2020 Jeep Compass

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.

Incident May 5, 2026

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.

Incident Feb 27, 2026

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

Incident Apr 9, 2026

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.

Incident Sep 19, 2025

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.

Incident Mar 8, 2020

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.

Incident Sep 1, 2025

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

Incident Jan 2, 2026

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.

Incident Dec 22, 2025

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

Incident Apr 1, 2025

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.

Incident Dec 9, 2025

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.

Incident Nov 30, 2025

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.

Incident Nov 20, 2025

While driving the 2020 Compass a message will s poradically appear on the dashboard display about "High Coolant Temperature" and immediately sends the vehicle power to shut down and after a couple of seconds the error disappears and the temperature returns to normal. It once shut the engine down completely in the middle of the street and I had to put car in park in middle of traffic and then restart it. This happens at all rates of speed - on the highway driving 65 mph or on a city road driving 40 mph. Dates is has happened that I took note of: 09/11/2025, 10/04/2025, 11/01/2025 and 11/17/2025. It has happened previous to 09/11/2025 as well. It is a serious safety issue to loose power while driving.

Incident Nov 17, 2025

The car suddenly would not accelerate over 20 miles per hour when I was driving on a busy road. The car has made clunking noises whenever I accelerate since I bought it 6 months ago. There is a recall for other 2020 Jeep Compass Latitudes that would explain this problem (W48/NHTSA 20E-037) but my VIN is not included in the recall. I think that this is a mistake.

Incident Oct 15, 2025

The screen on the dash has quit working and the backup camera does not work this started when we got snow, thought once weather warmed up things it would work tried the reset button to no avail. Hesitated about buying another jeep now I wish I hadn’t nothing but trouble

Incident Jan 6, 2025

Subject: Complaint Against American Warranty – Tire & Rim Coverage To Whom It May Concern, I am filing this complaint against American Warranty (1-800-346-6469) regarding my tire and rim coverage for my 2020 Jeep Compass (VIN: [XXX] , Mileage: 49,000). The titled vehicle is in my name, [XXX] , [XXX] . On June 26, 2025, I dropped off my Jeep for warranty service. Since then, I have been without a vehicle, and my claim has been mishandled at every step. 1.Unprofessional and rude treatment – When I attempted to conference call with the Harr dealership manager and the warranty department, the representative hung up on both of us, saying they “already knew about the case” and that I had to wait. Their tone has been dismissive and rude throughout my calls. 2.Delays and lack of resolution – After more than three months, my claim is still unresolved. I purchased extended warranty coverage specifically to avoid these issues, yet I have been left without a vehicle all this time. 3.Rental car denied – Despite repeated requests, I was told I am not entitled to a rental while my Jeep is undriveable due to warranty issues. 4.Improper rim handling and poor repair coordination – The warranty company appointed Alloy Wheel Repair Specialist (Contact: Shaundolyn Whittle, shaundolynwhittle@alloywheel.com, 877-743-2977) to attempt repairs. My rims were removed and remounted multiple times, leaving them scratched and further damaged. •Additionally, Elite Wheels (Contact: Nick, 518-579-9260, Claim #[XXX]) was also involved in the process. This created confusion and additional delays. 5.Additional out-of-pocket charges – Harr Jeep (114 Gold Star Blvd, Worcester, MA – Contact: Christian Aylward, 508-471-2625) has had to diagnose my vehicle several times to provide information to the warranty department. I am now being told I must pay these charges, as the warranty company refuses to cover them. This has caused me severe incon INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident Jun 26, 2025

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.

Incident Jun 2, 2025

The Light came on the dashboard to "SERVICE AIRBAG SYSTEM"---so I brought it to a Jeep Dealership service Department near my home. They replaced the ORC module for the Airbag System and i took it home but the issue remained, and the light on the dashboard came back on. So I took the car back and this time they replaced the Clock Spring device in the vehicle so I feel this Clock Spring issue is similar to a known recall for Jeep in the past 2011-2016 vehicles under the Jeep X68 warranty Extension---from 3-24-2017----it was bulletin: 08-005-17

Incident Jul 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the 4WD engaged and disengaged while driving down the road. The contact stated that the brakes locked up while 35 MPH. Additionally, the computer became inoperable. The contact stated that the battery was replaced, but the vehicle failed to charge. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The Service 4WD message was displayed and the Auto START/STOP feature was inoperable. During inclement weather of snow or rain, the 4WD failure was more prevalent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

Incident Jan 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed driving visibility and prevented the safe operation of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at a slow speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. An unknown warning light was flashing on the gear shift lever. The contact restarted the vehicle; however, there was an abnormal humming sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Incident Mar 18, 2025

The (A) this automatically temporarily pause the idling of the engine when stopping at a light or stop sign. I’ve noticed that it’ll shut my car off completely as if the battery has died. I’ve been put in scary situations due to heavy traffic. I’ve held up traffic for at least 3-10 minutes. ( my battery is less than 2-3 yrs old). So, for now I’ve started turning that function off upon starting the car before I put it in gear. Any complaints about that anyone know of?

Incident Jan 20, 2025

The wipers have stopped working and I am unable to find a motor to replace it.

Incident May 7, 2025

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.

Incident Jul 6, 2025

I was driving down the road going about 40mph. The car stopped abruptly and displayer low coolant warning. Car would not restart. I towed it to a local mechanic who replaced the auxiliary battery. Car has been working and hasn't shut off but warning lights sometimes pop up for a split second. I'm worried it's going to happen again while driving.

Incident Apr 1, 2025

My car shut off and wouldn’t start it said the asc failed I took it to the dealership they did a diagnostic test said my aux battery level was low need replaced I replaced that my engine light is still on I have to put it on a battery charger everyday so I can go to work then it wouldn’t start at work I needed someone to give me a jump it’s stills said I needed mine esc service and it saying my temperature is too high it only has 58.884 miles on it I wish I never got this jeep I bought it brand new and I had to replace both front tire rod ends I’m beyond upset it also said my car was not in park when it was it wouldnt start I overrided the gear shift but it still wouldn’t start

Incident Dec 15, 2024

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

Incident Jun 3, 2025

The vehicle mostly jerks when in drive mode/accelerating. There is possible oil leakage (slightly for the time being).

Incident May 6, 2024

Potential Odomete rollback Indicated

Incident Mar 14, 2025

The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the navigational screen was black. The contact stated the navigational screen failed to turn on as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Incident Aug 11, 2024

Auto start stop unavailable service Auto start /stop system shows up. It has killed 1 main battery and 2 auxiliary batteries but there is no stored messages so dealership can not figure out the problem.

Incident Jan 21, 2025

Two recurring issues that happen at the same time. The auto stop/start feature stops working. Error message "Stop/Start Unavailable Service Stop/Start System" is displayed. If this were to happen at a traffic light, the failure to restart the vehicle could cause accidents. At the same time, the door locks become inoperative in one of several ways. They may not unlock by using the in-car button on the door. At the same time, using the key fob may or may not unlock the door. If you are outside of the vehicle, the key fob may not unlock the doors. If you are in the car when it happens, you may be trapped. That is an obvious safety issue. If you are trying to lock or unlock, using the key fob, from outside the car and the door locks are not responding, your safety can be compromised by not being able to enter the car in a dangerous situation. These issues have been confirmed and reproduced by a Jeep dealer on three different occasions in less than two months. They have replaced both car batteries. The door lock assembly has been replaced three times. The Body Control Module has been replaced three times. The latest failure was on 2/2/2025.

Incident Feb 2, 2025

Car won’t start due to Low Coolant error, fluids are fine.

Incident Jan 31, 2025

The engine is shutting down in the middle of Driving. While driving and happening at random the vehicle will have a message populate stating coolant temp high. the engine will turn off and turn back on if the vehicle is being driven. IF the vehicle is stopped and this happens the vehicle will shut down with same message car needs to be put in park from the drive mode and restarted. This has happened countless times and Jeep cannot fix the issue nor replicate as it happens randomly. This is a safety concern as it has happened on the highway and just stopped at time while driving. At the same time of this happening the check engine light comes on as well. The car has been to separate dealerships with neither of them being able to replicate the issue.

Incident Jan 10, 2025

My trancontrol started to run hot,and the vehicle started to jerk when it in motion and My driver shaft went bad and the transfer case assembly went outthe jeep compass is broken down

Incident Aug 7, 2024

The primary issues involve the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), wiring harness, and auxiliary battery system. These interconnected problems compromise vehicle reliability, pose safety risks, and create undue financial burdens on owners. Overview of Defects The vehicle failed to start on [XXX], with illuminated dashboard warnings and automatic parking brake engagement. Initial diagnostics led to replacing the battery and starter, but the issue persisted. Further investigation revealed PCM failure, and even after its replacement, the vehicle remained inoperable. Subsequent diagnostics identified a defective wiring harness. Southern Jeep in Norfolk, Virginia, estimated replacement costs at $4,500. This critical component facilitates communication between the PCM and other systems, and its failure jeopardizes vehicle safety and reliability. Incident History 2021: The vehicle stopped unexpectedly in traffic on Portsmouth Boulevard, Virginia. Initially attributed to a battery failure, evidence now suggests PCM or wiring harness involvement. [XXX]: The vehicle failed to start, initiating weeks of diagnostic efforts and costly repairs. November 2024: The wiring harness was identified as the root cause following PCM replacement. Safety Risks Unexpected Shutdowns: These pose a high risk of accidents, endangering vehicle occupants and other drivers. Start/Stop System Failures: Malfunctions increase the likelihood of breakdowns in hazardous locations. Broader Context Complaints from other Jeep Compass owners and Jeep's issuance of multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) confirm systemic defects in the start/stop system, PCM, and wiring harness. Despite evidence of these recurring issues, Jeep has not initiated a recall, leaving owners to shoulder repair costs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident Oct 3, 2024

Car had high coolant temperature warning come up on dash and car went into limp mode but then just cleared and continued to drive fine. Recently had auxiliary battery replaced due to auto start/stop not working.

Incident Nov 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. After the first failure, the contact waited for a while before restarting the vehicle and then drove to a dealer. Despite the failure, the contact was informed that no defect was found in the vehicle. During the second failure, the contact stated that a high coolant temperature message had flashed on the instrument panel. As a result of the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was provided the same information when the initial failure occurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

Incident Jan 23, 2024

Car engine turned off while driving, e brake was activated with out warning. Car stopped, and the D on the shaft was flashing, vehicle placed in park and was turned off by driver. Car would not restart and could not depress the brake. Car was stuck in the middle of road. After several attempts car sputtered on and was able to be driven to a safe location. No warning lights activated on car, initial eye inspection didn’t see anything out of place. No fluid leaking. Battery was operational entire time

Incident Oct 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Incident Oct 18, 2024

I JUST BOUGHT THIS USED 2020 JEEP COMPASS 2 OCTOBER 2024. LOTS OF WATER IN PASSENGER SIDE REAR REVERSE LIGHT ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBER 68517558AA. IT DOES NOT EVAPORATE OR DISAPPEAR, THE WATER IS ALWAYS INSIDE THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY PART NUMBER 68517558AA.

Incident Oct 2, 2024