2020 Jeep Compass Problems

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Within the first month of ownership I began hearing a noise from the right front of the vehicle consistent with a brake or suspension issue. I reported this to the selling dealer repeatedly during that first month; it was not resolved. The noise continued and worsened over the following year, eventually also affecting the right rear. At approximately 20,000 miles, an independent licensed inspection mechanic found that the right front inner tie rod required replacement due to significant wear, and the right rear wheel bearing also required replacement. The vehicle failed state safety inspection as a result of these findings. The mechanic noted the repair scope required disassembly of the steering column, indicating a defect beyond routine wear for the vehicle's age/mileage. Given that these are safety-critical steering and wheel components, the vehicle has been taken off the road entirely pending repair, out of concern that continued driving could result in loss of steering control. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. A written statement from the inspecting mechanic documenting these findings is available.

I was driving down the road going about 40mph. The car stopped abruptly and displayer low coolant warning. Car would not restart. I towed it to a local mechanic who replaced the auxiliary battery. Car has been working and hasn't shut off but warning lights sometimes pop up for a split second. I'm worried it's going to happen again while driving.

Engine temporarily shut itself off by itself in the freeway as I was slowing down pressing my brakes because of the cars in front of me in traffic hour. The car flashed a “coolant temperature too high” message then immediately turned itself off for a minute. The engine/coolant temperature gauge was normal the whole time I was driving (in between the cold and the high sign). But even then it flashed that “coolant temperature too high” message and shut itself off right then for a minute after it flashed me that sign. It was over 100 degrees fahrenheit outside and inside the car without ac it was awful. I immediately turn on my four ways but cars still kept coming up behind me even though I could not move my car. The car would not turn on. I changed gears from drive to neutral and then to park. And after a minute the car turned on again. Even with my four ways on, drivers kept pulling up behind me on the freeway despite my four way lights being on. I prayed I wouldn’t get hit and cause an accident on the freeway because of my disabled vehicle. A few drivers almost rear ended me because they kept coming up behind me. I kept pressing my brakes and tried restarting my vehicle. I was scared and almost got hit by a some cars. This has happened multiple times every year since I bought the car back in 2021. Before it kept happening at a stop light in the middle of the street and now it happend on the freeway. On the freeway I am driving between 65mph to 80mph and it stopping like that randomly made my heart skip a beat. I thought I was going to be involved in several accidents on the freeway with cars going over 65mph. The car shutting itself off messed up my steering and the braking system. It is a safety hazard. I have gone to the dealership multiple times for this issue and it still happens to me every year. I could have died or caused an accident today.

8/30/2022 Started the vehicle in the drive way foot still engaged on break and the vehicle accelerated forward with my foot on break and damaged my home and vehicle. 8/28/22 Emergency Break engaged on its own and we couldn’t move the vehicle it was turned off and restarted. 8/27/22 vehicle information screen was blank and black after starting the vehicle..this happened at least three times.

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

During my drive on 6/1/2022 I noticed as the heat intensified outside that my windshield started to look like it was melting and each time it gets hot the same occurs. I've also noticed this defect in a smaller yet in my sight line on my driver's side window and the rear window. Yes, my safety is put at risk as well as others due to the lack of true visibility while driving. I took my vehicle to 2 dealerships, auto glass center, auto body and auto detailer all have physically seen this issue happening. It is very difficult to take a photo to send for viewing as it is best to see this in person due to the reflection the windows cause. I am told that despite being with in the 3yr 36000 mile warranty for a "leased" vehicle Chrysler will not cover the replacement due to the manufacturers defect.

The vehicle mostly jerks when in drive mode/accelerating. There is possible oil leakage (slightly for the time being).

Coolant mixing with oil three times in a month span with new parts being replaced. With further inspection, driver was not at fault. Vehicle malfunctioned. Overheating after replacement of thermostat, head gasket, and water pump. Auto start/stop goes on and off requesting service.

Within the first month of ownership I began hearing a noise from the right front of the vehicle consistent with a brake or suspension issue. I reported this to the selling dealer repeatedly during that first month; it was not resolved. The noise continued and worsened over the following year, eventually also affecting the right rear. At approximately 20,000 miles, an independent licensed inspection mechanic found that the right front inner tie rod required replacement due to significant wear, and the right rear wheel bearing also required replacement. The vehicle failed state safety inspection as a result of these findings. The mechanic noted the repair scope required disassembly of the steering column, indicating a defect beyond routine wear for the vehicle's age/mileage. Given that these are safety-critical steering and wheel components, the vehicle has been taken off the road entirely pending repair, out of concern that continued driving could result in loss of steering control. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. A written statement from the inspecting mechanic documenting these findings is available.

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, [email protected], 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)

I JUST BOUGHT THIS USED 2020 JEEP COMPASS 2 OCTOBER 2024. LOTS OF WATER IN PASSENGER SIDE REAR REVERSE LIGHT ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBER 68517558AA. IT DOES NOT EVAPORATE OR DISAPPEAR, THE WATER IS ALWAYS INSIDE THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY PART NUMBER 68517558AA.

The A symbol continues to appear on the dashboard which indicates a failure in the STOP/START function of the vehicle. the vehicle has under 21,000 miles on it. I just purchased the vehicle a little over 90 days ago. Returned the vehicle to the service center where vehicle was purchased, and was told that it required an out of pocket expense of over $600.00 . The auto-light button switches back to manual on its own.

Within the first month of ownership I began hearing a noise from the right front of the vehicle consistent with a brake or suspension issue. I reported this to the selling dealer repeatedly during that first month; it was not resolved. The noise continued and worsened over the following year, eventually also affecting the right rear. At approximately 20,000 miles, an independent licensed inspection mechanic found that the right front inner tie rod required replacement due to significant wear, and the right rear wheel bearing also required replacement. The vehicle failed state safety inspection as a result of these findings. The mechanic noted the repair scope required disassembly of the steering column, indicating a defect beyond routine wear for the vehicle's age/mileage. Given that these are safety-critical steering and wheel components, the vehicle has been taken off the road entirely pending repair, out of concern that continued driving could result in loss of steering control. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. A written statement from the inspecting mechanic documenting these findings is available.

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.

I was driving on the highway approximately 50-60 mph when the tire immediately deflated. I did not seem to hit any debris or hazard in the road.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass equipped with Continental tires, Tire Line: ProContact TX, Tire Size: 225/55/R18, DOT number: A35LWBJD4419. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21T001000 (Tires) however, neither the tire size nor the DOT number were included. The contact stated he had experience the loss of tire pressure with his tires. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed to take the vehicle to a tire shop. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop and the contact was informed that the passenger’s side front tire needed to be replaced. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

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

The contact's daughter owned a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 2 MPH in a parking lot, she was involved in a head-on collision. The vehicle was listed as totaled by the insurance company. The contact's daughter and niece were injured when the air bags did not deploy, causing her daughter and niece to strike their foreheads on the steering wheel and the passenger’s side dashboard. The contact's daughter was unaware if any warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The contact's daughter and niece did not seek medical attention. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the steering wheel was turned to the left, and the sway bar link detached from the front driver’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the sway bar link was made of plastic. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to National Automotive Parts Association Auto Parts and the contact was informed that the sway bar link on the front of the vehicle should be made of metal. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,870.