Home · 2021 Jeep Compass · Complaints

What 76 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Compass

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (76)Crash / fire / injury (6)Electrical system (31)Engine (16)Transmission & drivetrain (8)Brakes (6)Steering (6)Speed control (5)Driver assistance (4)Fuel system (4)Lights (4)Engine & cooling (3)

Newest first · 76 complaints · page 2 of 4

Feb 22, 2025SteeringSuspensionWheelsCrash

I bought the Jeep 2000 24 June 5th from Auto Lenders and Fairless hills vehicle had 34,632 miles on it took it back June 18th for inspection and that there was noise coming from the front end when you went over speed bump metal climbing I told him they said they found nothing took it back again July 10th with the same issues and everything they found nothing the miles on the car on July 10th in where 35,677 MI that was in going out $35,677 mi which they never moved the vehicle took it back again in September for the same issue so they found nothing I was going to take it back again on Christmas Eve I was taking donations to a church and I want to go straight the vehicle went right the ball joint snapped airbags came out and if there wasn't a pole to slide into I would have went into the store that was there they failed to find the issue that was wrong with the vehicle I could have been killed my grandson could have been killed the vehicle's now setting and a tow yard waiting for someone to go look at it and totaled because the airbags came out all on the passenger side the steering wheel went underneath the steering wheel. I'm waiting for a revised please report because the police officer misunderstood me when I said I walked around the car and slipped on black ice I didn't hit no ice with the car the wheel went right when the ball joint snapped and the car slid into a pole on each document that I have they only move the vehicle 2 mi on the 18th of June and September 25th on July 10th the vehicle had the same miles in and out

NHTSA ODI 11644249

Feb 4, 2025Engine

I have replaced both batteries and the alternator. The stop/start light comes on and the red warning to pull over safely the vehicle will shut off soon and the engine light comes on. The vehicle is now telling me to service transmission. The dealer doesn't know what's wrong with it. I want this taken care of.

NHTSA ODI 11640564

Jan 26, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

I have a 2021 Jeep Compass and have been experiencing transmission bucking ever since purchasing out my lease. It is a known issue to Chrysler but they refuse to issue a recall. I have gone to the dealer twice so far. Once, they did a software update for the transmission per a bulletin that Chrysler posted for hard shifting complaints. That did nothing to fix the problem and it only got worse. The second time I took it to the dealer, they said they found nothing wrong and did a "re-learn" on the transmission. Again, it didn't fix anything. Why can't they figure this out? I have 79,000 miles and it sounds and feels like this transmission won't last 100,000. The transmission bucking causes the vehicle to shake and jerk forward when accelerating and braking.

NHTSA ODI 11638648

Jan 24, 2025BrakesEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the brake warning light began flashing. The vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Action Number: PE22013 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ODI 11638310

Jan 7, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

Several times a year since having my 2021 Compass, as I'm driving my car shuts off out of no where and a message on my dashboard lights up in regards to the coolant system. The car is never overheated when this happens and both of my batteries have been changed. It has happened to me in the middle of going through intersections, at stoplights, and while driving. It is NOT SAFE to have your car shut down without warning!! I have to put the car in park and restart and it starts up right away each time. There are SO MANY threads of this same complaint and customers having their Jeep dealer look at it with no resolve from any comment I've read. Please help fix this unsafe issue!!

NHTSA ODI 11634603

Dec 29, 2024Backup camera & sensors

The screen in most 2018-present jeep compasses are defective. My car just fell out of the warranty time frame and shortly after the screen failed resulting in no alerts via the back up camera. The camera helps alert you to things you can not see in your blind spots behind the vehicle resulting in a serious safety issue for pedestrians/ small children etc outside of the vehicle and also poses a threat to the driver. There were 0 warnings of failure in this component and I have read numerous hundreds of others describing the same issue. Expecting consumers to purchase this car with such failure rates is irresponsible and negligent. For a device that should have a life of 5-10 years failing after 3 is disappointing.

NHTSA ODI 11632988

Dec 5, 2024Driver assistance

I been having a problem as I noticed it’s been seen multiple times with a jeep compass well mine is a 2021 jeep compass trail hawk. The car will shut off and say high coolant temp when that’s not the problem. The car is not hot and there is no problem with it just lose power and have no control over the car. It shuts off when I’m driving on the highway has left me stranded multiple times. Almost got hit turning on to the highway and it died as I was turning with a car head on. This is so unsafe. The car has been in the shop multiple times they replace stuff say it’s fixed it’s not and happens the minute I drive off. I been stuck in the middle of the lane with oncoming traffic’s and almost been hit. The dealership seams to not know what’s wrong with it and it’s so unsafe to be driving around in. Along with the many other people who have had the same problem. This is dangerous and keep should not be selling unsafe cars.

NHTSA ODI 11628976

Nov 14, 2024Electrical system

When it's hot outside and the car gets hot inside car it messed the radio up lines all over the radio can't see nothing radio plays, but you can't use backup camper are see the air set on this needs to be recalled so reson for it to stop working

NHTSA ODI 11625125

Oct 19, 2024Electrical systemLane Departure

When ESS is Engaged, car does not want to start from stop/engine off after pulling from a stop. Car then turns off Lane Departure and Blind Spot Warning and ESS says needs service. Battery has been replaced 2x by Jeep.

NHTSA ODI 11620821

Oct 18, 2024Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The contact's daughter resumed driving; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was able to restart. The overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11620624

Oct 4, 2024Electrical systemLightsLane Departure

The touchscreen started flashing off and on and the dash lights also turn off and on. The lane assist and fuel warning pop up even when there is ample fuel. The blinkers do not respond when it is glitching and the high beam/ low beam light disappears on the dash. I have taken it to the dealer twice and they said their were multiple codes triggered in the touch screen/radio and they cleared the codes but it started doing this again a few days later. The 2nd time they downloaded an update to Uconnect system, I have reset the uconnect system back to default and remived all paired devices and even just turned off the entire radio but it continues to effect the dash lights and also effects the inside Temperature which gets stuck. The dealer said they will have to find time to try to figure it out and I do not even have an appointment scheduled yet and they don't seem confident about a solution. I have looked online and have seen many people with uconnect having these issues and it does not seem safe due to not being able to see the dash at night in particular and the blinkers being effected. I am not sure if they still blink on the outside of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11618186

Oct 3, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the check engine, crash avoidance assist, START/STOP, air bags, and other warning lights were illuminated. While driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping. Additionally, the vehicle could be started without depressing the brake pedal. There was a burning odor entering into the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the dealer had placed an electronic chip in the vehicle; however, the contact was unable to recall the exact name of the computer chip. The vehicle failed to start after the chip was installed, causing the dealer to remove the new computer chip and replace it with older chip. The contact stated that when the battery was replaced, the warning lights were no longer illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.

NHTSA ODI 11617944

Aug 7, 2024LightsBrakesDriver assistance

1.When I come to a stop my car jolts forward hard like I was hit from behind. 2. Issue is the lighting display is very dim during the day time once in a while randomly dims making it difficult to see my speed. 3. My radio panel shuts off randomly. 4. Auto collision detector is off .

NHTSA ODI 11606937

Jun 4, 2024Electrical system

My Start/Stop feature will bug out and not Start up after releasing the brake at a red light. It has happened multiple times and will display a maintenance required symbol in my dashboard until I restart my vehicle. It happens infrequently. One day it will work fine and the other day it will delay and not turn on immediately.

NHTSA ODI 11592329

May 10, 2024Steering

I purchased this vehicle not quite a year ago. After about 3 months while turning I noticed a knocking sound coming from the left front of the vehicle while turning. When I was able I took the vehicle back to dealer who stated it was the rack and pinion. I was told by a local mechanic if not repaired it can come a lose cause you to loose control causing accident. After I was told this I researched an found several other jeep owners had this same problem. My vehicle now has 58k miles on it had only 32K when purchased I did get warranty dealer refused repairs I would like jeep to investigated because some complaints are not listed with nhtsa seems owners just repair it an move on or just complain ask questions on internet. I feel jeep should be held responsible an thus should be recalled before someone is killed.

NHTSA ODI 11588162

May 9, 2024Engine

My 2021 Jeep Compass Trailhawk has been in very good condition until the ac recently just started to blow hot air. When I took my jeep in for a routine oil/filter, my local auto mechanic said that upon visual inspection the a/c clutch (part of the a/c compressor) was melted and that I would need a whole new a/c compressor assembly, possibly replace the drier, and completely flush the system. I can't believe that for a fairly new car in very good condition this type of problem shows up. I called Jeep and they said that there is no recall on the a/c compressor for my jeep. However, my mechanic that is now working on fixing the issue said he has to wait a few days for the compressor kit parts as it was on backorder, so there must be other similar issues ongoing. I would like to know how I can get reimbursed for a problem that should not be happening with a 2021 Jeep in very good condition? I am not sure if this is a jeep class issue. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11587936

Mar 23, 2024Engine

Repeated High Coolant Temp notice. Has happened three times in 3 weeks. Last two times have happened within two days. Happens when Jeep is at about 40 mph. Jeep shows high temp warning and shuts off causing great concern for my families safety driving in 40 mph traffic. Repair shop can’t explain repeated issue.

NHTSA ODI 11579055

Mar 13, 2024Electrical system

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown computer had failed and simultaneously made other electrical components fail. The contact stated that the Radio Frequency Hub, Electronic Control Unit, and Body Control Module needed to be replaced. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,100.

NHTSA ODI 11577192

Mar 3, 2024SuspensionSeat beltsEngine

In 3 months later that we got the jeep. The seat spring for reclain go off, later 1 year the motor mounts have alot of noise with the change of speed, and the suspension feel horroble, i been driving like that few months like that and we dont know about this page can we report all this issues.

NHTSA ODI 11575150

Feb 10, 2024Electrical systemEngine

While Auto start stop is active, and when the vehicle comes to a stop the engine stops but then doesn't restart like it's supposed to, the cluster says vehicle needs to be restarted, then after putting shifter into park I can restart the vehicle normally, but this has happened 3 times now at busy intersections causing my vehicle to block traffic when the light turns green. I have to remember to manually turn Auto start stop off everytime I start my vehicle to prevent this from happening or keep my climate turned up since the auto start stop won't engage while cooling or heating the cabin.

NHTSA ODI 11571145

Feb 4, 2024Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

The car only has 47,000 miles on it and the steering wheel buttons stopped working, then while the car was off the windshield wipers started going and wouldn’t stop until the battery died, then when the car battery was charged and the car was started the windshield wipers stopped working, the brake lights stopped working and then the signal lights.

NHTSA ODI 11569763

Jan 20, 2024

When I turned on my vehicle, I saw about 10 different error messages flash across my dashboard like it was having some sort of exorcism, and then it stopped. No errors were on the dashboard. Everything looked good. I waited a few minutes and my driveway, and then took off for work. As I was making my way out of the neighborhood. I was going about 10 mph, it wasn’t until I pulled out to my neighborhood onto incoming traffic to cross the road that I realized that the gas pedal was not responding and the car was just rolling at like preset 10 mph speed. I hit the gas pedal many times and the car didn’t respond. Thankfully I was able to get in the middle lane to avoid a collision, but it was very scary and I consider this to be a tech defect high severity , I called my dealer and they said it’s gonna be a few hundred dollars to look at it and that’s totally not OK

NHTSA ODI 11566686

Dec 28, 2023Brakes

This was a rental vehicle. My concern is the emergency brake switch. It was accidentally activated by a passenger when they were trying to pickup a coin that had fallen where the switch is located while traveling at 40 mph. The emergency brake immediately engaged and an unsafe condition was encountered. Fortunately, an accident was avoided and we resumed our trip. My concern is a child or passenger can activate the switch in these vehicles where the switch is located in the center console resulting is an accident causing harm or injury. This switch needs a protective cover of some sort or disabled while the vehicle is in motion.

NHTSA ODI 11562291

Dec 12, 2023EngineFuel system

When stopped at a stop sign (on a slight incline, if that could be a factor), the Compass suddenly lost power. No reaction from pressing the gas pedal at all. In Drive or in Reverse. The Check Engine light came on and the temperature gauge went all the way up. Putting it in Park and restarting cleared the Check Engine light and the temperature gauge was right back to normal. Almost like nothing had happened. Thankfully it was a small intersection with no other traffic. But could this happen on the freeway?

NHTSA ODI 11559641

Nov 20, 2023Electrical system

Just driving down the highway at the speed limit the car will suddenly say over heating coolant level low and shut off for 1 second. Has done this 3 times in last few weeks. This was after I just had to replace the 2nd battery that controls all the extra functions on the car and a temperature sensor. The coolant level is fine

NHTSA ODI 11556152

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Working with the data? Download all 76 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 14, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2021 Jeep Compass verdict →