On August 25, 2026, my 2018 Jeep Compass equipped with the 2.4L engine became inoperable approximately five months after I purchased it. The vehicle had approximately 68,000 miles. An independent repair shop initially found no fuel pressure and replaced the fuel pump and spark plugs. The vehicle remained mechanically compromised, and testing showed only 99 PSI compression in cylinder 3. The shop recommended engine replacement at an estimated cost of $9,221.49. Jeep confirmed that the vehicle was associated with Customer Satisfaction Notification W20 concerning excessive oil consumption and potential engine stalling, as well as XB1, the 2.4L excessive-oil-consumption warranty extension. Jeep stated that XB1 expired on September 20, 2025. I am concerned that abnormal oil consumption or a related engine defect may have caused progressive internal engine damage and created a stalling or loss-of-power safety risk. I request that the federal safety agency document and investigate this failure. Jeep customer-care reference number: 97940025.
2018 Jeep Compass: engine failure
38 of the 950 complaints about the 2018 Jeep Compass describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 38
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- typical mileage
- 16,800
- recalls
- 1
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the engine was running and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact made several attempts to move the vehicle; however, the steering wheel and the gear shifter were seized. The contact called a neighbor to the scene for assistance, and after several attempts, the vehicle restarted, and the contact drove the vehicle to the residence. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer failed to determine the cause of the check engine warning light being illuminated; however, the contact was informed that the steering rack was loose and needed to be repaired. The steering rack was covered under warranty and was repaired. Recently, upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled to have the vehicle diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the START/STOP indicator light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine seized. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact had the vehicle set for approximately ten minutes and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The contact stated that the Auto STOP indicator was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle could only be driven for twenty minutes before the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle needed to remain parked for ten minutes before being restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated the message that "Engine Overheating" was displayed with an audible chime coming from the vehicle. The vehicle stalled and the contact pulled off the roadway. The contact stated that after several attempts the vehicle restarted with the same message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was like two previous failures where the engine was replaced. The contact stated that the engine replacements were covered under Technical Service Bulletin Number: 09-003-23 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact informed the dealer about the TSB and was informed by the dealer responded that the engine could be replaced but the contact had to pay out-of-pocket. The manufacturer had been attempted to be contacted but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The coolant temperature indicated that the engine was overheating. In addition, the contact became aware of smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the failure was not duplicated. The following day, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed by both independent mechanics that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the message "Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" was displayed. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle on several occasions, the messages "Service Engine" and “Stop/Start System Unavailable - Service Stop/Start System" were displayed, and the battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving, and the vehicle shut off while depressing the brake pedal to pull to the side of the roadway. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart on several occasions and was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer secured the positive cable to the junction box, performed an oil change, and replaced cylinder #2 ignition coils. Additionally, an independent mechanic replaced the batteries and the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that both batteries needed to be replaced, and the BCM software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
People involved: Car purchased from CarMax- Michael Sanders is my current contact CNA- Warranty company Auto Clinic- first auto repair shop brought to. Previous owner issues- [XXX] Auxillary battery replaced-22,821 [XXX] Towed in to dealership- 2/3 qts low on oil 23, 230 [XXX] oil consumption test- 26,797 [XXX]- Restart oil test- 29,546 [XXX]- passed oil test- NOt sure how because was driven less than 40 miles- 29,583 Carmax oil change prior to purchase- [XXX] at 35,920 miles. Purchased car with 35,927 miles Drove 3,455 miles before first engine light. Current odometer reading is approximately 40,000 [XXX] Car purchased [XXX]- Called into work. Car would not go over 40 miles per hour. Service engine light and oil light on. [XXX]- Towed to Auto Clinic [XXX] Rental car from Enterprise [XXX] Rental returned and loaner issued [XXX] -Auto Clinic- [XXX] AClinic calls and says possible ring failure. CNA needs oil consumption test to determine how much oil is being burnt. AClinic recommends a tear down to determine the extent of the damage. [XXX]- Engine died on the way to work. Took day off and towed to CarMax. [XXX] Notified car is ready. Low on oil. Oil change and oil consumption test [XXX]- Picked up car after returning from out of town. Did not feel confident driving. [XXX] Service engine light is on again. Drove to CarMax/ recommendation by Chris Prayer. U110A was the diagnostic reading. Was given a loaner from CarMax. Main battery was low, draining from auxiliary battery. [XXX] car is ready to be picked up. [XXX] Reporting of door panel issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I leased a 2018 jeep compass in the month of September that year brand new. light kept appearing on my dash that I was not familiar with. Basically it had to do with parking on a hill indicator, the radio wouldn’t always work either, and a loud boom on Highway. However we parked the car on flat grounds at all times. That was the beginning of the malfunctioning with this vehicle. I had just got an oil change end of 2019, one day driving in an alley area with my 2year old daughter, my car literally shut off on me while driving at speeds of 10 mph. Everything shut off. Fortunately I was able to turn it back on and the next day took it to the dealership. The result was I needed a brand new engine. WHAT, it’s a little over a year old how can this be? The oil was gone all cylinders were shot, not sure what that meant but a month without my car I received it back with a new refurbished engine. Fortunately all was covered under the manufacturer warranty. Thought the problems were solved. Nope it constantly has malfunctions with the radio, reverse camera doesn’t always work, a loud bang happens when I’m on the highway at the highway speed, let my foot off the accelerator and a loud bang happens. On [XXX], in the middle of an intersection my foot was on the brake and the on/off engine thing went off. Then I proceeded to accelerate and the car shut off. This time all the lights were on inside the dash area but my brake locked up so hard and the steering wheel along with the windows wouldn’t work. I placed the car in park and the e brake and for 15 minutes tried turning it back on. It was terrifying, it turned on and brought it to the dealership and explained the situation. It’s currently there now and at the moment they say it’s the battery. I DO NOT feel safe in this car being that I always have my children in the car all the time. An investigation needs to be seriously opened with these vehicles. I’ve been paying for a car that has potentially risked my families life. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM
Engine suddenly overheated while driving. My safety, and the safety of my family, was put at risk as I barely had time to pull over off the interstate before the vehicle completely shut off. My vehicle shut off in the middle of the exit lane, putting us at an increased risk of an accident. The vehicle only had 55k miles and no previous issues with the engine, nor were there lights on until right at the incident. The entire engine needs to be replaced per dealership inspection. Upon doing further research over the months, I’ve discovered other recalls that could pertain to this issue my vehicle had. The vehicle has been unable to be repaired due to no warranty and overprices cost of the repair.
What the dealer told me when I brought there for a recall! The my car need a new engine after they did that now they are saying is the transmission
The week after I purchased it, the warning for my eco fuel came on and then service engine light. I was traveling at 45 mph and it instructed me to pull safely to the side of the road. Before I could do so, the car seized and jerked to a halt at a slowing speed of 10pm. The car had to be towed, “reset”. Since then I get the same alerts, the car will not accelerate when this happens and then slowly declines and shut down.
I was driving my Compass in traffic when it died and wouldnt start for about 60 secs and then it started right up no issues. The next day they very same thing happened- No lights or anything the vehicle died in the middle of traffic. I could have been injured or someone else could have been injured due to the sudden stops. I did take the vehicle to the dealership and I have been informed that the engine is defective and unsafe to drive as this will continue. I have opted to have a new engine installed in the vehicle. FCA did not express any concern for the safety of the consumers of these vehicles.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Bolt - hex flange head
- Verify Reman part number availability
- "2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the...
- Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
- WiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT)
- 2.4L Excessive Oil Consumption XB1 Warranty Extension The customer may describe one or more of the...
- 2.4L Engine Oil Consumption Test The customer may comment that the vehicles engine oil level is low or...
- No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.
- Risk
- If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.
Recall number 17V670000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2018 Jeep Compass engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 2018 Jeep Compass?
38 of 950 owner complaints about the 2018 Jeep Compass (4%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2018.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Jeep Compass?
There is 1 recall and 29 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2018 Jeep Compass
Stalling 280Check engine light 118Oil consumption 116Backup camera 64Start-stop 56Won't start 56Headlights 44Jerking 38Loss of power 30Overheating 21Warning lights 19Won't shift 18Screen failure 17Power steering loss 15ABS 12Hesitation 12Key fob 12Ball joint 11Harsh shifting 11Misfire 8Adaptive cruise 7Grinding brakes 7Steering lock-up 7Battery drain 6Wipers 6No deployment 5Door locks 5
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