2019 Jeep Compass Brakes Problems

I own a 2019 Jeep Compass with approximately 72,000 miles. For the past two years, I have experienced intermittent electrical and brake system failures that have become more frequent and severe despite multiple repair attempts. While driving, especially when turning, braking, or driving over potholes or uneven roads, the vehicle suddenly displays multiple warning lights, including ABS, traction control, brake, check engine, and service transmission warnings. At the same time, the digital speedometer changes to "--" and stops displaying vehicle speed. On one occasion, the analog speedometer also dropped unexpectedly. The most serious incident occurred after these warnings appeared while I was driving. I pulled over, shifted into Park, and attempted to turn the vehicle off, but it would not shut down for approximately 30 seconds. During that time, the brake warning light flashed continuously, indicating a possible electrical or communication failure. After restarting, some warnings cleared, but the check engine light remained on. Although the brake pedal still felt normal, I temporarily lost multiple electronic safety systems, including ABS, traction control, and the vehicle speed display. These failures occurred on a public roadway without warning, creating a significant safety risk and reducing my confidence that the vehicle will respond properly during an emergency. A diagnostic scan retrieved multiple communication-related fault codes, including U0002-00 (CAN Bus Off), U0121-00 (Lost Communication with ABS Module), U0129-00 (Lost Communication with Brake System Control Module), U1110 (Lost Vehicle Speed Message), U1120 (Lost Wheel Distance Message), U1141 (Lost Brake and Torque Message), and U12A8 (Lost Communication with Master Cylinder Pressure Sensor). The problem is intermittent, often clears after restarting, and is difficult to diagnose. Because it affects critical safety systems while the vehicle is in motion, I believe this represents a serious safety

NHTSA ID

11748014

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

After replacing both batteries in my jeep compass 2019. The “Stop safely vehicle will shut down” message kept coming on. In traffic the car shut off completely and wouldn’t start. This is a reoccurring issue and jeep doesn’t care. It needs to be fixed. To shut off completely during driving is a safety hazard!!!

NHTSA ID

11727899

Incident

Mar 28, 2026

ABS light came on, took to mechanic, was advised he needed to order part, picked up vehicle while waiting for part to come in. While driving to work was using cruise control and put on my brakes and had no brakes, I ended up rear ending into another vehicle. Causing extensive damage to my car.

NHTSA ID

11669090

Incident

Jun 24, 2025

Subject: Safety Complaint – Brake Sensitivity Causing Driver Injury (2019 Jeep Compass) Vehicle Info: •Year/Make/Model: 2019 Jeep Compass Latitude •Mileage: 79,119 •VIN: [XXX] ⸻ Complaint Summary: I am submitting this complaint due to a persistent and potentially dangerous issue with my 2019 Jeep Compass. The brake pedal is excessively sensitive, engaging abruptly with minimal pressure. This behavior has remained consistent since I purchased the vehicle certified pre-owned. Over the past year and a half, I have experienced increasing pain in my right knee from frequent driving. I believe this is due to repetitive strain caused by the unnatural effort required to gently brake in this vehicle. I have reported this issue at every service visit, but the dealership has dismissed it as “normal.” I am currently pursuing medical evaluation and have submitted a formal complaint to Jeep requesting a full brake diagnostic and written report. I am filing this complaint to document what I believe is a design or calibration flaw that poses an ergonomic and long-term health risk to drivers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11658934

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

every time i turn on the car the parking brake is on and it also turns on while im driving and it causes the car to stall while in motion.

NHTSA ID

11645669

Incident

Feb 28, 2025

When starting my 2019 Jeep Compass an error message stated "coolant temperature high" and "service brake system." It then sputtered and shut down. I waited a minute and then restarted the vehicle. There was a lag for the car to start and then it went back to normal and no codes were present.

NHTSA ID

11637355

Incident

Jan 21, 2025

On 4 separate occasions over a 5 day period, the electronic parking brake system spontaneously engaged. This caused the vehicle to lose power and slow until it came to a complete stop/stall. The EPB indicator was displayed on the dash. I tried several courses of action to resolve the issue including putting the car in park, attempting to disengage the EPB as well turning the vehicle off and on again. This issue presents itself with no prior warning. Fortunately, I was not highway driving during any of the mishaps. I was able to coast to the side of the road or to a parking lot safely. This issue presents itself a dangerous issue that other Jeep Compass owners are also experiencing with seemingly no true resolve from the Jeep manufacturer.

NHTSA ID

11633568

Incident

Dec 27, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while idling at a red traffic light, the Auto START/STOP system engaged, causing the parking brake to erroneously engage. The contact released the brake pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact restarted the vehicle for the vehicle to respond as needed. The Auto START/STOP warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated while at a green traffic light, the parking brake unexpectedly engaged, and the vehicle failed to move. The contact restarted the vehicle, depressed the brake pedal, and released the parking brake. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11627175

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

Mileage

80,000 mi

I was driving my 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk and had just started to accelerate when my car showed a warning light for "High Coolant Temp." The car subsequently lost all engine power and immediately initiated my parking brake. The car was stopped in the middle of the roadway, posing a serious danger risk to myself and other drivers. Had this occurred 30 more feet, I would've been in the middle of a railway crossing. After a few seconds, the temperature indicator returned to normal, though the car still had no power. I had to restart my car two times, then the issue was temporarily resolved and I was able to drive back to my house.

NHTSA ID

11627111

Incident

Nov 23, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message that the electric parking brake was engaged, and to depress the brake pedal and to push the Push to Start button was displayed. The vehicle then stalled. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal and pushing the Push to Start button, the vehicle responded as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the instrument panel lights, and the instrument cluster had become inoperable while driving. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the instrument panel lights, and the instrument cluster became operable. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that there was no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

NHTSA ID

11626335

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

Mileage

28,000 mi

I bought the car [XXX] they would not let me take the car home until [XXX]. I have had a problem with it ever since. Airbag system light keeps coming on, passenger seat does not work properly, car is hesitant to start or accelerate at times, cuts and have to restart at times, brakes grinding and squealing . I have taken it back to them several times and they refuse to exchange or fix the problems I was told I should use my warranty to have it fixed I even took it to one of their other dealerships in Irving and they refuse to fix it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11600892

Incident

Jul 10, 2024

I was driving into a busy intersection and briefly stopped. When I took my foot off the brake to go, the car completely froze. The brake pedal was hard and the steering wheel was locked. The lights were on, however I couldn't turn the car off to restart it. It would not move. A police officer had to push the car over to the side. After waiting a while (25 minutes) for the tow truck, I was able to turn the car off. The car was towed to the nearest mechanic, but he can't find anything wrong with it. Despite, hundreds of online complaints about this same thing happening to Jeep Compasses, Jeep will not take a look at it unless I pay $490 for a diagnostic test. I already had to pay for the towing and a mechanic to look at it. Jeep Chrysler needs to recall these cars before someone is killed.

NHTSA ID

11593051

Incident

Jun 6, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and slowing for traffic, the contact lightly depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle almost came to a complete stop. The contact stated that he observed that the brake service warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the parking brake had also stopped engaging and the "Service Electronic Parking Brake" illuminated and was constantly illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear calipers and actuators and the electronic parking brake system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V523000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was 21,722.

NHTSA ID

11564933

Incident

Nov 23, 2023

Mileage

21,722 mi

Complete vehicle shut down while driving. You can be driving and it shuts off on its own which is so dangerous almost caused A severe accident. Took to dealer prior nothing is wrong with any parts on my vehicle this is some malfunctioning with the design. I have a 2019 jeep compass Trailhawk. This is the 6th time doing this to me. After a few days it restarts with no issues.

NHTSA ID

11564001

Incident

Jan 6, 2024

Purchased in Feb 2020. The brakes have always been very touchy/grabby. It has gotten to be a situation where you dont know if the brakes will "overreact". The car has been checked several times and the dealership offers no explanation.

NHTSA ID

11522407

Incident

May 17, 2023

We were stopped at a traffic light, began to move when the driver instrument display went red, said coolant was high, the car stalled, and we were hit from behind by another SUV. After we were able to restart it, the display returned to normal. We waited for the police to arrive, got an accident report and now the car is at the dealer. Also, before that the radio display was acting up with lines in i like a bad television then it would shut off. The dealer says it needs a new radio (on a 4-year-old Jeep), and they want to apply updates that SHOULD fix the issue.

NHTSA ID

11514066

Incident

Mar 19, 2023

The engine start/stop light turned on saying it needed serviced. While driving. Then another message popped up on the screen and suddenly disappeared then my emergency brakes came on while driving and put me in a complete stop in the middle of the road.. have not yet contacted anyone about this issue yet. Im worried that it will happen again and cause someone to rear end me.

NHTSA ID

11512869

Incident

Mar 20, 2023

I have a lease car with just over 37 months and was told by the dealership the brake pads and rotor need replace because I did not drive the car enough. The car has only 20k miles

NHTSA ID

11498970

Incident

Dec 15, 2022

The car has gone completely dead on at least 5 separate occasions since I got it about a year ago. There could be a plethora of reasons why but the dealer never seems to have an answer. The car can shut off for up to 5 minutes in my case and I’m usually stuck in traffic. It is dangerous and produces severe anxiety. When the car stops like that the e brake comes on and sometimes all I can do is manually unlock the door to get out can’t even move the shifter. I have had numerous issues with the car feels unsafe until they fix the root of the problem

NHTSA ID

11498172

Incident

Dec 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an unknown speed and approaching a traffic light, she depressed the brake pedal but failed to stop the vehicle, causing the vehicle to rear-end another vehicle. The driver informed before the accident, multiple warnings light were illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained back injuries but did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The driver was able to drive to their residence. The contact took the vehicle to a collision shop and had the exterior of the vehicle repaired and the computer was reset. The vehicle was repaired but the same day they release the vehicle, multiple warning lights were illuminated for a second time. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the brakes and tires to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

NHTSA ID

11495444

Incident

Oct 1, 2022

Mileage

18,000 mi

Numerous times while driving at a low speed the EMERGENCY Brake suddenly came on for no reason. Car lost all ability to accelerate or brake at all. Had to be shut down multiple times to clear system to function again. Extremely dangerous in traffic for this to happen. Car has only 10000 miles and is maintained in every aspect.

NHTSA ID

11493576

Incident

Nov 14, 2022

Car has been emitting a loud scraping squeaking sound when braking for months. I took it in to dealership to be inspected in February thinking that we needed brakes but were told there is nothing wrong with the brakes & the problem could not be duplicated. I got in the car with the advisor and the problem duplicated but they would not look at it any further due to being understaffed we had to go back and leave the car for them to diagnose it. The car has been at the dealership for almost a weak now (Since June 1st 2022) and they say they can’t duplicate the problem and everything looks fine. I don’t know how a car can make such a sound and there be nothing wrong. I see there was a brake recall & they were bleeding brakes for the solution but my vin number doesn’t produce that recall option. The first dealership visit for this complaint was February 2022. It is June and the compass is at the shop again to be diagnosed. But i’m being told they can’t duplicate the problem.

NHTSA ID

11467894

Incident

Feb 15, 2022

On 3 different incidents, my 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk has stalled when I was slowing to a stop or stopped but not in park. I have had difficulty restarting the Jeep (once at an intersection and the other at a car wash) and the power steering as well as the emergency brake were not working. Also, the jeep is making a "lift off" sound when the vehicle increases its RPM (usually around 35mph-45mph). My foot is usually on the brake and not in the parked gear and just stops running.

NHTSA ID

11455476

Incident

Mar 7, 2022

2019 Jeep Compass Limited - around May 2021 brake light comes on stays on for awhile then turns off and on at random while driving and while stopped. Then the brake fluid low light comes on randomly while driving or stopped. Then has to go away since it’s where speedometer is then the brake light stays on. Then the auto start/stop light said unavailable. Then the 4 wheel drive unavailable light randomly pops up not as often as the brake lights which are daily actually like 15+ times a trip which also means it is dinging every time a light goes off. I have been to the dealer several times and nothing is ever fixed. This is a safety hazard I can not have my family in this Jeep if I have a faulty brake and electrical system !!! There are lots of issues posted online about this faulty electrical system. How can Jeep excpect me to drive around with possible faulty brakes?? seems a recall needs to happen as this is a safety hazard!!! I will not even be able to pass emissions and get it registered if I have error messages! Almost 10 months and still having this ONGOING daily error message issue and dealer is of NO help as well it is reported to Jeep customer care. Which they don’t care either. Seems everyone knows about this electrical issue and from what I read it just gets worse !! How can brakes and faulty electrical system not be a hazard??!! I do not feel safe and don’t even want this Jeep at all. Come on Jeep Do you want your children/spouses/parents driving such a death trap?

NHTSA ID

11448126

Incident

May 1, 2021

TODAY MY CAR STOPPED (AGAIN) IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AS I WAS DRIVING AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT WENT ON. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME AND I AM LITERALLY SCARED OUT OF MIND TO DRIVE THIS CAR THAT I PURCHASED FOR MY BIRTHDAY. I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 6 MONTHS AND THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA ID

11396951

Incident

Feb 19, 2021

Mileage

31,000 mi