Problems · by component
2019 Jeep Compass engine problems
162 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2019 Jeep Compass cite engine, 49% of all 333 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
162
49% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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”
“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.”
“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”
“While driving through a tunnel in Boston, MA, the vehicle shut off completely without warning and could not be restarted. The dashboard displayed multiple warning lights and the engine would not crank (clicking sound only). I was stranded inside an active tunnel in live traffic, requiring a Massachusetts State Police response and a tow. The dealer diagnosed a shorted starter, and during the same repair found the radiator leaking from its lower corner seam with no coolant remaining in the system (dealer repair order 316800, at 66,453 miles). An independent repair shop had documented dried coolant residue under the radiator three months earlier at 63,656 miles, indicating the leak had been developing. This vehicle also has a history of auxiliary battery failures affecting the stop/start system: the auxiliary battery failed at 22,517 miles and was replaced under warranty, and failed again at 58,094 miles. A sudden engine shutdown in a tunnel with no ability to restart is a serious safety hazard, and I am filing this complaint to document the failure. Repair invoices are available and can be uploaded.”
“Experienced countless "high coolant temp" followed by power loss and engine shutoff, yes—while driving—like everyone else. NHTSA CAMPAIGN: PE22013 Search it and read. They investigated it already & ruled it not dangerous enough. It took me spending so much money trying different fixes, then countless hours searching for a solution to finally realize that full investigation case was tucked away years ago. No big deal apparently. The conclusion gets it wrong of course. Part of the ruling claiming no safety risk is based on implying the car starts back right after engine loss and that's simply not true. Twice mine wouldn't start back after the incident, not immediately not within 30 minutes. Only once did it fail, then restart after. I've read through the hundreds of similar complaints and many are stranded after it happens as well. But there's definitely one thing in common EVERYONE'S DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN IT HAPPENS. This is a severely dangerous issue, putting peoples lives at risk. This is 100% on the manufacturer to bring to light and shamefully haven't. This started last summer for me and I didn't post about it but seeing brand new report still being…”
“After replacing both batteries in my jeep compass 2019. The “Stop safely vehicle will shut down” message kept coming on. In traffic the car shut off completely and wouldn’t start. This is a reoccurring issue and jeep doesn’t care. It needs to be fixed. To shut off completely during driving is a safety hazard!!!”
Showing 6 of 162 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.