2019 JEEP COMPASS Engine Problems

150 NHTSA complaints on file

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Engine Issues in the 2019 JEEP COMPASS

150 engine complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2019 JEEP COMPASS. Of these, 2 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.

150
Complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Engine Complaints

#11719774 |
2019 jeep compass, 65k miles Car started having misfires while accelerating and decreasing speeds.It stayed pretty consistent at all speeds! Shortly after the car overheated and stated coolant temperature too high. Had it diagnosed and it was confirmed oil is mixing in with the coolant meaning blown head gasket and more than likely engine rebuild/new engine. All regular maintenance has ALWAYS been done. It is absolutely unacceptable that so many people are reporting this same exact issue and nothing is being done. Every other comment is someone stranded or the vehicle has shut off while driving, for the ones whose engine hasn’t failed they are on the verge of doing so. The investigation into this needs to be reopened, how is this not a major safety concern with an obvious engine defect. Is it gonna take several bad accidents, or worse a death ? This needs to be addressed immediately.
#11709251 |
My vehicle has experienced multiple incidents of sudden engine shutdown while driving, accompanied by a dashboard warning stating “High Coolant Temperature.” These shutdowns occur without warning and while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in loss of engine power and creating a dangerous situation in traffic. The error immediately goes away making it difficult to record in enough time. Authorized repair centers have been unable to recreate the issue due to no fault codes present
#11705537 |
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...
#11705651 |
There is a large system failure in the Jeep Compass, in which the oil is getting mixed with fluid, causing the transmission fluid to become like chocolate milk. This failure is all in the way the vehicle is manufactured that it causes damage to both the transmission and engine costing approximately more than 14k in repairs. The problem has been confirmed at a dealership, as well as too other 2019-2020 Jeep Compass owners and Jeep has done nothing. It is a safety issue as the vehicle stopped in the middle of the fwy, and needed to be towed. All oil changes and maintenance done at dealership on time and nothing was ever caught, was told this is a common problem for this year's models. A warning lamp popped up the same day I had an oil change appointment. It has not been inspected as no one seems to care to...
#11703282 |
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated, and the coolant hot warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle was pulled over and allowed to cool down, and then coolant was added. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a cylinder had failed, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.
#11684469 |
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...
#11667256 |
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.
#11666771 |
traveling approximately 45-50 mph on two lane road (speed limit 55...had just accelerated from a 4 way stop) I had only been on the road leaving my residence for about 7 minutes. the display showed the temperature gauge rise all of the way to the top, the error message stating "high coolant temperature' (along those lines) and the car jerked enough to cause a decrease in speed. I was almost rear ended. This is a dangerous issue. Ive looked at several forums where they were reported (hopefully to NHTSA as well) to dealers and they had not found a reason yet. batteries (aux and regular) were replaced last fall. PLEASE tell me it wont take someone getting seriously injured for something to be done.
#11653553 |
This has happened three times in the last 4 months. There is no pattern, rhyme, or reason to understand why this happens. Today, while driving on the interstate at approximately 60mph, My 2019 Jeep Compass (80k miles) jerked violently and displayed the “Engine Coolant Temp High” warning message while the temperature gauges spiked. I coasted off to the shoulder. This could have caused an accident.
#11647232 |
The car flashed an error code "Coolant temp too high" and the engine shut down while I was entering the parking lot of my son’s school. The car froze up, but then turned itself back on. The coolant temperature was normal. I’ve been terrified to drive ever since.
#11646406 |
The car flashed an error code "Coolant temp to high" and shut the engine down while I was entering the on ramp to the expressway. The car stalled in the middle of the lane. The coolant temp was normal and not high. I was able to restart the car and had no issue for rest of the drive. I checked my coolant levels and everything is normal. This again happened the next day in my neighborhood thankfully. The code flashed and the engine immediately shut down. There was little to no time to react. My fear is this will happen again when my daughter is driving.
#11642108 |
I was driving normally down the street and the car suddenly shut itself off and a warning light came up that said something like "coolant high" and then it lost all power. after 5-10 seconds, everything came back on as normal. this has happened approximately 20 times in the last 2 years. I took it to the Jeep dealership and they tried to pull codes to see what was happening and they state that they cannot figure out what is wrong with it because it is not pulling any codes for that.
#11641517 |
I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2019 Jeep Compass, which suffered catastrophic engine failure at only 50,000 miles despite regular maintenance and timely oil changes. The vehicle has been well-maintained, with all scheduled oil changes performed on time using the recommended oil and filters. Despite this, the engine experienced a dropped cylinder, leading to total failure and requiring a full engine replacement. The manufacturer, Jeep (Stellantis), refuses to cover the repair, stating that the vehicle is just outside its 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty due to the time limit. However, engine failure at only 50,000 miles is highly premature and raises concerns about possible defects in the engine design, materials, or assembly. Given that many modern engines last well beyond 100,000 miles with proper maintenance, I believe this failure may indicate a widespread manufacturing defect that could pose safety risks to other Jeep Compass owners. If the engine fails unexpectedly, it...
#11639282 |
When I exited my car to enter my workplace on January 27, 2025, I noticed the radio had not turned off, which was unusual. I re-entered the car, turning the ignition on and off, hoping to shut the radio down. However, when I attempted to start the car, it made stalling noises, and would not turn on. After several attempts, the car turned on but the temperature gauge soared, and an error message about high coolant temperature appeared, causing the car to shut down immediately. I called my husband, who suggested waiting a few minutes before trying again. Fortunately, the car started, and I went into work, advised by my husband not to touch it until it was time to leave. Later, I drove directly to the Jeep dealership. Two days passed, and they dismissed the issue, unable to replicate it. Online research revealed this is a recurring problem with...
#11637355 |
When starting my 2019 Jeep Compass an error message stated "coolant temperature high" and "service brake system." It then sputtered and shut down. I waited a minute and then restarted the vehicle. There was a lag for the car to start and then it went back to normal and no codes were present.
#11633568 |
On 4 separate occasions over a 5 day period, the electronic parking brake system spontaneously engaged. This caused the vehicle to lose power and slow until it came to a complete stop/stall. The EPB indicator was displayed on the dash. I tried several courses of action to resolve the issue including putting the car in park, attempting to disengage the EPB as well turning the vehicle off and on again. This issue presents itself with no prior warning. Fortunately, I was not highway driving during any of the mishaps. I was able to coast to the side of the road or to a parking lot safely. This issue presents itself a dangerous issue that other Jeep Compass owners are also experiencing with seemingly no true resolve from the Jeep manufacturer.
#11633269 |
Stopped at stoplight. Engine start/stop was selected on and stopped engine per usual. Released brake and engine didn’t restart leaving vehicle un-powered in traffic. Shifted to park. Let vehicle recycle on/off power a few times. Engine was able to be restarted several minutes later. This happened before ~1 year ago and dealer replaced aux battery and torque sensors but couldn’t replicate failure and never disclosed any actual fault found.
#11627111 |
I was driving my 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk and had just started to accelerate when my car showed a warning light for "High Coolant Temp." The car subsequently lost all engine power and immediately initiated my parking brake. The car was stopped in the middle of the roadway, posing a serious danger risk to myself and other drivers. Had this occurred 30 more feet, I would've been in the middle of a railway crossing. After a few seconds, the temperature indicator returned to normal, though the car still had no power. I had to restart my car two times, then the issue was temporarily resolved and I was able to drive back to my house.
#11623563 |
Every 3000 to 5000 miles the car jerks like the transmission is slipping, the coolant temperature warning sign comes on, and the car shuts off while driving. No warranty will fix the issue and it is very unsafe to have your car shut off while on the highway driving 70mph. This has happened several times. Jeep dealer will not fix
#11620814 |
Stop/start stalling and shutting down at intersection. When lifting foot off the brake, vehicle may start up again just briefly but then stalls out. The vehicle has been stuck in traffic, at high risk for an accident. I have been successful in restarting the vehicle thus far to resume driving. Behavior can occur multiple times a day or once a week but it has been present for >2 yrs. Problem has been reported and inspected by local dealership but, per the dealership, unable to replicate on demand. Solution provided has been to replace both batteries but remedy is short lived. Dashboard error: Auto Stop/Start Not Ready/Unavailable . This error appears after the engine stop/start stalls and engine shutdown but goes away when car is restarted
#11614023 |
The vehicle will randomly show a coolant warning temperature light, then suddenly the engine will turn of. The car must be completely turned off to start it again. This happens when the car is not hot, there is plenty of coolant etc. When this happens the fobs also will not work. It has happened 4 times the last two weeks. My safety was put at risk because I was in the middle of driving when my car died in the middle of the road. Yes the vehicle was inspected and the batteries were replaced. The issue was not reproduced when it was in the shop.
#11611570 |
High coolant temp warning lights spike for about 2-3 seconds and the car powers down but does regain power when the coolant temp light goes off. We have replaced the coolant sensor and flushed everything and replaced the pcm 2 times. Still the same problem. A safety issue as you lose power when this happens. Service was all done at an authorized Jeep dealership. The majority of the time this happens is during a turn. Today I lost power on a turn with oncoming car. We have spent $1400 trying to repair the problem with new replacements and the problem remains. The car is available for inspection. No advance warning when this happens. The last incident date happened August 29, 2024
#11600892 |
I bought the car [XXX] they would not let me take the car home until [XXX]. I have had a problem with it ever since. Airbag system light keeps coming on, passenger seat does not work properly, car is hesitant to start or accelerate at times, cuts and have to restart at times, brakes grinding and squealing . I have taken it back to them several times and they refuse to exchange or fix the problems I was told I should use my warranty to have it fixed I even took it to one of their other dealerships in Irving and they refuse to fix it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11595239 |
The motor is constantly burning oil between oil changes it takes 5.5 quarts on an oil change when the oil is changed I get less than 4 quarts out of the oil pan and this time the oil light came on and I checked the oil level and it was about 4 quarts low and I have the oil changed every 5,000 miles like the manufacture recommends I have read multiple complaints online that this is a known issue with the jeep compass and other vehicles with the 2.4 multiair engine in them
#11594300 |
Car continuously shows multiple codes (10+)then won’t shift to neutral or drive and car won’t even turn off. Has happened multiple times with no resolution various codes (dynamic tourque steering, service hill holder , service 4WD, service transmission, anti lock brake system fail, fuel service cut off, U1110, speed control fail, and multiple others
#11593787 |
In February I took my car for an oil change. I went out of town and when I returned my car would not start. I replaced my key fob battery and I charged the battery because a jump did not work. Once battery was charged we were able to get my car to turn on. I took the car for battery testing at auto zone and nothing came back. I took the car to the dealership (Jeep Dealer) they said both batteries were original and needed to be replaced. I paid for both to be replaced. A few days later I was driving m, came to a stop light and when the light turned green I went to press the gas the car dashboard glitched and turned completely off I was in the middle of the road. I started the car back up and called the dealer immediately and took...
#11593051 |
I was driving into a busy intersection and briefly stopped. When I took my foot off the brake to go, the car completely froze. The brake pedal was hard and the steering wheel was locked. The lights were on, however I couldn't turn the car off to restart it. It would not move. A police officer had to push the car over to the side. After waiting a while (25 minutes) for the tow truck, I was able to turn the car off. The car was towed to the nearest mechanic, but he can't find anything wrong with it. Despite, hundreds of online complaints about this same thing happening to Jeep Compasses, Jeep will not take a look at it unless I pay $490 for a diagnostic test. I already had to pay for the towing and a mechanic to look at it. Jeep Chrysler needs to recall these cars...
#11587128 |
I was traveling from Dallas to Austin for a wedding on [XXX], going the speed limit I notice my car begins to decelerate, I would put my foot on the gas and the car wouldn't speed up, I just kept hearing my engine rev up. In addition to that, a bunch of symbols, notifications and noises started alarming and going off on my dash, it seemed like every symbol on the dash popped up. Trying to prevent an accident while having a panic attack, I had barely enough time to switch lanes and pull over while still on this dangerous highway. Once I stopped the vehicle, the brake became hard to push with my foot and the dash continued to go crazy blinking on and off. After an hour or so, the car started acting fine. I eventually got back home and took it to Jeep in Frisco, TX, and...
#11587193 |
after making a left turn, the engine shut off, an alert on the dashboard read the coolant temperature was too high. Then a second later the coolant alarm went away, the temperature gauge dropped back to normal and the engine started back up. This happened too fast to be an actual problem with the coolant temperature. It happened as described here: [XXX] If this had happened 3 seconds sooner, I would have been stuck in traffic while making a left turn. I'm a little shocked NHTSA has precluded this is not a dangerous issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11575599 |
My engine has killed 3 times while in motion but coming to a stop. I get an alert that the coolant temp is too hot and the engine immediately shuts off while everything else (radio, lights, etc.) remains on. After I put the vehicle in park and shut it off, I'm able to restart it right away and the coolant temp is completely normal. I took the vehicle to a mechanic for a full diagnostic check and they said that this is a known issue with Jeep vehicles and that there's no known solution for it. This happens without warning and there are no alerts or error messages before the vehicle shuts off. Luckily, each time this has happened has been while I've been coming to a stop in a quiet residential area but my concern is that it could happen while I'm on a busy highway. Here is a...
#11574234 |
This 2019 Jeep Compass, has mixed the coolant and oil causing a blown head gasket, according to the dealership, it needs a new engine, and something that is too common on the Jeep Compass, as mine is shy over 8k it is not covered under warranty. No warning lights came on, no lights of high temperature in the transmission, oil or coolant. The car did stall in the middle of the road, causing risk for myself and the child I had in the car. As this is a common problem with the Jeep Compass, how is this major issue not a recall? Why is Jeep/ Chrysler waiting and endangering many of their consumers lives, and not fixing this issue??? The vehicle is available for inspection, with towing being invovled as I am terrified to drive this vehicle.
#11572758 |
A few minutes into the drive, the “Coolant Temperature Too High” warning appeared on the dashboard screen and the temperature gauge shot all the up and then immediately all the way down before correcting itself. This occurred while accelerating after a turn.
#11572256 |
Temperature gauge spiked momentarily, the car lost power for 2 to 3 seconds, then restarted by itself. This occurred while driving at approx 10 mph. This is a very dangerous situation. I have read online that others have had similar issues, and that dealers cannot resolve it.
#11568724 |
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently turned off while the vehicle was idling. The contact shifted the gear shifter into park and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11568564 |
engine is over heating and now the transmission is having problems its only 5 years old. My safety is important the car could have caught fire and it slowed down while i was on the highway that could get me in an accident
#11564001 |
Complete vehicle shut down while driving. You can be driving and it shuts off on its own which is so dangerous almost caused A severe accident. Took to dealer prior nothing is wrong with any parts on my vehicle this is some malfunctioning with the design. I have a 2019 jeep compass Trailhawk. This is the 6th time doing this to me. After a few days it restarts with no issues.
#11563482 |
The "coolant temperature too high" error message has flashed three times, the first on 10/22/2023, the second on 12/19/2023 and the third on 12/22/2023. In one instance the "service parking brake" error message flashed as well. This instance was four days after the vehicle passed the state safety inspection and the dealer made no notes of needed repairs to the brake system. Thankfully in all instances, the vehicle was parked and not in motion which prevented the cause of a safety issue to myself or other drivers on the road. The first time this occurred was after the vehicle had been parked overnight and for most of the next day whereas the last two were after short drives. There are no stored messages in the gauge cluster and no DTC codes when checking with a code reader via the OBDII port. I also checked the coolant level after each instance...
#11563089 |
My vehicle randomly stopped on the freeway one morning. I had no warning signs or lights on at the moment. This has occurred for the second time in the past few months. I took it to the dealership, and they acted strange as if they did not want to be held responsible for diagnosing the vehicle. I took it to another mechanic, and he stated that the car has a major electrical issue. This is something extremely dangerous, not only to myself but to other drivers around me.
#11563192 |
Car stalled out while idling at red light. Car had to be towed to dealer!!replaced battery !! Stalled again dealer said the cause was faulty door latches!! Car stalled again, had to be towed to dealer , kept for 5 days!! All codes cleared , incident never repeated!!!
#11562795 |
Took it for regular maintenance and was told both batteries needed to be replaced. Replaced them a month later car wouldn’t start, got it to start and completely shut off while going 60 mph.
#11561883 |
Car jerks/bucks violently when accelerating, to the point of being unable to control steering and slamming me into steering wheel. This has happened numerous, numerous times. Was towed to dealership, who claimed it was a loose battery cable, charged me, and said it was good to go. The very same day I picked it up, it continues to do this, every time I drive it. It also will die completely and not restart when in park idling. This has happened at least 20x, which was also attributed to the loose cable. However it continues to do the exact same thing as before the dealership "fixed" it. I drive in the middle of nowhere, 40 miles to work in the early morning hours, making this especially unsafe as I have been stranded on a country road alone several times, which is highly unsafe as a female. I cannot continue to drive...
#11560866 |
WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY JEEP JUST CUT OFF AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP, IT LOCKED UP EVERYTHING. HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE HEARD OF THESE PROBLEMS, THEY TESTED EVERYTHING OUT AND SAID IT WAS POSSIBLY THE BATTERY, GOT THE BATTERY REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE, ONE WEEK LATER IT DID THE SAME THING WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT AND COULD NOT GET IT TO START, TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM, AFTER A WHILE IT STARTED BACK UP. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE EXPECIALLY WHEN I HAVE A ONE YR OLD CHILD THAT IS IN THE CAR WITH ME, HOW CAN I FEEL SAFE IN A CAR THAT IS GOING TO STOP SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC OR ON A HIGHWAY. NOONE SEEMS TO KNOW THE PROBLEM TO GET THIS FIXED SO...
#11560343 |
As I was exiting one interstate and merging onto another one the engine stalled. A message displayed telling me the cruise had shut off (my cruise was on but not in use when the engine stalled). This is the second time this has happened - both on the highway.
#11556519 |
UNKNOWN Was driving while decelerating when engine stuttered and emergency brake light came on. The car then stalled and would not restart until 3rd try. This is the second time this incident has happened.
#11556520 |
The vehicle will be shut off via auto stop start system at a traffic light, I'll let off the gas and the vehicle will sometimes take several tries to start or totally stall out and have to be manually restarted, it's dangerous.
#11555438 |
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle was jerking while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had since failed to exceed 10 MPH while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that there was an unknown leak within the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
#11553685 |
Multiple incidents over the last 5-7 weeks up to and including today 11/05/2023. When walking out and starting my Compass the engine/vehicle initially would not start. When initially pressing the start button all the dashboard lights, gauges and annunciators would illuminate but I would receive a “coolant temperature too hot” message on the dashboard and the car ultimately would not turnover and start but rather just shut down completely. Upon waiting a couple seconds I tried to start it again and this time it would start up just fine all normal without any messages on the dashboard. In other occurrences I’d receive multiple dashboard messages which included the ESS system but after turning off and trying to start again my Compass would not and I’d have to jumpstart the battery In order to successfully start the vehicle. From what I have researched and read on myjeepforums and Reddit it seems...
#11549078 |
Parked and turned off Jeep went into store and when I came out got in vehicle check engine light came on and it said high coolant temperature but it weren’t hot. Would not start. Flashing all kinds of stuff.
#11546677 |
The vehicle will show that it is overheating when it is not and it will power down where you are only able to go around 50. When going over mountain passes it will do this and sometimes it will totally shut down. It will do it in town and any time it is at a traffic light. Sensors, water pump have been replaced. Antifreeze does not leak stays at the same level it is not actually overheating. When you beging to drive again at about 65 the gauge immediately goes to normal. This is a hazard
#11545462 |
Car was at the gas pump. Filling up gas, then start the car. When car get started the engine suddenly turn off with the coolant temperature too high alert. The temperature on the dashboard is normal (middle). Engine wouldn't turn on after and the alert keeps popping up. Had to tow to the nearest jeep service
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