2016 Jeep Compass: engine failure

Filed Aug 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MD

Component: Engine / Electrical System / Power Train VIN [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of engine power and completely shut off while traveling at highway speeds. This total engine failure disabled the vehicle on an active highway, forcing an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder. This incident occurred less than four months after an authorized manufacturer dealership charged over $3,400 to repair the engine's air-induction vacuum and fuel systems. The sudden stalling on a high-speed roadway directly endangered the driver and a [XXX] passenger who were left stranded on the highway shoulder in extreme weather conditions. The vehicle was completely inoperable and required an emergency flatbed tow from the highway back to the repair facility. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Engine · OR

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The driver attempted to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle restarted. The driver waited for several minutes before attempting to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Midas, where it was diagnosed with a CAM shaft sensor failure. The contact was informed that the CAM shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. Approximately one year later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to Midas. The contact was informed that the CAM shaft sensor connector, CAM shaft sensor, crank shaft, and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the CAM shaft sensor was the only part available. The contact was informed that the CAM shaft sensor connector, crank shaft, and the wiring harness were not available and were on back order. The CAM shaft sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Engine · IN

The engine failed while driving on the expressway putting us in a dangerous spot on the outer lane. It was towed to Etscorn’s in Louisville, KY and we were told despite everything looking ok on the outside, there was an internal engine failure of some kind and it would cost $900 to take it apart just to find out. I don’t have that kind of money.

Filed Oct 3, 2024 · Engine · 84,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 8-10 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the steering wheel seized, nearly causing a crash. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact turned on the hazard lights and drove 20 MPH to the nearest dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the crankshaft sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Filed Jul 12, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · MI

I purchased the vehicle in dec 2018. The odometer read 40248. I had to replace the alternator 3 times. Last one in 2021. the vehicle would loose power on the road causing a safety hazard. Since I bought the jeep the vehicle would stutter when pressing the gas pedal. 2021 at 100,000 miles Check engine light came on and stalled driving home and had to be pushed out of the lane by police. Diagnosing code said misfiring. Took to a small mechanic and replaced engine. After repair still had the stutter. and a year and a half later stalled on highway. The vehicle code now says misfiring on po302. Parked vehicle for now.

Filed Mar 1, 2023 · Engine · 85,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle shuddered inadvertently, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred while making a turn. The contact then shifted into park and turned off and restarted the vehicle until the vehicle responded as needed. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed Sep 29, 2020 · Engine · 103,000 miles · CO

I was driving up a mountain highway doing about 55 miles an hour and my car completely stalled out. It's like my car just completely shut off but I still had power. I was able to drift off onto the side where it was confirmed my car had just shut off. I tried restarting it three times with no success. I waited a few minutes and tried to restart it and it started. I tested it and it was running so I tried to get back on the highway where it instantly shut off again this time the engine shut off again and I lost control of my steering and just rolled backwards. No warning lights came on. I had to have it towed back down the mountain. I would like to note I had sufficient gas and oil. My car gets serviced regularly and I've had no other issues with it until now. I would also like to note I have found other recalls on this exact make and model for engine failure! Where the exact same thing happened to others.

Filed Nov 17, 2018 · Engine · 67,000 miles · KY

Recall on 2016 jeep compass from may 9th- july 15 the crankshaft , camshaft sensor may only work intermittingly causing engine to stall. At 67,000 miles my car which always ran very well stalled, "engine shut off in mid flight" I was driving up a hill, slowed to stop and turn right when the engine died, completely shut off. I put jeep in park. Tired to restart which it did not restart and I waited an hour for the triple aaa. We brought it to a mechanic who told me he could not find anything wrong with it as the diagnostic tests showed nothing , he started it and claimed he drove down the rode and back and it was fine. I picked up my jeep and drove it home but was afraid to drive it anywhere. I called mechanic number 2 who took a look at it and told me his diagnostic equipment showed no code, he drove it and could not reproduce the problem he repaired the throttle body replace it and cleaned iac valve and mass air flow sensors. Told me it was fine should be ok to drive. I drove it off the lot not more than 15 miles as I was turning right slowing down then accelerating it stalled in mid flight car engine died. I put flashers on and put car in park, then 2 minutes later it started and I drove home. There is something very seriously wrong with this jeep it could easily be involved in a collision as it is unpredictable when it will stop, engine dies. I will take it back to mechanic number 2 for a second evaluation. I have called the dealer. They told me they would charge me for diagnostic testing and if no problem I would have to pay them $117 for the hour they would put the mechanic on it to check it.