What 136 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Jeep Compass

Vehicle shuts off randomly. Restarts after stopping but it’s consistent as if the car over heated yet the coolant temperature reads 194-200

NHTSA ODI 11747773

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.

NHTSA ODI 11746120

My 2020 Jeep Compass experiences sudden, unexpected engine shut-offs while driving. The engine loses power and stalls without warning, and shortly afterward the dashboard displays a 'Coolant Temperature Too High' warning. The vehicle has stalled while in motion, including at highway speeds, creating a serious safety hazard. After the stall, the vehicle restarts and behaves normally, but the problem has recurred multiple times. This matches the engine-stalling and coolant-temperature issue described in the NHTSA investigation of 2019–2020 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine.

NHTSA ODI 11742922

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. This failure created a significant safety risk to me and other drivers on the road. I am filing this report because the dealership and manufacturer have been unresponsive, and I am concerned this may be a defect that could affect other vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11739927

We have been without our 2020 JEEP since the end of February 2026 due to an engine issue (had the car only 6-7 months). The first company thought there might be coolant in the head gasket causing the issue. After our extended warranty company wanted the engine opened to confirm, we had to send the car to Precision Tune at the end of March to do this (prior place didn't open engines or repair them and recommended Precision Tune). Based on the engine codes of P0301 and P1061, as well how the car started, Precision Tune knew that the multi air actuator had failed. We both kept asking the extended warranty company how opening the engine would tell them that the multi air actuator failed (Precision Tune and JEEP dealer both said it would not show them that). 5 days later the extended warranty company said that the part was not covered. By that time the multi air actuator was on backorder. On April 10, I called up JEEP to ask about the part and when it might be back in stock. I was told that JEEP is doing an engineering review on the part because of the various issues and until that is resolved there is no timetable on when the part will be available leaving customers without a vehicle. This may not seem like something the NHTSA cares about but there is defiantly an issue. In fact, there was a case investigated by the NHTSA about this issue that was closed in 2023. It seems like the issue was never resolved by JEEP and is continuing to the point that the part has to go back through engineering.

NHTSA ODI 11731850

Car stalls out when driving. Car also stalls when I dont press the automatic start button.

NHTSA ODI 11731409

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 documented by both an independent repair facility and an authorized Jeep dealership. Check engine light was present prior to each failure event.

NHTSA ODI 11730900

I’ve had this car since March 8, 2020 and from the very beginning I’ve had electrical issues at first. It started with just my lights flickering the dashboard as well and it progressed overtime and also gave my different messages on my dashboard. The radio would shut off making it impossible to use my backup camera as well, I wasn’t able to take it to the dealer because when I called they said that it all had to come out of my pocket, even though I had just bought the car so it was a little impossible for me to be able to afford that at the moment so I put it all off overtime. It did progress and I had to get the battery switched out twice as well as the second battery this happened while I was pregnant and it actually was because the car stalled out on me. I was out in Palmdale visiting my parents when the car completely turned off all the electrical options were nonexistent. I was at a stoplight and when the car didn’t turn back on, it was dark because Palmdale is a desert area. I had no lights, and I had no way of telling the rest of the drivers I was having an emergency if I got out the car, I was putting myself at risk as well as my babies. My car stalling happened a few times over the years which also exposed extended family members. I repeatedly asked Jeep to help me and they have possession of the car at the moment. I still have payments on this car and I have the tags due in two weeks. I’ve called them and they are giving me the runaround and it’s very disheartening and very frustrating. I’m a full-time mom, I work, I go to school and I have a home to run. They never offered for a replacement car or any type of temporary help, they said they would run the diagnostics free of charge and now the dealership wants to charge me as well. I can’t afford it after paying a private mechanic for that diagnosis as well. Jeep is unwilling to help me at this point and I need further assistance.

NHTSA ODI 11718918

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the infotainment screen began to display a pixilated and distorted image. Due to the failure, the rear-view camera failed to operate while in reverse(R). The failure persisted, and several lines appeared on the infotainment screen before the screen went blank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that the radio was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure on several occasions, and the contact was provided with a case number. The dealer offered to cover half the cost of the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

NHTSA ODI 11714920

I tried the auto start on the fob car would not start I tried to the push start nothing again . Did get warning coolant temp high Had to tow car They are investigating

NHTSA ODI 11708586

My vehicle’s engine has shut off completely in the middle of the road TWICE, both on busy highways. The first time, I was turning left and the engine shut off as I was turning into oncoming traffic and was stuck in the middle of two lanes. Second time, I was stopped at a red light and the engine shut off again. Once the car is turned off and back on, the light for the Auto Stop/Start came on and said to service the Stop/Start feature. The first incident, I had the car brand new for maybe a week. The second incident just happened last week.

NHTSA ODI 11708267

My engine light kept on coming on esc failure I replaced the aux battery then reg battery then alternator went bad then the u connect is not working at all it will not load the maps on the screen it’s doesn’t recognize my phone I bought this jeep brand new

NHTSA ODI 11706643

On December 9th, my Jeep compass caught fire in Tyson’s corner parking lot (1750 Tysons BLVD). The fire department believes it came from the engine. No warning signs such as engine lights or temperature overheating prior. The car was parked in a spot when this occurred. My daughter was in the car and smelled smoke, car was turned off, got out and it was smoking and sparking then caught fire. 911 was called during this process and came to the scene. The insurance is aware and deemed it total loss. The police and fire department have records we are trying to obtain. The fire spread to other cars.

NHTSA ODI 11705159

Driving home at night car flashed a hi temp coolant warning and shut down..Waited a couple minutes and it started right up. I have never had any issues before this.

NHTSA ODI 11702180

I bought my 2020 Jeep Compass from Moses Factory Outlet in Teays Valley WV 2/1/25. The whole time I have had and operated the vehicle it has had this safety issue. It shuts down unexpectedly with a "high coolant temperature warning" displayed on the dash then resets and turns back on. Sometimes I have to physically turn the vehicle back on. This happens on the interstate randomly when I am going 65 mph or sitting at a red light. I spoke to Moses about it, and they told me I would have to take it to a jeep dealership because this is something they would not be able to fix. I took it to the Walker Jeep dealership in Hurricane WV they inspected it and said they could not find anything wrong with it. This is very scary when it happens, and I have no idea how to get it fixed because the dealership I bought it from nor an actual jeep dealership can fix it. I drove it to Columbus Ohio one time, and it done it six times that's a 5hr round trip.

NHTSA ODI 11700885

While driving the 2020 Compass a message will s poradically appear on the dashboard display about "High Coolant Temperature" and immediately sends the vehicle power to shut down and after a couple of seconds the error disappears and the temperature returns to normal. It once shut the engine down completely in the middle of the street and I had to put car in park in middle of traffic and then restart it. This happens at all rates of speed - on the highway driving 65 mph or on a city road driving 40 mph. Dates is has happened that I took note of: 09/11/2025, 10/04/2025, 11/01/2025 and 11/17/2025. It has happened previous to 09/11/2025 as well. It is a serious safety issue to loose power while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11699972

The car suddenly would not accelerate over 20 miles per hour when I was driving on a busy road. The car has made clunking noises whenever I accelerate since I bought it 6 months ago. There is a recall for other 2020 Jeep Compass Latitudes that would explain this problem (W48/NHTSA 20E-037) but my VIN is not included in the recall. I think that this is a mistake.

NHTSA ODI 11693659

The screen on the dash has quit working and the backup camera does not work this started when we got snow, thought once weather warmed up things it would work tried the reset button to no avail. Hesitated about buying another jeep now I wish I hadn’t nothing but trouble

NHTSA ODI 11691566

Subject: Complaint Against American Warranty – Tire & Rim Coverage To Whom It May Concern, I am filing this complaint against American Warranty (1-800-346-6469) regarding my tire and rim coverage for my 2020 Jeep Compass (VIN: [XXX] , Mileage: 49,000). The titled vehicle is in my name, [XXX] , [XXX] . On June 26, 2025, I dropped off my Jeep for warranty service. Since then, I have been without a vehicle, and my claim has been mishandled at every step. 1.Unprofessional and rude treatment – When I attempted to conference call with the Harr dealership manager and the warranty department, the representative hung up on both of us, saying they “already knew about the case” and that I had to wait. Their tone has been dismissive and rude throughout my calls. 2.Delays and lack of resolution – After more than three months, my claim is still unresolved. I purchased extended warranty coverage specifically to avoid these issues, yet I have been left without a vehicle all this time. 3.Rental car denied – Despite repeated requests, I was told I am not entitled to a rental while my Jeep is undriveable due to warranty issues. 4.Improper rim handling and poor repair coordination – The warranty company appointed Alloy Wheel Repair Specialist (Contact: Shaundolyn Whittle, shaundolynwhittle@alloywheel.com, 877-743-2977) to attempt repairs. My rims were removed and remounted multiple times, leaving them scratched and further damaged. •Additionally, Elite Wheels (Contact: Nick, 518-579-9260, Claim #[XXX]) was also involved in the process. This created confusion and additional delays. 5.Additional out-of-pocket charges – Harr Jeep (114 Gold Star Blvd, Worcester, MA – Contact: Christian Aylward, 508-471-2625) has had to diagnose my vehicle several times to provide information to the warranty department. I am now being told I must pay these charges, as the warranty company refuses to cover them. This has caused me severe incon INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11690675

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.

NHTSA ODI 11690201

The Light came on the dashboard to "SERVICE AIRBAG SYSTEM"---so I brought it to a Jeep Dealership service Department near my home. They replaced the ORC module for the Airbag System and i took it home but the issue remained, and the light on the dashboard came back on. So I took the car back and this time they replaced the Clock Spring device in the vehicle so I feel this Clock Spring issue is similar to a known recall for Jeep in the past 2011-2016 vehicles under the Jeep X68 warranty Extension---from 3-24-2017----it was bulletin: 08-005-17

NHTSA ODI 11689212

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the 4WD engaged and disengaged while driving down the road. The contact stated that the brakes locked up while 35 MPH. Additionally, the computer became inoperable. The contact stated that the battery was replaced, but the vehicle failed to charge. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The Service 4WD message was displayed and the Auto START/STOP feature was inoperable. During inclement weather of snow or rain, the 4WD failure was more prevalent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

NHTSA ODI 11685871

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed driving visibility and prevented the safe operation of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at a slow speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. An unknown warning light was flashing on the gear shift lever. The contact restarted the vehicle; however, there was an abnormal humming sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11683522

The (A) this automatically temporarily pause the idling of the engine when stopping at a light or stop sign. I’ve noticed that it’ll shut my car off completely as if the battery has died. I’ve been put in scary situations due to heavy traffic. I’ve held up traffic for at least 3-10 minutes. ( my battery is less than 2-3 yrs old). So, for now I’ve started turning that function off upon starting the car before I put it in gear. Any complaints about that anyone know of?

NHTSA ODI 11676770

The wipers have stopped working and I am unable to find a motor to replace it.

NHTSA ODI 11674486