Problems · by component
2020 Jeep Compass power train problems
29 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Jeep Compass cite power train, 20% of all 143 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
29
20% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the power train
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. While driving for 5–10 minutes at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated, and a "Pressure Overheating" message was displayed. The Automatic Emergency Braking feature activated. The contact called roadside assistance and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the valve cover gasket, spark plug, and battery. The failure persisted. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic, who checked the cooling system, performed a coolant test, and completed an oil change. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was towed back to the mechanic, who flushed the coolant and replaced the coolant hose, radiator hose, and coolant reservoir tank. The failure continued with a collapsed radiator hose. The contact had a friend purchase a main radiator hose for replacement. The vehicle was taken to a third independent mechanic; however, no diagnostic trouble code was retrieved, and the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was informed that the engine and transmission might need to be replaced.…”
“I drove myself and my passenger to our destination without issue. After the vehicle was parked for approximately three hours, I started it and drove toward the exit lane leading to the main road. I stopped completely before exiting and was traveling approximately 10 mph as I crossed toward the leftmost turning lane. Suddenly, the dashboard displayed a “High Coolant Temperature” warning, the check engine light illuminated, and the accelerator pedal became resistant/unresponsive. The vehicle slowed to a stop and the engine completely shut off. Without me shifting the transmission out of Drive or selecting Reverse, the vehicle then began rolling backward on its own. The road was not inclined or sloped. The brake pedal and steering wheel became extremely hard to operate. I had no choice but to allow the vehicle to roll backward into the exit lane. I was extremely concerned that it could cause a collision or strike a pedestrian or building, seriously injuring myself, my passenger, or others. The vehicle eventually stopped, but it was left partially in the exit lane and partially in the main roadway. I was in the right-turn lane, and approaching traffic could not…”
“The transmission cooling system failed causing immediate failure of the transmission. The vehicle has less than 60k miles and is still covered by the manufacturer powertrain warranty. Dash lights for service engine and service transmission only came on at the immediate time of failure (10 min prior to full transmission failure). No issues were noted in the vehicles prior service 7 months prior to failure. The dealer has confirmed the cause of transmission failure is due to failure of the cooling system.”
“While turning out of a parking lot, onto a side street, a suspension component failed without warning, causing the front axle to pull out of the transmission. The vehicle immediately became unsafe, as I was unable to turn the wheel (it wasn't connected) to get me out of the middle of the road. This was a sudden, catastrophic mechanical failure with no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms. It had to be towed. I called a corporate phone number, to create a case number, and heard back from Jeep Autonation immediately. The gentleman who spoke to me, was extremely rude, and told me this was a normal wear and tear situation, and just to "bring it in so they could get to fixing it." I believe a full diagnostic report is necessary, and I'd like to know WHY this failed. I was on the highway just earlier the morning that this happened. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE, to which I'm not getting any traction on. Unfortunately, it needs to be towed there, and I was told the tow would be $100, which I won't be paying, as this was a safety failure. I have also been renting a car for the last three weeks, when this happened. I'm out $1200 for that, and still have no answers.…”
“At approximately 35,900 miles, vehicle failed a block test indicating combustion gases in the cooling system. Cylinder head gasket was replaced, cylinder head was machined, and exhaust valves were replaced at an independent shop at a cost of over 5,000. Shortly after, at approximately 36,300 miles, vehicle was towed in with sudden loss of power and would not accelerate. Diagnostic codes P1064 (cylinder 4 oil supply solenoid stuck), P0171 (fuel system lean), and P0304 (cylinder misfire) were found. The MultiAir/VVT actuator was confirmed to have an internal failure. Both the independent shop and a Jeep dealership parts department confirmed the component was on indefinite national backorder due to high demand caused by widespread failures of this part. At approximately 37,500 miles, vehicle failed a second block test. The cylinder head was found warped again and required a second full replacement along with motor mount replacement. The vehicle has had its cylinder head replaced twice in under seven months. Total out-of-pocket repair costs exceed 8,000. The sudden loss of power while driving created an unsafe condition. The failure has been confirmed and…”
“Coolant temperature warning and sudden engine shutdowns. This has occurred multiple times in 3 months. started when car was at 50K miles. we have been unable to control the vehicle in traffic when this happens. Dealership (Dave Denis jeep-Dayton, Ohio) was unable to find a problem.”
Showing 6 of 29 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.