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
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine162
  2. Electrical system145
  3. Service brakes38
  4. Power train37
  5. Steering19
  6. Vehicle speed control15
  7. Fuel/propulsion system11
  8. Exterior lighting10
  9. Air bags10
  10. Forward collision avoidance10
  11. Electronic stability control (esc)8
  12. Visibility/wiper5
  13. Back over prevention5
  14. 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
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201947
202019
202126
202243
202370
202453
202540
202635

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.

03 —Owner reports

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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 5, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11776085

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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 24, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11773359

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2026Service brakesODI 11774739

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

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 23, 2024SteeringODI 11621454

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 29, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed controlODI 11727851
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.