2019 Jeep Compass

On December 2, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE22-013 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power accompanied by high coolant temperature messages on the dashboard of Model Year 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles. At the time this investigation was opened, ODI was aware of fifteen Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) for Model Year (MY) 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles alleging a loss of motive power (LOMP) while driving.  The LOMP events were often accompanied by a high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high message appearing on the dashboard of the vehicle.  In most incidents, the high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high dashboard messages spontaneously self-corrected or were corrected after the vehicle was stopped and restarted. One complainant alleged no immediate restart, and the vehicle was towed.  A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) was opened to assess the frequency and potential safety consequences of these engine shut down events. On January 19th, 2023, ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler US LLC (FCA) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles.  FCA provided its full response on March 2nd, 2023.  ODI has reviewed the information FCA provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database.  Based on a review of available information, ODI has identified 173 subject vehicles that likely experienced a shutdown event associated with the high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high dashboard messages.  ODI found the 2019 Model Year (MY) Jeep Compass as having the highest failure rate while also being the oldest group of vehicles in this investigation.  The 2019 Jeep Compass vehicles that experienced a failure represent an incident rate of about 0.09%.  The 2020 Jeep compass vehicles that experienced a failure represent an incident rate of about 0.04%.  After reviewing the information available at this time, ODI identified one allegation of a crash and no allegations of injury, fire, or fatality.  The alleged crash occurred at a stop light and was able to be restarted immediately. In its response to ODI, FCA provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.  FCA believes the alleged defect does not pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.  FCA stated that allegations related to this investigation involve the vehicle notifying the driver of an overheat condition, via a message and telltale lights, followed by an engine shutdown.  FCA goes on to say that once the engine shuts down, the driver is instructed via an instrument cluster message to place the vehicle in park.  After the vehicle is placed in park, it can then be restarted and immediately driven with no issues.  This is consistent with ODI’s observations. Based on the analysis conducted by ODI indicating a low failure rate and given that the vehicles normally can be re-started immediately after the shutdown event, this investigation is closed.  The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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

NHTSA ID

11776085

Incident

Oct 29, 2026

While traveling down a 2 lane road, light traffic, at 45 mph, the vehicle suddenly applied the brakes until it reached 0 mph, with an associated emergency parking brake applied message on the dashboard. The vehicle was unable to continue driving until it was turned off and turned back on. Subsequent inspection revealed no faults, with coolant and oil levels at operating limits.

NHTSA ID

11774739

Incident

Oct 30, 2026

I am reporting ongoing safety concerns involving my 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk, including unexpected engine shutdowns, repeated battery failures, electrical malfunctions, and recurring check engine warnings despite regular maintenance and multiple repairs. In 2023, the vehicle’s automatic start-stop system malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to shut down completely while I was traveling on the expressway. This created an extremely dangerous situation. The vehicle was towed for inspection, but no problem was identified. After being jump-started, the vehicle operated normally. In September 2024, both the main battery and auxiliary battery were replaced. However, the vehicle continued shutting down and requiring jump-starts. I subsequently took it to the dealership, where wiring connected to the battery system was replaced. The vehicle operated normally for several months following this repair. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have also experienced intermittent electrical malfunctions involving the radio and infotainment system. The radio unexpectedly shorts out, and the display screen goes completely black before eventually restoring itself. Additionally, during each of my last four routine oil changes, the vehicle has died or failed to restart, requiring a jump-start. Approximately one to two weeks after these maintenance visits, the check engine light illuminates. The vehicle has consistently received regular maintenance, yet these problems continue despite battery replacements and dealership repairs. My greatest concern is the possibility of another unexpected engine shutdown while driving, particularly at highway speeds. The 2023 expressway incident placed my safety and the safety of other motorists at risk. I am requesting an investigation into potential defects involving the automatic start-stop system, electrical system, battery management system, and related components. I am also requesting a review of similar complaints, recalls, and manufacturer servic

NHTSA ID

11773359

Incident

Oct 19, 2026

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. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11769740

Incident

Jul 25, 2024

After making a stop at a stop light the start/stop feature turned the vehicle off. When releasing the break instead of the car restarting, the vehicle stalled and applied the parking break.

NHTSA ID

11764223

Incident

Sep 12, 2026

The Jeep randomly said stop/safely vehicle will turn off soon and it quit and left me stranded at 11pm. I have taken it to several shops and no one seems to know how to fix the issue.

NHTSA ID

11763471

Incident

Aug 19, 2026

The central Uconnect infotainment display completely failed, went black, and is entirely inoperable. Because the screen is dead, the rear backup camera fails to display an image when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse. This creates a severe safety hazard, drastically reduces rearward visibility, and places the vehicle in direct violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (FMVSS 111) regarding mandated rear visibility.Furthermore, this total hardware failure completely locks out access to all internal vehicle safety, climate, and driving settings that are exclusively controlled via the touchscreen. The system failed prematurely roughly one year after purchase under normal operating conditions. This issue mirrors the symptoms of major backup camera recalls issued by Stellantis for newer model years, but my 2019 VIN is currently excluded. The manufacturer has quoted over $2,000 to repair this known component defect, which consumer data shows is linked to inadequate internal thermal management and overheating design flaws. I am filing this report to urge the NHTSA to investigate and mandate an expansion of the backup camera recall to include vulnerable 2019 vehicle batches. The Uconnect screen failure occurred simultaneously with a total loss of the Engine Stop/Start (ESS) system and a complete loss of illumination on the electronic gear shifter assembly, indicating a critical cascading failure within the vehicle's low-voltage electrical distribution network

NHTSA ID

11760980

Incident

Feb 19, 2022

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

NHTSA ID

11757536

Incident

Aug 17, 2026

Service 4WD Light Illuminated Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● C2260-63 - ECU Internal Performance - Circuit Component Protection Time-Out Customers may also comment on the following: ● Service 4WD indicator is illuminated.

THROTTLE BODY – NONE

THROTTLE BODY – NONE

BOLT - HEX FLANGE HEAD

Passive Entry Exterior Door Handle Inoperative When Touched To Lock And Or Unlock.

Radio Message "Power Surge On USB Detected" Customers may comment on the following: ● The radio displays the message: “Power surge on USB hub detected” Fig. 1. NOTE: After the message appears, no USB devices function in the hub (no charging, no data). NOTE: Hub operation does not return until the vehicle undergoes a full key cycle.