2020 Jeep Compass Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 79 1 fire

“On December 9th, my Jeep compass caught fire in Tyson’s corner parking lot (1750 Tysons BLVD). The fire department believes it came from the engine. No warning signs such as engine lights or temperature overheating prior. The car was parked in a spot when this occurred. My daughter was in the car and smelled smoke, car was turned off, got out and it was smoking and sparking then caught fire. 911 was called during this process and came to the scene. The insurance is aware and deemed it total loss. The police and fire department have records we are trying to obtain. The fire spread to other car…”
NHTSA complaint #11705159, 2025 · fire

“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 Tigers…”
NHTSA complaint #11742922, 2026

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11731850, 2026

Electrical System 63

“Vehicle shuts off randomly. Restarts after stopping but it’s consistent as if the car over heated yet the coolant temperature reads 194-200”
NHTSA complaint #11747773, 2026

“Car stalls out when driving. Car also stalls when I dont press the automatic start button.”
NHTSA complaint #11731409, 2026

“I tried the auto start on the fob car would not start I tried to the push start nothing again . Did get warning coolant temp high Had to tow car They are investigating”
NHTSA complaint #11708586, 2026

Unknown Or Other 29 1 crash 1 fire

“On December 9th, my Jeep compass caught fire in Tyson’s corner parking lot (1750 Tysons BLVD). The fire department believes it came from the engine. No warning signs such as engine lights or temperature overheating prior. The car was parked in a spot when this occurred. My daughter was in the car and smelled smoke, car was turned off, got out and it was smoking and sparking then caught fire. 911 was called during this process and came to the scene. The insurance is aware and deemed it total loss. The police and fire department have records we are trying to obtain. The fire spread to other car…”
NHTSA complaint #11705159, 2025 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11482006, 2022 · crash

“My vehicle’s engine has shut off completely in the middle of the road TWICE, both on busy highways. The first time, I was turning left and the engine shut off as I was turning into oncoming traffic and was stuck in the middle of two lanes. Second time, I was stopped at a red light and the engine shut off again. Once the car is turned off and back on, the light for the Auto Stop/Start came on and said to service the Stop/Start feature. The first incident, I had the car brand new for maybe a week. The second incident just happened last week.”
NHTSA complaint #11708267, 2025

Power Train 27 1 fire

“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that her son was driving at undisclosed speeds when he arrived at his destination turn into a parking lot. Placed the gear actuator in park, within second a warning indicated that the vehicle was not in park however, the contact stated that the vehicle was in park. The gear actuator seized not allowing the contact to change gears. The contact attempted to turn the vehicle off however the vehicle failed to turn off. Unknown if any odor appeared. The police department was contacted and came out and try to assist. Within a second the vehicl…”
NHTSA complaint #11424392, 2021 · fire

“Vehicle shuts off randomly. Restarts after stopping but it’s consistent as if the car over heated yet the coolant temperature reads 194-200”
NHTSA complaint #11747773, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11746120, 2026

Vehicle Speed Control 7

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11693659, 2025

“My car shut off and wouldn’t start it said the asc failed I took it to the dealership they did a diagnostic test said my aux battery level was low need replaced I replaced that my engine light is still on I have to put it on a battery charger everyday so I can go to work then it wouldn’t start at work I needed someone to give me a jump it’s stills said I needed mine esc service and it saying my temperature is too high it only has 58.884 miles on it I wish I never got this jeep I bought it brand new and I had to replace both front tire rod ends I’m beyond upset it also said my car was not in pa…”
NHTSA complaint #11665192, 2024

“The first incident happened with my 2020 jeep Compass on 12/27/23 while on the freeway the temp light flashed the gage didn't indicate overheating I got off the freeway check the engine no sign of overheating waited for awhile then started the car again within five minutes car gage went to overheating had it towed the oil cooler went out out mixed with the coolant paid big bucks for the repairs. I got my jeep back on 1/10/2024 drove it for one week then on 1/16/2024 while driving the dash panel flashed car lost speed even pressing the gas peddle to the floor no acceleration while pulling over…”
NHTSA complaint #11567866, 2024

Steering 6

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11752965, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11665533, 2025

“My car shut off and wouldn’t start it said the asc failed I took it to the dealership they did a diagnostic test said my aux battery level was low need replaced I replaced that my engine light is still on I have to put it on a battery charger everyday so I can go to work then it wouldn’t start at work I needed someone to give me a jump it’s stills said I needed mine esc service and it saying my temperature is too high it only has 58.884 miles on it I wish I never got this jeep I bought it brand new and I had to replace both front tire rod ends I’m beyond upset it also said my car was not in pa…”
NHTSA complaint #11665192, 2024

Service Brakes 5 1 crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11482006, 2022 · crash

“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 wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11520171, 2023

“BRAKES SQUEAK AND SQUEAL WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR SLOWING DOWN FROM 2MPH DOWN TO 0. THE NOISE HAS GOTTEN WORSE OVER TIME. I HAVE TAKEN THE JEEP TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS WITH ONE FINALLY CHANGING THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS AT 5K MILES! ISSUES CONT. WAS ONLY TOLD THAT A STAR CASE WAS OPENED AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY IN MY SQUEAKY VEHICLE. ISSUE NOT FIXED AND I'M FED UP WITH JEEP! THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SERVICE DEP. NUMEROUS TIMES. MUST BE A LEMON.”
NHTSA complaint #11406160, 2021

Forward Collision Avoidance 4 1 crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11482006, 2022 · crash

“The vehicle was in motion going 40 MPH when the dashboard displayed high coolant temp. The dashboard continued to flash other warnings such as check engine and oil change required. Then, the emergency brake light was on, engine light, and oil light. This caused the vehicle to lose total power in the accelerator and partial power in the brakes. The event led my vehicle to cause a complete stop in the middle of a highway. To the resolve the issue, I powered off the engine and restarted the vehicle. After powering the vehicle back on, all was normal other than the check engine light was still on,…”
NHTSA complaint #11519182, 2023

“WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH WITH NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME THE CAR STARTED DINGING AND THE WORD BRAKE! CAME UP ON THE DASH - AGAIN, NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I PUSHED THE BRAKE AND IT WENT AWAY - TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE FRONT CAMERA WAS DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED IT. ABOUT A WEEK LATER WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45MPH- NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME - THE SAME THING HAPPENED ONLY THIS TIME THE CAR SLAMMED THE BRAKES ON ON IT'S OWN AND I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY CANT' DIAGNOSE WHAT'S HAPPENING BECAUSE THERE'S NO CODES.”
NHTSA complaint #11399701, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 4

“The vehicle mostly jerks when in drive mode/accelerating. There is possible oil leakage (slightly for the time being).”
NHTSA complaint #11653390, 2024

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11574325, 2024

“Vehicle experience a dashboard message stating “High Coolant Temperature” or “Coolant Temperature Too High” followed by an immediate engine shutdown.” it happens while I'm driving or at a idle.”
NHTSA complaint #11547790, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 4 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at 35 mph in the rain, when he attempted to use the windshield wipers but they failed to function. The contact stated he attempted to park the vehicle and was unable to see another vehicle which caused him to crash. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The air bags did deploy. The contact stated he sustained whiplash, neck and lower back injuries and did seek medical attention at the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11420821, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The wipers have stopped working and I am unable to find a motor to replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #11674486, 2025

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11470478, 2022

Wheels 4

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11752965, 2026

“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 r…”
NHTSA complaint #11690675, 2025

“Electronic Malfunctions The Jeep completely turn off. Energy lights did not turned on both batteries died. Unable to move the car to “N” to move it out of the freeway. CHP used flares to detour the traffic. Could have been a feral accident due to the electrical turning completely off on the freeway”
NHTSA complaint #11512071, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. After the first failure, the contact waited for a while before restarting the vehicle and then drove to a dealer. Despite the failure, the contact was informed that no defect was found in the vehicle. During the second failure, the contact stated that a high coolant temperature message had flashed on the instrument panel. As a result of the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was provided the same information when the init…”
NHTSA complaint #11624080, 2024

“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while at the traffic light, the auto Stop-Start feature turned off the engine; however, the engine failed to restart. The message "Stop-Start Unavailable" was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle and manually disengaged the auto Stop-Start feature. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The message "Coolant Overheating" was displayed…”
NHTSA complaint #11553365, 2023

“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while in stop and go traffic, the temperature gauge rose into the high temperature range. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power; however, after several minutes, the vehicle started and operated normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,685.”
NHTSA complaint #11496369, 2022

Exterior Lighting 3

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11618324, 2024

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11527069, 2023

“I purchased this vehicle a year ago. About 2 months ago I started having problems getting the vehicle to start. AAA & Geico have come several times to jump me. The vehicle also states High coolant temperature sometimes when it does this. At one point it would not go over 35 mph. I took it to the jeep dealer to be told start by replacing both batteries for $600 and then we can go from there! She also stated it was probably electrical. I don't have $600 to spare, especially on a vehicle that's a 2020. Took it to Auto Zone they tested both batteries & said they both tested fine. I ended up purcha…”
NHTSA complaint #11457667, 2022

Suspension 3

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11752965, 2026

“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 wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11739927, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11570620, 2024

Tires 3

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11419115, 2021

“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 t…”
NHTSA complaint #11418284, 2021

“The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2020 Jeep Compass equipped Continental Tires, Tire Line: Contipro Contact, Tire Size: 235/45/R19, DOT Number: A35LWBJD3419. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 35-45 mph, the front passenger’s side tire felt as though it was losing air pressure. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and required assistance to inflate the tire. The driver noticed that the sidewall of the tire was bulging out. The tires were brought to a local tire shop and the tire was patched. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign…”
NHTSA complaint #11417877, 2021

Air Bags 2 1 crash 2 injury

“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 at…”
NHTSA complaint #11479987, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11689212, 2025

Back Over Prevention 2

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11714920, 2025

“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed driving visibility and prevented the safe operation of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at a slow speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. An unknown warning light was flashing on the gear shift lever. The contact restarted the vehicle; however,…”
NHTSA complaint #11683522, 2025

Lane Departure 2

“The screen on the dash has quit working and the backup camera does not work this started when we got snow, thought once weather warmed up things it would work tried the reset button to no avail. Hesitated about buying another jeep now I wish I hadn’t nothing but trouble”
NHTSA complaint #11691566, 2025

“I did an oil change mid august and found bits of metal in the oil at 50,000 miles, Ive change the oil every 5000 miles. I haven't been rough with it and also every time I get on the highway or rev my engine up to 4000 rpm the transmission slips hard on the 4th gear usually. If I have it on FWD it slips as well. The Blind spot warning goes off randomly sometimes as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11485366, 2022

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“I BOUGHT MY JEEP COMPASS IN FEBRUARY. LAST MONTH WHEN COMING HOME MY SERVICE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM AND SERVICE AUTO SHUT OFF SYSTEM LIGHT BOTH CAME ON. WHEN I GOT HOME I WAS LIKE THAT'S ODD AND CALLED THE DEALER. THEY SAID THEY WOULD LOOK AT IF I BROUGHT IT TO THEM. I GOT READY FOR WORK, WENT TO LEAVE AND MY CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS STUCK ON. I WAS FURIOUS AND CALLED THE DEALER AND SAID THEY NEEDED TO HAVE IT TOWED AND THEY REFUSED. MY MOM ENDING UP TAKING ME TO WORK, THEN THE NEXT DAY THE LIGHTS MYSTERIOUSLY WENT OFF. NOW YESTERDAY BOTH LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN. I PLAN ON TAKING IT…”
NHTSA complaint #11353670, 2020

Equipment 1

“The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the navigational screen was black. The contact stated the navigational screen failed to turn on as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11645432, 2024

Structure 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11570620, 2024