2023 Jeep Compass Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 13

“NHTSA Safety Complaint Summary Component: Braking System / Electronic Stability Control / Electrical System Incident Date: November 5, 2025 Vehicle Mileage: 5,207 Description of Defect: While operating the vehicle at highway speeds on the Grand Central Parkway, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of primary braking function. Simultaneously, the dashboard displayed multiple critical system failures, including: "Service Electronic Stability Control," "Start/Stop Unavailable," "Service Park Brake," and "Dynamic Torque Service Required." The brake pedal became unresponsive/hard, requi…”
NHTSA complaint #11716183, 2025

“I am submitting this complaint to report a serious and repeated safety-related electrical failure involving my 2023 Jeep Compass. While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous electrical malfunction. The windshield wipers activated on their own, both digital screens began flashing uncontrollably with warning messages, headlights and dashboard controls turned on and off without driver input. Most critically, the automatic emergency braking system became disabled while the vehicle was in motion. During the first service visit to an authorized Jeep dealership, I was informed tha…”
NHTSA complaint #11705938, 2025

“The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the instrument panel was illuminated while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the battery had failed and needed to be charged. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,074.”
NHTSA complaint #11694095, 2025

Engine 7

“While driving 65 miles an hour down the road my vehicle hit a hard stop( felt like I ran into a brick wall) . memo on my car popped up, saying service transmission. Being completely stopped and using the gas, it wraps up to four or five RPMs just to get me rolling. There’s not much power behind the gas pedal. Thankfully, the person behind me did not tail end me when my vehicle hard stopped.”
NHTSA complaint #11700597, 2025

“When driving on expressway at about 70 mph. Engine light comes on. Car loses acceleration. Start stop states it’s unavailable. Have to pull over on side of road and turn car off. Restart car and it drives normally with engine light on. Took it to a local dealership and they stated it need ed a software update. They then test drove the car and problem did not reoccur. The very next day while driving on the expressway again at about 70 mph. Same problem has occurred. The car has 26,996 miles on it as is still under warranty. How can a software update cause a car not to function while driving. If…”
NHTSA complaint #11667878, 2025

“The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and approaching a red light, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate, and that the gear shifter remained in drive. The vehicle came to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway. The brake light remained illuminated. The contact waited for a while and the vehicle started to function normally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The local dealer had not found a failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…”
NHTSA complaint #11626433, 2024

Forward Collision Avoidance 7 1 crash

“The vehicle was in a front end collision and the airbags, not one single airbag deployed. This is vehicle malfunction.”
NHTSA complaint #11660451, 2025 · crash

“I am submitting this complaint to report a serious and repeated safety-related electrical failure involving my 2023 Jeep Compass. While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous electrical malfunction. The windshield wipers activated on their own, both digital screens began flashing uncontrollably with warning messages, headlights and dashboard controls turned on and off without driver input. Most critically, the automatic emergency braking system became disabled while the vehicle was in motion. During the first service visit to an authorized Jeep dealership, I was informed tha…”
NHTSA complaint #11705938, 2025

“The automatic emergency braking / collision avoidance system engages randomly when there is no risk of collision and often times with no cars or obstacles in sight. For example, when driving on an open interstate highway. Without any apparent reason, the collision avoidance system alerts of an imminent collision and the automatic emergency braking system applies hard braking for a short interval or 1 to 2 seconds. This could result in a rear end collision if a following vehicle were unable to react in time to slow down. Additionally, the system will activate while navigating curves, applying h…”
NHTSA complaint #11621874, 2024

Power Train 6

“1) The Power Take-Off Unit (PTU) in the drivetrain failed suddenly while driving at approximately 60 mph. This is a critical drivetrain component responsible for transferring power. The PTU is currently at the Jeep dealership where the repair order is open, and it is available for inspection upon request. 2) The PTU failure caused the vehicle to lose the ability to operate safely and became inoperable in the middle of travel on the highway. This placed my husband and son at risk of being stranded on the side of the road at highway speeds, vulnerable to collisions, limited ability to maneuver t…”
NHTSA complaint #11704292, 2025

“The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle jerked. The contact heard a whining sound when the transmission shifted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown TSB; however, the contact was informed that there was no repair available. The contact stated that the vehicle had been serviced because of various failures since the vehicle was purchased in August 2023. The manufact…”
NHTSA complaint #11597983, 2023

“Since my short time of ownership I have had two specific issues with the car. One the safety features. The lane departure warning often doesn't work. The icon will stay unlit when veering out of lane. This is random but often. Next the automatic emergency braking system. The icon will show turned off randomly yet often. Forcing me to go back into the menu when the car is in stop to activate it again. For unknown reasons it will randomly turn off. Secondly, the transmission has a scary delay on stop to go. About 3 months after purchase I noticed when at a stop or very slow speeds the car w…”
NHTSA complaint #11589025, 2023

Steering 6 1 crash 1 injury

“On my way to work this morning 4:30 ish the same way I always take. My car decided to drive itself, every light on the middle console lit up, and the dashboard. I was going 50 when my car completely lost control while I tapped my brakes no response its locked, my steering wheel locked up, my brakes locked everything went haywire it would not let me steer or even shift to neutral all I could do was pray it stopped while it flipped off the road around 5:14 am with me still trapped inside. My seat belt wouldn't release my doors wouldn't unlock and my windows wouldn't roll down I was trapped breat…”
NHTSA complaint #11524228, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Steering rack needs to be replaced per dealership. Reported loud clunking noise when turning. Not covered under warranty. Was told it was regular car maintenance. 49k miles with bumper to bumper expired a month before complaint. Have noted in forums multiple complaints for same issue yet jeep refuses to cover.”
NHTSA complaint #11740475, 2026

“The car sways back and forth and the steering wheel shakes.”
NHTSA complaint #11719725, 2026

Unknown Or Other 6

“The heating unit isn’t working. It blows out cold air when on hot and sometimes it switches to different setting for the heating unit.”
NHTSA complaint #11734748, 2026

“The car sways back and forth and the steering wheel shakes.”
NHTSA complaint #11719725, 2026

“At night, the light sensors cause the GPS map screen to flash from dark mode to bright white screen when passing under street lights. Car is available for inspection. This is a safety factor in that the bright white lights flashing in the driver's eyes in the dark is very dangerous and distracting. The safety of my passengers, myself and surrounding vehicles was put at risk when driving in the dark with the GPS screen flashing from black to blinding white under the street/freeway lights. I almost had an accident due to this problem and had to throw a towel over the screen to get home safely.…”
NHTSA complaint #11617906, 2024

Exterior Lighting 4

“I am submitting this complaint to report a serious and repeated safety-related electrical failure involving my 2023 Jeep Compass. While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous electrical malfunction. The windshield wipers activated on their own, both digital screens began flashing uncontrollably with warning messages, headlights and dashboard controls turned on and off without driver input. Most critically, the automatic emergency braking system became disabled while the vehicle was in motion. During the first service visit to an authorized Jeep dealership, I was informed tha…”
NHTSA complaint #11705938, 2025

“At night, the light sensors cause the GPS map screen to flash from dark mode to bright white screen when passing under street lights. Car is available for inspection. This is a safety factor in that the bright white lights flashing in the driver's eyes in the dark is very dangerous and distracting. The safety of my passengers, myself and surrounding vehicles was put at risk when driving in the dark with the GPS screen flashing from black to blinding white under the street/freeway lights. I almost had an accident due to this problem and had to throw a towel over the screen to get home safely.…”
NHTSA complaint #11617906, 2024

“My 2023 Compass instrument panel and center display panel flashes erratically at night when passing under overhead street lighting. It is very distracting and dangerous, causing visibility issues. Driving speed does not matter. The Auto/Manual choices in the vehicle settings do not seem to matter. I was told my vehicle was not part of the recent related recall, but I see other complaints exactly like mine by other owners on the internet. The US Customer Care group at Jeep does not wish to acknowledge that this is an issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11554579, 2023

Lane Departure 3 1 crash 1 injury

“On my way to work this morning 4:30 ish the same way I always take. My car decided to drive itself, every light on the middle console lit up, and the dashboard. I was going 50 when my car completely lost control while I tapped my brakes no response its locked, my steering wheel locked up, my brakes locked everything went haywire it would not let me steer or even shift to neutral all I could do was pray it stopped while it flipped off the road around 5:14 am with me still trapped inside. My seat belt wouldn't release my doors wouldn't unlock and my windows wouldn't roll down I was trapped breat…”
NHTSA complaint #11524228, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Since my short time of ownership I have had two specific issues with the car. One the safety features. The lane departure warning often doesn't work. The icon will stay unlit when veering out of lane. This is random but often. Next the automatic emergency braking system. The icon will show turned off randomly yet often. Forcing me to go back into the menu when the car is in stop to activate it again. For unknown reasons it will randomly turn off. Secondly, the transmission has a scary delay on stop to go. About 3 months after purchase I noticed when at a stop or very slow speeds the car w…”
NHTSA complaint #11589025, 2023

“The contact leased a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the Navigation screen font was too small. While attempting to adjust the heater and radio, the driver was unable to stay in the lane while utilizing the screen. The Lane Keep Assist started beeping while driving. The contact pulled over to adjust the electrical system. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the font size could not be enlarged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.…”
NHTSA complaint #11567934, 2023

Service Brakes 3

“I purchased a 2023 Jeep Compass at the end of last year and have had issues while driving on the highway (with no cars in front or to the side of me) with the forward collision warning system going off and applying hard pressure on the brakes. Most recently, when driving on the highway the incident happened again (no cars in front or on the side of me), and nearly caused the driver behind me to run into my vehicle at 50+ mph. They had to swerve around me into another lane to avoid a collision. I have taken the vehicle to the Jeep dealership, and all they have been able to say is that they "…”
NHTSA complaint #11581878, 2024

“The Forward Collison icon is on, on my dash. I get a screen message the service is not working, then another to say the signal is lost. I cannot reprogram/reconnect the service in Uconnect. Makes no difference for icon whether engine is running or not. This started in November 2023. The dealer is saying sensor needs replaced. Which sensor? He indicated locations of several sensors. Dealer also says front bumper and grill and something under hood needs removed to replace sensor. Takes 5 hours to replace. Procedure seems very invasive. Reading on Jeep forums on same topic does not mention this…”
NHTSA complaint #11587116, 2023

“The vehicle was purchased in Dec of 2023. It had a slight vibration and hesitation under acceleration a few miles after leaving the dealership, just assumed everything needed to “break in”. About a month later, we had noticed an intermittent roaring noise coming from the engine bay that vibrates the whole vehicle and sometimes stops on its own or after moving the gear selector from Drive to Select Shift (~2000 Miles). About a month later, the Engine Start/Stop was cutting off the engine before coming to a complete stop (below 5MPH) (~3000 Miles). In late February 2024 I took it to the dealer…”
NHTSA complaint #11581012, 2023

Vehicle Speed Control 3 1 crash 1 injury

“On my way to work this morning 4:30 ish the same way I always take. My car decided to drive itself, every light on the middle console lit up, and the dashboard. I was going 50 when my car completely lost control while I tapped my brakes no response its locked, my steering wheel locked up, my brakes locked everything went haywire it would not let me steer or even shift to neutral all I could do was pray it stopped while it flipped off the road around 5:14 am with me still trapped inside. My seat belt wouldn't release my doors wouldn't unlock and my windows wouldn't roll down I was trapped breat…”
NHTSA complaint #11524228, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“NHTSA Safety Complaint Summary Component: Braking System / Electronic Stability Control / Electrical System Incident Date: November 5, 2025 Vehicle Mileage: 5,207 Description of Defect: While operating the vehicle at highway speeds on the Grand Central Parkway, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of primary braking function. Simultaneously, the dashboard displayed multiple critical system failures, including: "Service Electronic Stability Control," "Start/Stop Unavailable," "Service Park Brake," and "Dynamic Torque Service Required." The brake pedal became unresponsive/hard, requi…”
NHTSA complaint #11716183, 2025

“The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the "Check Electronic Throttle" message was displayed. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. A dealer was contacted. The contact stated that during the initial failure, the same message was displayed, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where a software update was performed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a second time to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approxima…”
NHTSA complaint #11638061, 2024

Air Bags 2 1 crash

“The vehicle was in a front end collision and the airbags, not one single airbag deployed. This is vehicle malfunction.”
NHTSA complaint #11660451, 2025 · crash

“The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where an unknown computer repair was performed. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger's side air bag warning lights were illuminated. The dealer determined that unknown parts needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mile…”
NHTSA complaint #11617508, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“When driving on expressway at about 70 mph. Engine light comes on. Car loses acceleration. Start stop states it’s unavailable. Have to pull over on side of road and turn car off. Restart car and it drives normally with engine light on. Took it to a local dealership and they stated it need ed a software update. They then test drove the car and problem did not reoccur. The very next day while driving on the expressway again at about 70 mph. Same problem has occurred. The car has 26,996 miles on it as is still under warranty. How can a software update cause a car not to function while driving. If…”
NHTSA complaint #11667878, 2025

“At 2900 miles, my check engine light came on while I was on vacation out of state. Within a couple of seconds, my car started to choke and jerk so bad that the passenger could feel it. It did this intermittently, to the point I knew it needed to be seen before driving 900 miles home. Several times since then, my safety was put at risk due to my vehicle not accelerating when it should. I have had many cars almost hit me from behind when this has happened. Luckily, I have not yet. I took my vehicle to a Jeep dealer in Foley, Alabama because that is where I went for vacation. They looked at it…”
NHTSA complaint #11538264, 2023

Suspension 2

“The car sways back and forth and the steering wheel shakes.”
NHTSA complaint #11719725, 2026

“Two bolts that hold the wheel assembly to the frame of the vehicle have broken off. The first in April 2025 was on the passenger side, and the second in July 2025 was on the driver side. The Jeep service personnel provided no explanation for how this could happen or seemed to have inspected the other components after the vehicle was serviced for the first broken bolt.”
NHTSA complaint #11675191, 2025

Back Over Prevention 1

“The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the display screen illuminated randomly and flashed a bright white screen. Additionally, the forward collision warning did not alert when pedestrians were near the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,627.”
NHTSA complaint #11548695, 2023

Fuel System 1

“The contact's granddaughter owns a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while her granddaughter was driving approximately 65 MPH with her daughter in the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor entering the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled into an auto shop parking lot. The contact stated that an independent mechanic from the auto shop inspected the vehicle and noticed that a fuel clip was needed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the contact was waiting to hear from the dealer about a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not…”
NHTSA complaint #11709070, 2026

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“The contact rented a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled inadvertently, and the rear driver's door opened unintendedly, and the rear seat shifted forward. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated, and the traction control feature independently shifted into snow traction mode. The contact was made aware by the rental agency of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxima…”
NHTSA complaint #11529126, 2023

Parking Brake 1

“The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the message to service the START/STOP system was displayed. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the emergency brake activated independently. The contact had to press the START button again for the vehicle to move. The contact stated that there was an A within a circle around displayed, indicating that the START/STOP system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was…”
NHTSA complaint #11657527, 2025

Seat Belts 1

“I am filing this complaint regarding a deceptive business practice at Haddad Dodge Kia involving the falsification of official vehicle service records and the mishandling of safety-critical repairs. 1. Verification of Safety Defect: In December 2025, a technician at this dealership confirmed a failure in my vehicle's occupant restraint system (seat belts). Parts were ordered under warranty specifically to address this safety risk. 2. Failure to Perform and Misrepresentation: On January 27, 2026, I dropped my vehicle off for the scheduled installation of these safety components. The dealershi…”
NHTSA complaint #11714177, 2026

Seats 1

“The contact rented a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled inadvertently, and the rear driver's door opened unintendedly, and the rear seat shifted forward. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated, and the traction control feature independently shifted into snow traction mode. The contact was made aware by the rental agency of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxima…”
NHTSA complaint #11529126, 2023

Structure 1

“Two bolts that hold the wheel assembly to the frame of the vehicle have broken off. The first in April 2025 was on the passenger side, and the second in July 2025 was on the driver side. The Jeep service personnel provided no explanation for how this could happen or seemed to have inspected the other components after the vehicle was serviced for the first broken bolt.”
NHTSA complaint #11675191, 2025

Traction Control System 1

“The contact rented a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled inadvertently, and the rear driver's door opened unintendedly, and the rear seat shifted forward. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated, and the traction control feature independently shifted into snow traction mode. The contact was made aware by the rental agency of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxima…”
NHTSA complaint #11529126, 2023

Wheels 1

“Two bolts that hold the wheel assembly to the frame of the vehicle have broken off. The first in April 2025 was on the passenger side, and the second in July 2025 was on the driver side. The Jeep service personnel provided no explanation for how this could happen or seemed to have inspected the other components after the vehicle was serviced for the first broken bolt.”
NHTSA complaint #11675191, 2025