Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2019 Jeep CompassRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 331 owner complaints for the 2019 Jeep Compass. Most complaints involve engine (161) and electrical system (144). The EPA rates it 25–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
25–26mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Apr 2020
Owner complaints
331
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Visibility: windshield wiper

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass vehicles. The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.

VisibilityReported Apr 9, 2020NHTSA 20V208000

Service brakes

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Aug 9, 2018NHTSA 18V523000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

331 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2019 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine161
  2. Electrical system144
  3. Power train37
  4. Service brakes37
  5. Steering19
  6. Vehicle speed control15
  7. Fuel/propulsion system11
  8. Exterior lighting10
  9. Air bags10

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Compass model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2007434
2008172
200964
201081
2011188
2012184
201380
2014308
2015113
2016293
2017229
2018947
2019331
2020143
202181
2022225
202349
202453
202529
20265
Crashes reported
13
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
5
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

161 reports2 crashes1 fire
“In July 2024 the engine blew a rod causing catastrophic engine failure causing our daughters Jeep while driving down [XXX] in San Antonio to lift off the ground from the force and leaving her no where to get to safety with no shoulder. Only being some months and 1505 miles out of warranty they denied any goodwill. This specific engine was the same motor that was involved in the Wood, et al. v. FCA US, LLC class action lawsuit. The Jeep was well maintenanced and no indication of any problems prior to the abrupt explosion under the hood while she was driving causing all fluids to immediately start pouring from the Jeep and leaving her little time to get to safety before the Jeep came to a stop and shut down. Where she was stranded was on one of the most dangerous parts of the highway on [XXX]. Now all motor mounts that we had just replaced in March of 2024 are bad, leaving to wonder if it was because a new engine was put onto compromised motor mounts in 2024.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026EngineODI 11769740

Electrical system

144 reports2 crashes
“I am reporting ongoing safety concerns involving my 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk, including unexpected engine shutdowns, repeated battery failures, electrical malfunctions, and recurring check engine warnings despite regular maintenance and multiple repairs. In 2023, the vehicle’s automatic start-stop system malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to shut down completely while I was traveling on the expressway. This created an extremely dangerous situation. The vehicle was towed for inspection, but no problem was identified. After being jump-started, the vehicle operated normally. In September 2024, both the main battery and auxiliary battery were replaced. However, the vehicle continued shutting down and requiring jump-starts. I subsequently took it to the dealership, where wiring connected to the battery system was replaced. The vehicle operated normally for several months following this repair. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have also experienced intermittent electrical malfunctions involving the radio and infotainment system. The radio unexpectedly shorts out, and the display screen goes completely black before eventually restoring itself. Additionally, during…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 24, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11773359

Power train

37 reports1 crash
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 17, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11757536
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 6-spd · Automatic 9-spd · Automatic 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Compass FWD
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233226$2,450339
Compass 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive
223025$2,550358
Compass 4WD
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive
223125$2,550355
Compass FWD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
223125$2,550350
  • Compass FWD
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    23 city · 32 hwy · $2,450/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Compass 4WD
    Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    22 city · 30 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Compass 4WD
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    22 city · 31 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Compass FWD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    22 city · 31 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Jeep Compass SUV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
20.2%
Overall
4 / 5
Jeep Compass SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
20.6%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 13569Vehicle 13568
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2019 Compass questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Jeep Compass have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2019 Jeep Compass problems?

Owners filed 331 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (161), electrical system (144), power train (37). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Jeep Compass get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Jeep Compass at 25–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2019 Jeep Compass?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Jeep Compass 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026