then when I drive it doesn't seem to want to accelerate. There are no noises,instrument lights on any codes showing up. I had to wait a month for my appointment at the dealership and then another month for them to even tell me what was wrong. They said I need a new transmission which is ridiculous since my car only has 89,956 miles and a majority of those miles are from military moves. The only thing they did was run a diagnostic test (nothing showed up) and said they had 2 people test drive it ( but my mileage was the same going in and going out) they told me it would cost 7500 before taxes for the transmission. They could not give me a clear answer when I asked what exactly is wrong with the transmission. I was told that its something internal but they couldn't tell me exactly the problem because that would require them to take it apart. I asked if I should get a transmission flush to make sure it wasn't that since I just learned that cvt should be flushed earlier than usual and he told me probably not. I decide to take my car home and will never use them again. I went two months without a car and was unable to work because they did not offer me any time of vehicle while I had to wait. Im concerned because mopar discontinued the transaxle package with torque converter, part number 68000676ah that is for my vehicle because it is known to be defective. I bought this car brand new and thought it was clear of any defects or safety issues. A new transmission for a car that is less than 10 years old is ridiculous and seems like a lemon. Since Jeep knows this jatco transmission is defective and also discontinued it with a different part then why arent they offering a goodwill repair or at least a warranty adjustment. I will now have to quit my job or buy a new car.

See all problems of the 2016 Jeep Compass 🔎.

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

I had to get my engine replaced a year after I got it. The vehicle has an overheating issue. The vehicle oil pressure sensor goes off. The emergency break comes on. I don’t know where the engine light flashes the ei had to get my engine replaced a year after I got it. The vehicle has a overheating issue. The vehicle oil pressure sensor goes off. The emergency brake comes on. I don’t know where the engine light flashes the ecs light come on the cooling and oil mix together out of nowhere.

Coolant temperature warning and sudden engine shutdowns. This has occurred multiple times in 3 months. Started when car was at 50k miles. We have been unable to control the vehicle in traffic when this happens. Dealership (dave denis Jeep-dayton, ohio) was unable to find a problem.

Every single time I seen the climb mcdonald pass in helena, montana the car freaks out says service transmission now no matter if I do it at 55 miles an hour or 75 miles an hour, which is about as fast as it’ll go up the pass, it goes in the limp mode, shuts off the fuel pump says service transmission now every single light on the dash that could come on comes on. I don’t know what’s going on with it. I’ve taken it to the dealership. They can’t seem to figure it out.

See all problems of the 2021 Jeep Compass 🔎.

Electronic throttle control vehicle light came on my 2016 Jeep Compass dash as I was on vacation vehicle would not accelerate and turned off causing us to almost wreck and having to leave it on the side of the road and call a uber and get a tow. There is many reports of this issue it needs to be a recall.

Car started shifting hard during deceleration giving a jolt forward. Check engine light came on for power train control module. Also started hearing a rattle and had to replace control arms.

Transmission jerks had in the shop three times for the same problem it feels like it's going to throw you through the windshield. It's been in the shop since October 23rd 2025 for several problems and the guy told me it was using oil.

For 6months I have a low oil pressure light come on before my oil change is due. Dealer has ran 3 oil consumption test pass/fail/pass the next one will fail as I had to add 2 quarts or oil this week and my oil change isn’t due for 2k more miles. There is no leak visible so it must be within the motor. As well as I have already replaced start/stop battery as well as main battery bc if the start/stop and it hasn’t been a year and the lights are back on and I can’t engage it. The oil issue start before the warranty went out the first time. Now I have no warranty and have to feed the car oil. It is ridiculous. This needs to be a recall. 2018 had a recall for this same oil issue. Now we need it for newer models.

Service four-wheel-drive light keeps on coming off and on on the dash and drive mode unavailable keeps on flashing on the dash no idea why have taken it to the dealership. They cannot figure it out. I’ve asked them to submit a ticket to corporate. They still can’t figure it out. The codes are stored in the system, but they can’t seem to get the codes to go active when they drive it.

Whining noise coming from the front passenger side (power takeoff unit). Raises rpm’s and makes noise at around 50 mph.

I recently got the catalytic converter and 02 sensor swapped which removed the check engine light. My vehicle was running perfect. The I drive it today. Made a right turn, next thing you know the vehicle starts shaking and such and won’t go over 20 mph. I take it to the mechanic. They’re telling me the reader isn’t picking up the problem. Invalid data. I looked online and multiple people are having the same problem. My thing is I was overcharged charged 25,000 for this vehicle from sam at Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge on route 300 newburgh new york 2 years ago.

I was at a red light and when the light turned and I put on the gas my car stalled. I could not shut off the car, it has a push button engine. The motor was off but on the dashboard it said the car was on and all of the electrical systems were still running (heat, radio, lights, etc). When I pushed the engine button, the car would not turn off. The parking break turned on by itself. I could not push my car to the side of the road. I was in the middle of traffic. I had to call for the police and for a tow truck. We still could not get the car to turn off (the motor was not on but the car's electrical system was still on). We could not disengage the parking break. Finally the tow truck operator slammed the break pedal down and he was able to turn off the car. The car then started. We still towed it to the Jeep dealership. The could not find anything wrong with the car. Approximately two weeks earlier, the same thing happened at a red light but at that time, after I waited for 10minutes I was able to get the car to turn off then on. My car has two new batteries (put in one year ago), new front breaks, new tires. The day this happened, I had actually just left Jeep from getting my oil changed. They said it was not related to that.

Unknown.

Several times a year since having my 2021 Compass, as I'm driving my car shuts off out of no where and a message on my dashboard lights up in regards to the coolant system. The car is never overheated when this happens and both of my batteries have been changed. It has happened to me in the middle of going through intersections, at stoplights, and while driving. It is not safe to have your car shut down without warning!! I have to put the car in park and restart and it starts up right away each time. There are so many threads of this same complaint and customers having their Jeep dealer look at it with no resolve from any comment I've read. Please help fix this unsafe issue!!.

I own a 2018 Jeep Compass. My car has been stalling and going dead when stopping at stop signs/lights, when slowing to turn, and when entering on-ramps to a highway. Other issues that have occurred simultaneously (but not necessarily all at once) include, start/stop not working, the parking brake engaging when stopping, sound system unavailable message (despite that the radio works properly) and the car does not restart immediately when hitting ignition. These issues have been ongoing for approximately one month. The problem initially started with the parking brake engaging when coming to a stop. In order to disengage the brake, the car had to be turned off and then back on again. Then the car started to stall when slowing and stopping. In the latest occurrence, my car stalled 3 separate times within a 10 mile drive. On the 3rd stall, we were turning left to enter the highway when the car stalled suddenly. The car behind us had to slam on their brakes and swerve to miss hitting us. We took our car to the dealership on December 17th. At that time they replaced the cars main battery, but audio system unavailable message remained on, to which the service advisor said we should probably replace the radio, despite that the radio is functioning properly. We took the car with us December 18th. In less than 48 hours the car was stalling at almost every stop again. We returned the car to our dealership on December 26th, where it remains as of January 1. The dealership said, via phone, they have been unable to pinpoint the problem, at this time. It is extremely dangerous for a car to stall when it should otherwise be in motion. This puts myself, my son, our passengers and those around us in danger. This is an issue that warrants immediate attention and we welcome an inspection if someone could just identify the problem and fix it before someone is hurt.

The minute the front tires start to slip on any surface, I lose power in the engine, I don't have front wheel drive or 4x4. The 4x4 light comes on the dash with an exclamation point and flashes. It rear drive shaft doesn't engage. This makes my vehicle useless. The smallest amount of mud, snow or ice/slush-the vehicle just doesn't work. Its very dangerous to be driving when this happens! I've seen some Jeep cherokees being recalled for the ptu (power train unit), but that's only something with the computer system. This problem I'm experiencing makes me believe the ptu is no good, and if that's the case this is going to be at least a $2500 fix or more!! I am not the first owner on this vehicle, I think I'm the 2nd. Why doesn't Chrysler give a full powertrain warranty regardless of which owner you are?!.

See all problems of the 2015 Jeep Compass 🔎.

Steering wheel feels like is almost completely detached. Every time we turn it sounds like it will break. This car is only 72k miles and the steering wheel should be working properly. There is a recall for this same issue for Jeep cherokees for the same year as my Jeep Compass. This is a safety issue and very expensive to repair. Please help!.

Speedometer doesn't work, abs, brakes, engine and traction light keeps on. The shift lever changes by itself from d to m while driving. Abs module has to be replaced at my cost when other 2011 Jeep Compass have a recall f 50 for the same issue.

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The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power with the check engine and fuel warning lights illuminated. The engine failure, check engine, transmission, engine oil, and alignment messages were displayed. Additionally, the doors locked and unlocked, and the vehicle went into limp mode and then stalled. The vehicle was restarted after 30 minutes, and on the second failure, the vehicle restarted in approximately 10 minutes. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the Jeep dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were multiple communication errors and that the software needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred a month later. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not able to be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,586.

Thermostat keeps going to hot or stops working and drops to cold. Replaced thermostat coolant sensor since that’s what the code popped up. Didn’t work it continues to out. Radiator cap is collecting engine oil and not coolant. Engine oil is getting into my radiator hose. I had just got my radiator and stuff replaced by the dealership. I only had it for 6 months and been putting a lot of money in it and I’m still having engine and thermostat and radiator problems. Also it keeps smoking when it already has coolant in it.