Problems · NHTSA complaints
2019 Jeep Compass problems
Owners filed 333 complaints about the 2019 Jeep Compass with NHTSA between Feb 2019 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is engine (162).
Complaints
333
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
13
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine162
- Electrical system145
- Service brakes38
- Power train37
- Steering19
- Vehicle speed control15
- Fuel/propulsion system11
- Exterior lighting10
- Air bags10
- Forward collision avoidance10
- Electronic stability control (esc)8
- Visibility/wiper5
- Back over prevention5
- Engine and engine cooling5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
47
19
26
43
70
53
40
35
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 47 |
| 2020 | 19 |
| 2021 | 26 |
| 2022 | 43 |
| 2023 | 70 |
| 2024 | 53 |
| 2025 | 40 |
| 2026 | 35 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
162 reports2 crashes1 fire
“Start/stop unavailable, pull over safely. Replaced both batteries, still got messages, now being told alternator or pcm needs to be replaced. This has been a constant problem. Ive replaced batteries twice now in less than 3 years”
Electrical system
145 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…”
Service brakes
38 reports4 crashes
“While traveling down a 2 lane road, light traffic, at 45 mph, the vehicle suddenly applied the brakes until it reached 0 mph, with an associated emergency parking brake applied message on the dashboard. The vehicle was unable to continue driving until it was turned off and turned back on. Subsequent inspection revealed no faults, with coolant and oil levels at operating limits.”
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”
Steering
19 reports1 crash
“The steering gear has failed and is making a popping noise every time you steer to the left or right. The steering gear has been recalled for certain models but not all, my car has the exact same issue but its not listed on the recall. This problem could lead to loss of steering and a crash per the Safety Recall V99/NHTSA 19V-637. The car has been inspected by a Jeep dealer and they confirmed the steering gear is the problem. The symptoms have been present for at least a year, and has been getting worse. I am concerned for my safety and I do not have to means to pay for this repair.”
Vehicle speed control
15 reports3 crashes
“It appears to be the Body Control Module that gave out. While driving home in the evening from work, the vehicle stopped accelerating beyond 20 mph. Further, the passenger windows stopped working, as did exterior tail, emergency, and turn signal lights. The dealer was unable to directly confirm that the BCM was the problem, however, it was confirmed the problem was not fuse, battery, or engine related. No inspection of the component or vehicle to date. No warning lamps or messages appeared. It was raining outside, the vehicle started as normal, and moved as normal for approximately five minutes, then suddenly the vehicle stopped accelerating forward placing myself and others in harm's way.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.