RoadVitals

2016 Jeep Compass Powertrain (other) Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Powertrain (other) reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
43
Latest Jun 23, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
15%
of 291 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 Jeep Compass submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 43 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming powertrain

The 25 most recent of 43, in the owner's own words

Powertrain (other)SteeringSuspension
Filed Jun 23, 2026

Brake caliphers went bad 2 days after I purchased, now a heavy humming sound that I literally feel vibration in my seat, loud weird noise when making sharp turns, turning the wheel while in park grinding noise, loud rumbling when air conditioner is on, jerking forward when press on gas. This car is horrible

NHTSA ID
11745995
Incident
Jun 9, 2026
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 30, 2025

I have had problems with Jeep suddenly losing all power while driving with NO WARNING! Everytime ive had it checked they could not find anything wrong with it. Just recently it happened again and since then when I drive it doesn't seem to want to accelerate. There are no noises,instrument lights on any codes showing up. I had to wait a month for my appointment at the dealership and then another month for them to even tell me what was wrong. They said i need a new transmission which is ridiculous since my car only has 89,956 miles and a majority of those miles are from military moves. The only thing they did was run a diagnostic test (nothing showed up) and said they had 2 people test drive it ( but my mileage was the same going in and going out) They told me it would cost 7500 before taxes for the transmission. They could not give me a clear answer when I asked what exactly is wrong with the transmission. I was told that its something internal but they couldn't tell me exactly the problem because that would require them to take it apart. I asked if I should get a transmission flush to make sure it wasn't that since I just learned that cvt should be flushed earlier than usual and he told me probably not. I decide to take my car home and will never use them again. I went two months without a car and was unable to work because they did not offer me any time of vehicle while I had to wait. Im concerned because Mopar discontinued the transaxle package with torque converter, part number 68000676AH that is for my vehicle because it is known to be defective. I bought this car brand new and thought it was clear of any defects or safety issues. A new transmission for a car that is less than 10 years old is ridiculous and seems like a lemon. Since Jeep knows this Jatco transmission is defective and also discontinued it with a different part then why arent they offering a goodwill repair or at least a warranty adjustment. I will now have to quit my job or buy a new car.

NHTSA ID
11684146
Incident
Jul 1, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 9, 2025

I have a major ground issue, where I lose power and it makes my headlights, cab lights, and my cluster to constantly flicker. There was no warnings or anything, and has been confirmed by a professional auto care center. Another issue is the engine cooling and there is no leaks I have also had it looked over by the same professional auto care center, I also had to replace the throttle body 4 times in less than 6 months. Losing power to the vehicle is definitely a danger to others and myself and my children. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request as long as it doesn't interfere with my work schedule. Also I have had to change the ignition coils 4 times in less than 6 months also completed by the auto care center. Everything listed has been ongoing since I bought the car in 2019.

NHTSA ID
11679490
Incident
Apr 18, 2024
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed May 30, 2025

Electronic throttle control Vehicle light came on my 2016 jeep compass dash as I was on vacation vehicle would not accelerate and turned off causing us to almost wreck and having to leave it on the side of the road and call a Uber and get a tow. There is many reports of this issue it needs to be a recall.

NHTSA ID
11663874
Incident
May 30, 2025
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 18, 2025

I recently got the catalytic converter and 02 sensor swapped which removed the check engine light. My vehicle was running perfect. The I drive it today. Made a right turn, next thing you know the vehicle starts shaking and such and won’t go over 20 mph. I take it to the mechanic. They’re telling me the reader isn’t picking up the problem. Invalid data. I looked online and multiple people are having the same problem. My thing is I was overcharged charged 25,000 for this vehicle from Sam at jeep, Chrysler, dodge on route 300 Newburgh New York 2 years ago.

NHTSA ID
11655543
Incident
Apr 18, 2025
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving uphill, the vehicle was chugging. The vehicle was difficult to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who test-drove the vehicle and retrieved DTC code: P0420 was due to the catalyst system. The contact was also made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the two other local dealers, Pueblo Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (2147 US-50, Pueblo, CO 81008) and Perkins Motors (1205 Motor City Dr. 1225, 1231 Motor City Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80905); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

NHTSA ID
11624218
Incident
Oct 1, 2024
Mileage
127,000 mi
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 21, 2024

I bought this car year and half ago and I been doing a lot of repairs in it and now the engine light came on and stated the bank 1 and bank 2 sensor camshaft and engine is stalling and car is jerking very dangerous I did allighment new control arms engine mounts I repaired a lot I put new tires I can’t drive it on the high way it starts to jerk left and right and steering is very hard to control seats are horribale and so are the seatbelts.

NHTSA ID
11609916
Incident
Aug 21, 2024
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 28, 2023

We were driving down the road and the car started violently shaking, the check engine light went on and the car wouldn't move. The car needed to be pushed to the gas station and we almost got hit with my son in his car seat. I do believe this is a safety concern that needs to be looked into for a possible recall. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt.

NHTSA ID
11562331
Incident
Dec 22, 2023
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 28, 2023

I’ve had plans with my Transmission. This is its third time. First two times were under 30,000 miles and still under warranty. And were replaced by the dealer . Using my warranty. There was also a motor fire. Brakes and rotors all the way around mind you all under 30,000. Transmission was put in. I am now at 101,500. And transmissions going out so it’s been parked. Sitting in my garage. The warning lamps come on, which is a parentheses with a lightning bolt in the middle(⚡️) Last time I did the repairs through Ramona Tires and I paid for out-of-pocket using my credit This time I was told a new transmission for the car is $7000 which I don’t have

NHTSA ID
11557337
Incident
Oct 18, 2023
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 20, 2023

Engine cuts out while driving. Had to pull over to the side and reset by instructions from Google. Took the car to a local garage and he said it was a computer issue. This part was replaced 3-4 years ago and is failing again. A red symbol like a lightning bolt and the check engine light was on.

NHTSA ID
11556111
Incident
Nov 19, 2023
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 16, 2022

I have been having issues with my vehicle for the past month or so. I took it to a mechanic and they said that my Power Transfer Unit is bad and my vehicle currently doesn't have 4 wheel drive capability. My vehicle periodically stutters, slows and looses power while driving at freeway speeds. During all of my issues, not once has my check engine light or any sort of indicator has lit up letting me know I have an issue with my vehicle. I thought newer cars are supposed to know when there is an issue with the vehicle. This is completely unacceptable and now I'm looking at over $2,000 in repairs.

NHTSA ID
11497778
Incident
Dec 16, 2022
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 6, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and power train warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 83,521.

NHTSA ID
11496305
Incident
Nov 22, 2022
Mileage
83,521 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 6, 2022

It will stop running while driving or making turn without warning must stop put in park and restart .The more you use more it happens. Very dangerous

NHTSA ID
11483049
Incident
Aug 30, 2022
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 3, 2022

Vehicle has a slow acceleration ration. I was merging onto the Freeway and pressing on the accelerator, but it does not accelerate. It takes quite sometime to pickup speed, throttle body light has just started coming on along with the check engine light. Purchased Vehicle 8/2021, no acceleration from the beginning. Check engine and Throttle Body light 2-3 weeks ago.

NHTSA ID
11472213
Incident
Sep 5, 2021
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 15, 2022

tHE CAR HAS STALLED AND SHUT OFF SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR JUST SLOWS DOWN AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE AND HAS LEFT ME STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES

NHTSA ID
11460919
Incident
Apr 2, 2022
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 21, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.

NHTSA ID
11457650
Incident
Mar 12, 2022
Mileage
118,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 18, 2022

While driving 2016 Jeep Compass vehicle jerks suddenly and feels like it is going to stall. Nothing changes on dashboard. This happens during acceleration or even just driving down the road or highway. Took it to dealership back in 2020 and the catalytic converter was replaced. The jerking stopped until now. Took it back to same dealership and the mechanic could not duplicate the problem. No codes thrown. Even though I have many witnesses hat have been in the vehicle while it occurred. Picked jeep back up and it started jerking while driving again within a 1/2 mile of driving away from the dealership. Repair not done. Feels unsafe to drive. I’m afraid it is going to stall and cause an accident. Mileage in 2020 incident 65000. Mileage this incident 76000

NHTSA ID
11452872
Incident
Feb 17, 2022
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 21, 2021

This morning (08.20.21) I was driving to work when about 1 mile in I was going 45mph and my car started stalling, causing it to drop to 10mph. The engine light and traction control light are consistently on. The electronic throttle control light is constantly blinking when I have the ignition on. My car has been in limp mode all day and will not go over 10mph. I almost got hit by the car behind me when it happened and almost hit someone else trying to get out of their way. I’ve been looking into it all day and I found that there was a recall “S89” on Jeep Compass 2016 made anytime between May 9, 2016 and July 15, 2016 and which came equipped with 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines. Mine was manufactured July 15, 2016 and is a 2.0-liter.

NHTSA ID
11429949
Incident
Aug 20, 2021
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 5, 2021

II KEPT MY JEEP COMPASS UP TODATE WITH OLL CHANGES AND BRAKES AND TIRES. I HAVE NOW EXPERINECED A REAL BAD NOISE FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. I THOUGHT IT WAS MY BRAKES OR PULLEY. IT TURNS OUT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I HAVE A 5 SPEED. I HAVE METAL SHAVING IN MY TRANSMISSION AND MY CAR IS NOT EVEN 5 YEARS OLD. I LOVE MY CAR AND NOW IT IS GOING TO COST ME 4000+ TO GET IT FIXED. THERE ARE OTHER WARRANTYS ON THE SAME TYPE OF CARS BUT NOT MINES.

NHTSA ID
11394773
Incident
Jan 25, 2021
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 31, 2021

MY 2016 JEEP COMPASSES TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AT 96000 MILES. IT HAS THE 2.0L I4 WITH THE CVT, ITS FWD. I WAS TRAVELING AT 35MPH WHEN IT FAILED.

NHTSA ID
11390912
Incident
Jan 5, 2021
Mileage
96,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 11, 2020

MY CAR POWER TRAIN WENT OUT AS I ONLY HAVE THE CAR FOR 11 MONTHS AND TRANSMISSION IS NOT WORKING WELL I WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE CAR RPM WAS GOING TO 6

NHTSA ID
11383105
Incident
Dec 5, 2020
Mileage
11,100 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 30, 2020

VEHICLE STALLS OUT AND LEAVES MOTORISTS STRANDED. ENGINE STALLS AND HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RESUME NORMAL POWER BUT HAS A SERIOUS LAG BETWEEN POWER GIVEN AND POWER ACCEPTED BY ENGINE (2-5 SECS). POSSIBILITY FOR COLLISION IS GREAT AND POSSIBILITY FOR BEING LEFT STRANDED IS GREAT. BATTERY AND NORMAL MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED.

NHTSA ID
11377115
Incident
Nov 30, 2020
Mileage
58,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 12, 2020

CAR LOST POWER THREE TIMES IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. TWICE WHILE DRIVING, ONE OF THOSE TIMES WAS ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE THIRD TIME WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT

NHTSA ID
11374232
Incident
Nov 11, 2020
Mileage
58,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 2, 2020

TRANSMISSION OVER HEATS AND THEN STALLS OUT WHEN IT IS WARM OUT. THE DEALERSHIPS I HAVE GONE TO SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE JEEP COMPASS BECAUSE IT DOESN'T ACT UP FOR THEM. NORMALLY MAKE IT 45 MINUTES IN SUMMER BEFORE IT OVER HEATS. CANT KEEP CAR OVER 2,000 RMP IN SUMMER OR TRANSMISSION WILL OVER HEAT EVEN FASTER. HAS BEEN HAPPENING MANY TIME OVER THE LAST 2 SUMMERS. NON-DEALERSHIPS WONT LOOK AT THE CAR AND THEY SAY THAT THE DEALERSHIPS NEED TO FIX IT.

NHTSA ID
11372630
Incident
Aug 3, 2020
Mileage
102,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 8, 2020

ALL OF MY LIGHTS CAME ON OUT OF NOWHERE THEN CAR WOULDN'T TURN BACK ON. AFTER DIAGNOSTICS IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE WIRING HARNESSES & ALSO WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE ISSUES WITH MY AIRBAGS BEING ABLE TO PROPERLY DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS ON. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT ABOUT 30-40MPH. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO MAKE IT HOME AND BE ABLE TO PARK MY CAR AND I WAS FORTUNATE I WASN'T ON A HIGHWAY OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DANGEROUS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID
11363321
Incident
Oct 1, 2020
Mileage
52,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Data sources

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